QW-460 GRAPHICS

QW-461 Positions
QW-470 ETCHING PROCESS AND REAGENTS

QW-471 General

The surfaces to be etched should be prepared by filing, machining, grinding, or polishing to

delineate the macro-features of the specimen's weld and HAZ after etching. With different
alloys and tempers, the etching period will vary from a few seconds to several minutes, and
should be continued until the desired contrast is obtained. As a protection from the fumes
liberated during the etching process, this work should be done under a hood. After etching,
the specimens should be thoroughly rinsed and then dried with a blast of warm air. Coating
the surface with a thin clear lacquer will preserve the appearance. (Reference ASTM E340,
Standard Test Method for Macro-etching Metals and Alloys, or other industry-accepted
standards.)

QW-472 For Ferrous Metal

Etching solutions suitable for carbon and low alloy steels, together with directions for their
use, are suggested in QW-472.1 through QW-472.4.

QW-472.1 Hydrochloric Acid

Hydrochloric (muriatic) acid and water, equal parts, by volume. The solution should
be kept at or near the boiling temperature during the etching process. The specimens
are to be immersed in the solution for a sufficient period of time to reveal all lack of
soundness that might exist at their cross‐sectional surfaces.

Figure 1: Hydrochloric acid

QW-472.2 Ammonium Persulfate

One part of ammonium persulfate to nine parts of water, by weight. The solution
should be used at room temperature, and should be applied by vigorously rubbing the
surface to be etched with a piece of cotton saturated with the solution. The etching
process should be continued until there is a clear definition of the structure in the
weld.

Figure 2: Ammonium Persulfate solution

QW-472.3 Iodine and Potassium Iodide.

One part of powdered iodine (solid form), two parts of powdered potassium iodide,
and ten parts of water, all by weight. The solution should be used at room
temperature, and brushed on the surface to be etched until there is a clear definition or
outline of the weld.

Figure 3: Powdered iodine and potassium iodide

QW-472.4 Nitric Acid

One part of nitric acid and three parts of water, by volume. The solution may be used
at room temperature and applied to the surface to be etched with a glass stirring rod.
The specimens may also be placed in a boiling solution of the acid, but the work
should be done in a well‐ventilated room. The etching process should be continued for
a sufficient period of time to reveal all lack of soundness that might exist at the cross‐
sectional surfaces of the weld.

Figure 4: Nitric acid solution