Any bare metal can be marked using electrochemical etching. It is a process by which a low voltage current passes through an electrolyte to etch away an area of a metal component. A stencil between an electrode and the component restricts the area of etching to the stencil design which may be a trademark, part number or similar identification mark. The process takes only one or two seconds, produces a permanent stress free mark and achieves a clear, black oxide or white mark. It is used extensively to mark cutlery, tools, taps, drills, saw blades and to mark components in such as the automotive and aerospace industries.
