Nital Etch, also known as Surface Temper Etch and Temper Etch, is a non-destructive test that is used to determine if overheating has occurred in a part (after final heat treat) by abusive machining or grinding that will adversely affect the required properties of the part in question.
How does Nital Etch work?
Nital Etch is used specifically to look for:
- Overtempering
- Localized Re-tempering
- Re-hardening
- Localized discontinuous carburization
- Decarburized surface layer
Etching will detect surface variations where softer tempered materials will darken (burn) faster than harder areas on machine and apparatus parts such as shafts, gears, splines, bearings, and journals.
Nital Etch Inspection Service
At Element, we have a complete in-house capability of equipment, chemicals, procedures, qualified personnel, waste treatment, environmental related permits, and industry certifications to accomplish high-quality nital etch processing.
We provide the following services:
- Nitric Acid based standard processing with or without a post processing Bake cycle
- Preparatory Hydrochloric processing for Tool Steel followed by standard processing
- Ammonium Persulfate based processing without a post processing Bake cycle (this is our alternative process)
The Element Advantage
Element has an in-house bake capability that is certifiable to AMS 2759/9. We are also approved to perform the following nital etch related specifications:
- MIL-STD-867
- AMS 2649
- AF5236
- HPS3002
- CEIM-5
- EIM Code 5
For more information about our nital etch inspection services, or to request a quote, contact us today.
Related Services
Anodic Etching Inspection
Anodic etch is only applicable to stainless steel and nickel-based materials. This nickel alloy inspection method is used to detect surface defects, grain structure, grain size and more.
Blue Etch Anodize (BEA) Inspection
Blue Etch Anodize is a nondestructive test that can reveal minimal surface defects in titanium materials. Titanium is commonly used in critical rotating components for both aerospace and power generation industries.
Aluminium Etching and Cleaning
Aluminum etching is a nondestructive technique used to clean or inspect the material for grain size or surface defects. It is also considered a preparation method for pre-penetrant etch.
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
Find out about the range of NDT services Element uses to evaluate the properties of a material, parts, products, welds, or systems without materially affecting the integrity of the items being tested.