Macro-etching is a metallographic technique used to reveal

the macrostructure of a material, typically metals and alloys.

The term "macro" refers to features that are visible to the
naked eye, as opposed to "micro" features that require a
microscope to be observed.

The process involves The purpose of macro-etching

etching a polished surface is to assess the overall
of a metal or alloy specimen structure and quality of a
with a chemical reagent to material, identify phases or
selectively attack the constituents, examine grain
different constituents or size and distribution, and
phases present in the detect defects or anomalies. It
material. This etching is commonly used in materials
process highlights the grain science, metallurgy, and
structure, phases, engineering to evaluate the
inclusions, and other integrity and properties of
macroscopic features, metals and alloys. The
making them visible for information obtained from
examination and analysis. macro-etching can be crucial
for understanding the
manufacturing processes, heat
treatment effects, and potential
issues such as cracks,
segregation, or other structural
irregularities in the material.

There is a specific chemical used for etching that varies on the

type of metal where the letters and numbers are punched. In iron
and Steel, cupric chlorine solution, nitric acid and a mixture of
50% cupric chloride and 50% hydrochloric acid are used.

In aluminum, etching requires use of acid Ferric chloride and

nitric acid while zinc alloys required 10% aqueous solution of
sodium hydroxide.
PROCES MATERIAL
S S
PURPOS
E
MACRO-
ETCHING
 Beaker 80ml Second, Take
Fourth, Prepare the
cotton for swabbing the
 Applicator stick Photographs before
correct chemical to use
doing macro-etching.
 Absorbent on the suspected
cotton Third, Clean the
tampered surface and
then properly observe
 Paint remover surface and start
the possible changes
stenciling the surface of
 Pencil the engine and chassis
that may occur. Then,
 Onion paper number then take a
wash the treated area
with dilute ammonium
 Plastic tape piece of tape and place
hydroxide and wash
it on surface where you
 Sand paper stencil and make sure
with water to remove
 Carbon paper the solution.
you place the tape
properly to get the
carbon print to the tape.
First, Do a physical
examination of the
metal surface of the
motor vehicle bearing
the engine and chassis
number to identify the
type of metal where the
suspected tampered or
altering of vehicle
identification.