Solution
Setting Up a Coated Plate Etching Line
A coated plate etching line has four parts that have to agree with each other: the plate, the developer, the additive and the bath. SGZ supplies all four, which is the point of buying them together.
Step by step
How SGZ Works Through It
Each step names the SGZ item that covers it, so you can price the whole route rather than guessing which parts you still have to source elsewhere.
Choose the plate
Coated zinc at 0.8-3.0 mm in 1000 x 500 mm or 1000 x 510 mm, or coated magnesium at 1.0-10 mm in 500 x 1000 mm, 610 x 457 mm or 610 x 914 mm. Magnesium is lighter and etches faster; zinc is the traditional stamping and coining material.
Choose the back-side finish
On zinc, anti-acid painting in orange or golden yellow, or a red film that peels off completely after etching. On magnesium, green anti-acid painting.
Expose
Expose the blue photoresist front through your film or CTP positive. Keep the plate in its carton until you expose it.
Develop
KY161 alkalescent developer, 500 g powder mixed into 1 litre, or ready-mixed 5 L liquid. It is specified as especially suited to SGZ etching zinc plate.
Charge the bath
Velv-Etch (E002) or the SGZ house oil for zinc; X-Flex (E004) or Rev-Flex (E003) for magnesium. All in 20 kg drums.
Etch
Set rotation up to 450 r/min, temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C and time up to 60 minutes on the BS machine panel. Pick the model from your largest plate size.
Finish and pack
Peel the red film if you ordered that back-side option, rinse and dry. SGZ ships plate in an inner carton with a wood pallet or case.
What you need to buy
Products in This Solution
Photoengraving Zinc Plate
Coated Zinc Plate for Engraving and Etching
Photoengraving zinc plate pre-coated with blue photoresist, 0.8-3.0 mm, with painted or filmed back.
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Photoengraving Magnesium Plate
Coated Magnesium Plate for Engraving and Etching
Blue hydro-coated photoengraving magnesium plate, 1.0-10 mm, green anti-acid back, faster etching than zinc.
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Developer
KY161 Positive Plate Developer
Alkalescent positive PS plate developer, powder 500 g/bag or 5 L liquid, suited to SGZ etching zinc plate.
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Etching Additive Oil
Velv-Etch Zinc Etching Additive Oil
Fuji Velv-Etch model E002 zinc etching additive, 20 kg per drum.
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Etching Additive Oil
X-Flex Magnesium Etching Additive Oil
Fuji Hunt X-Flex model E004 magnesium etching additive, 5 gal / 20 kg drum.
View product →Etching Machine
Powderless Etching Machine BS Brand
BS powderless etching machine in ten bath sizes from 20 L to 200 L, for zinc, copper and magnesium plate.
View product →
Answers
Coated Plate Etching Line Questions
What do I need to buy to start etching plate?
Coated plate, KY161 developer, an additive matched to the metal, and a powderless etching machine. SGZ supplies all four.
How do I size the etching machine?
By your largest plate. Plating size runs from 250 x 350 mm on the BS20 to 900 x 1200 mm on the BS200, with bath capacity from 20 to 200 litres.
Can I run zinc and magnesium in the same machine?
The BS machine is specified for zinc, copper and magnesium. Change the additive to match the metal.
Can I see the process before I commit?
SGZ publishes complete etching videos for both zinc and magnesium plate, and opened a magnesium etching demonstration workshop in December 2016.
Background Reading
Process Guide
Powderless Etching Explained
How a powderless etching machine works: bath capacity from 20 to 200 litres, rotation to 450 r/min, temperature 15-30 C, time to...
Read more →Buying Guide
How to Choose an Etching Additive Oil
Four etching additive grades from SGZ: Velv-Etch E002 and the SGZ house oil for zinc, X-Flex E004 and Rev-Flex E003 for...
Read more →Coated Plate Etching Line
Send SGZ the plate sizes, the volume and the metal. You will get a quotation covering plate, chemistry and machine together.