Electro-etching logos in a production setting

P.Brewster

P.Brewster

Joined
Jul 25, 2007
Messages
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I am new to electro-etching; I will need to do it on my next production batch. I've been stamping the logo but stamping will not be an option because I am changing my workflow. My goal is to mark 100 knives in 100 minutes. How realistic is that goal? What equipment or process can I implement to reach my goal? Thanks!
 
Short of automated equipment like Adam's suggestion, 100 knives in 100 minutes is not practical. You have to affix the stencil, etch, mark, remove the stencil, clean the blade with neutralizer/cleaner, and touch up the mark side with fine abrasive. I would say 2-3 minutes a blade would be pretty darn fast. Two or three people working together would make it faster.
 
Well, there are a few things that could speed the process up. However, the actual etching and marking still takes some time. First, I'd build a jig to hold the blade in place with a couple hold-down clamps. Next I'd build a hold-down clamp with a custom carbon pad attached to it. Then, I would affix the stencil directly to the pad. This would put the stencil in the same place every time and relieve the need to tape the stencil to the blade. However, you would still need to neutralize each blade after etching, which will take more time.
 
I have to agree with Adam....there are numerous automated solutions. Where I work we have gone from hand engraving to chemical etching and now we are Lazer engraving. Its like night and day the difference in time saved with all the information required when we are marking parts. With production you are talking about a fixture will aid your setup for multiple items nested to conserve space. We are using "Gravograph" lasers They are simple to setup and fast. http://www.gravograph.us/
 
I commonly do 40 to 50 at a time. Takes two to three hours usually, damascus takes longer than stainless and I work in both. Ya got to kick back turn up the radio and go. Just take the time it takes to do it right. For me its the very last step (I do this while the sheaths are drying) in a batch
 
You could do close to one per minute with a simple template and a pantograph. It's pretty easy to screw up when you're hurrying, though.
What's wrong with stamping? It's by far the quickest way of marking.
 
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Bill DeShivs said:
What's wrong with stamping? It's by far the quickest way of marking.
Click to expand...
I wish I could keep stamping, but like I said in my post, "I've been stamping the logo but stamping will not be an option because I am changing my workflow." When I take delivery of the knives, they will be at 50 RC (final hardness for what I do). It takes 20 tons to stamp my logo into annealed steel.
 
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