Chemical Etching Formula
Inconel X-750 with FeCl₃+HCl

Formula Summary

The table below summarizes every parameter that defines this etching formula. Values listed as ranges scale with sheet thickness across the supported band.

Why FeCl₃+HCl for Inconel X-750?

Ferric-chloride-based formulas are the industrial workhorse for ferrous, nickel, and copper-bearing alloys like Inconel X-750. The Fe³⁺ ion oxidizes the metal surface; where HCl is present it regenerates dissolved species and stabilizes chloride concentration. The result on Inconel X-750 is anisotropic etching with predictable undercut and an easily regenerated spent bath.

Process Window & Bath Control

Hold the bath at 58°C with concentration 48 °Bé (specific gravity 1.450). Across the 0.1-0.3 mm thickness range, conveyor speed runs from 0.12-0.62 m/min — thinner sheets move faster, thicker sheets slower, in roughly inverse proportion to thickness. A typical mid-range setpoint is 0.20 m/min for 0.20 mm stock. Use redundant PID temperature control to hold the bath within ±1.5°C, and titrate at least once per shift.

Design Rules & Tolerances

Feature sizes scale with sheet thickness. For this formula the minimum hole diameter ranges 120-360 μm and the minimum line width ranges 100-300 μm across the 0.1-0.3 mm band, following the industry 1.2× (hole) and 1.0× (line) thickness rules. Single-side undercut ranges 21-62 μm, and the etch factor is about 2.42. Size your photomask by subtracting twice the expected undercut from each finished feature dimension.

Yield & Production Economics

Expect a yield in the 94.3-94.9% range for Inconel X-750 with FeCl₃+HCl, with 94.6% typical on a well-controlled line. Most rejects trace back to upstream coating and exposure rather than to the etch bath itself, so tightening photolithography control is usually the fastest path to a higher number.

Typical Applications

Inconel X-750 etched with this recipe typically ends up in turbine-engine seals, high-temperature gaskets, and aerospace fluidic plates. Because chemical etching applies no mechanical or thermal load, the finished features are free of work-hardening and heat-affected zones — a decisive advantage over stamping or laser cutting for these uses.

Process Equipment & Material Reference

On the shop floor, this Inconel X-750 + FeCl₃+HCl recipe is implemented on a biomedical blade etching machine. The 58°C bath setpoint and 0.12-0.62 m/min conveyor range correspond to verified production envelopes on that equipment for through etch (double-sided).

If you need a wider view of nickel beyond this single recipe, our Nickel chemical etching guide covers grade selection, photoresist compatibility, and typical industries that consume this metal in etched form.

Production Use Cases for This Formula

Typical end-uses for Inconel X-750 run on this formula include stainless steel metal filter mesh, high-speed air-intake mesh for hair dryers, and automotive horn mesh etching. The 58°C bath and 0.1-0.3 mm supported thickness range cover most of the production work in these segments without re-tuning chemistry.

If your part falls into one of these classes — or a closely adjacent one — this formula is usually the right starting point. We confirm fit with a short sample run on the actual sheet stock before locking in mask artwork.

Other Metals Etched with FeCl₃+HCl

The FeCl₃+HCl chemistry is also documented for these alloys.

More Nickel Superalloys Formulas

Other formulas in the same material family.

Frequently Asked Questions