Electrolytic Marking of Stainless Steel
A logo, part number or batch code on stainless steel should last as long as the part does. Electrolytic marking gives you exactly that: a crisp, permanent mark in seconds, using the weld cleaning machine you may already own and a few drops of NitroClean Marking Fluid.
Stickers peel, ink rubs off and engraving costs time and money. For fabricators who need traceability, branding or compliance marks on finished stainless, electrolytic marking is the quickest route from blank surface to professional finish.
What is electrolytic marking?
Electrolytic marking uses a low-voltage current, an electrolyte fluid and a stencil to change the metal surface only where you want the mark. The stencil is a fine mesh with your design open and everything else blocked.
Here's what happens:
The part is connected to the machine's earth clamp.
The stencil sits on the steel
A felt-covered marking head, wetted with NitroClean Marking Fluid, is pressed over the stencil.
Current flows through the fluid and the open areas of the stencil, and the design appears on the steel.
Why choose electrolytic marking?
It is permanent, fast and low cost, and it doesn't damage the stainless or its corrosion resistance.
Method | Permanent? | Equipment cost | Speed per mark | Effect on the surface |
Electrolytic marking | Yes | Low (often your weld cleaner) | Seconds | No heat, no stress, no burrs |
Laser marking | Yes | High | Seconds | Heat can affect the surface |
Mechanical engraving / stamping | Yes | Medium | Slow | Cuts or deforms the metal |
Labels and stickers | No | Low | Seconds | Peel, fade, trap dirt |
Ink and paint | No | Low | Seconds | Wears and washes off |
There is no discolouration or distortion as the mark is put underneath the passivated stainless surface. It works on flat and gently curved parts, and on most grades of stainless steel.
How to mark stainless steel with NitroClean
NCMF1 Marking Fluid is our stainless steel marking fluid. It works on almost any grade of stainless, contains no toxic chemicals, and comes in 100ml and 500ml bottles.
You'll need: a marking machine or weld cleaning machine with a marking function, NitroClean Marking Fluid, marking electrode, a stencil, and a clean cloth.
Clean the surface. Remove grease, dust and fingerprints so the fluid makes even contact.
Attach the marking felt to the marking electrode with an o-ring.
Connect the earth clamp to the workpiece.
Position the stencil on the steel and hold it flat and still.
Wet the marking felt with a little NitroClean Marking Fluid.
Press and hold the marking head over the stencil for a few seconds. Roll or rock it gently for larger designs.
Lift and check. Repeat if you want a darker result.
Wipe clean to remove fluid residue, then rinse the stencil with water so it's ready for next time.
Watch how it's done:
Where fabricators use it
Branding: company logos on balustrades, catering equipment, signage and architectural metalwork.
Traceability: part numbers, batch codes, serial numbers and dates.
Compliance: CE / UKCA marks, ratings and safety information.
Instruments and tools: scales, graduations and identification on medical, food and lab equipment.
One-offs and gifts: names and messages on personalised items.
Tips for a crisp mark every time
Keep the stencil still. Any movement while marking will smudge the design.
Even pressure. Press the head flat so every part of the design gets the same contact.
Test first. Try a scrap piece of the same grade and finish to dial in your timing. The better the grade of stainless, the better result you will get.
Look after your stencils. Rinse them with water after use and store them flat. A good reusable stencil lasts for thousands of marks.
Replace worn felts. A dirty or worn pad gives patchy results.
Get started
Already have a weld cleaning machine with a marking function? All you need is a marking electrode and felt, a bottle of NitroClean Marking Fluid and a stencil. We can make custom reusable stencils from your own artwork: just send us your logo or design with the size and quantity you need.
Talk to our team about marking fluid, stencils or a complete marking set:
Phone: +44 1603 931202
Email: salesnitroclean@nitroclean.co.uk
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