Aluminium Etching and Cleaning
Simplify your aluminum component testing with an all-in-one chemical etching and cleaning solution. Element's hands-on technical guidance ensures efficient surface preparation, rapid defect detection, and complete compliance with aerospace and manufacturing specifications. Enjoy end-to-end convenience and confidence in every inspection, with precise processes and expert support tailored to your needs.

What is Aluminium Etching and Cleaning at Element?
Aluminium etching and cleaning uses specialized chemical processes to assess grain size, prepare surfaces for further inspection, and detect surface defects. At Element, we provide comprehensive aluminum chemical etching solutions using a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) alkaline bath that cleans or etches aluminum parts. Our goal is to identify potential issues before they impact performance, offering you an end-to-end, in-house service under one roof.

What Can Element Offer You For Aluminium Etching and Cleaning?
Key tests offered
Key tests offered
Our aluminum etching services help assess grain size, prepare surfaces for Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (pre-pen etch), and reveal defects that might compromise component integrity. We carefully control chemical concentrations, temperature, and immersion times to ensure consistent results while preserving structural integrity.
- Surface defect detection
- Grain size assessment
- Pre-penetrant inspection preparation (pre-pen etch)
- Surface cleaning for further testing
Components we test
Components we test
We test a comprehensive range of aluminum parts essential to your operations. Your housings, enclosures, sleeves, brackets, tubing, cylinders, spars, spacers, fittings, flanges, bushings, beams, adapters, sockets, nozzles, shear pins, tie rods, angles, levers, pistons, hinges, latches, spirals, shim blocks, seal housings, retainers, and more benefit from our specialized etching and cleaning methods. Our services address multiple industries and component sizes.
- Structural components: housings, enclosures, spars, beams, brackets
- Mechanical parts: sleeves, tubing, cylinders, pistons, tie rods
- Connection elements: fittings, flanges, sockets, nozzles, adapters
- Control components: levers, hinges, latches, retainers
Methods and solutions offered
Methods and solutions offered
With Element, you benefit from our specialized chemical etching and cleaning processes using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in precisely calibrated alkaline baths. We strictly follow recognized industry standards while delivering clear, actionable information on your aluminum components.
- Alkaline bath processing with sodium hydroxide
- Specification-compliant etching and cleaning
- Controlled chemical reactions for consistent results
- Full regulatory adherence under one roof
Comprehensive specification coverage
Comprehensive specification coverage
We maintain a thorough understanding of industry requirements so that your aluminum etching and cleaning meets (and often exceeds) certification guidelines. Our ongoing compliance updates mean you can focus on quality without worrying about regulatory gaps.
- Multiple aerospace specifications supported
- Industrial standards compliance
- Regular specification updates
- Documentation for regulatory submissions
Cutting-edge equipment we use
Cutting-edge equipment we use
Our laboratories use specialized chemical baths, calibrated measurement instruments, and advanced inspection systems, all complemented by proper waste treatment and environmental permits. Because we hold everything in-house, you have assurance that each step—from chemical handling to final documentation—meets the highest standards.
- Chemical processing baths
- Waste treatment systems
- Environmental control equipment
- Measurement and inspection instruments
Which labs offer this service
Which labs offer this service
Our team operates from Materials Testing hubs worldwide, giving you global access to our expertise. Visit our Locations Page to explore our lab network.
Standards we test to and components we test
Etching:
- BAC 5786
- HS 7725 (included in pre-pen etch)
- C5098 (included in pre-pen etch)
- EIM Code 2, Method H
- RPS 676
- RRP 51008
- SS8712 (included in swab etch)
- CP3605
- C129
Cleaning:
- RPS 128
- RPS 576
- RRP 51000
Structural components
- Housings
- Enclosures
- Spars
- Beams
- Brackets
- Supports
- Angles
- Adapters
Mechanical parts
- Sleeves
- Tubing
- Swash plates
- Cylinders
- Spacers
- Links
- Bushings
- Pistons
- Shear pins
- Tie rods
- Spirals
- Shim blocks
Connection components
- Fittings
- Flanges
- Sockets
- Nozzles
- Levers
- Hinges
- Latches
- Seal housings
- Retainers
Your Challenges, Our Solutions
Navigating standards compliance
Hidden defects creating costly problems
Specialized expertise requirements
Environmental and sustainability requirements
Why Choose Element

Aluminum etching expertise
Specification-compliant procedures
Complete in-house capabilities
Environmental responsibility

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