Some materials react very slow to chemical etching (eg. stainless steel, chromium, nickel and cobalt based materials). In these cases electrolyte etching can be used as an alternative to chemical etching. A polished specimen is contacted by a fine pointed stylus (AnodeSome materials react very slow to chemical etching (eg. stainless steel,
chromium, nickel and cobalt based materials). In these cases electrolyte etching can be used as an alternative to chemical etching. A polished specimen is contacted by a fine pointed stylus (Anode). An inert material forms the cathode. In presence of an electrolyte and electrical current the etching process starts and forces corrosion. The degree of the etching depends on the distance between the stylus point and the sample area. Area farther away from the stylus will etch rapidly while areas closer the stylus react slower. Therefore, a gradient of etching will result, along which an area of suitable degree of etching can be found.). An inert material forms the cathode. In presence of an electrolyte and electrical current the etching process starts and forces corrosion. The degree of the etching depends on the distance between the stylus point and the sample area. Area farther away from the stylus will etch rapidly while areas closer the stylus react slower. Therefore, a gradient of etching will result, along which an area of suitable degree of etching can be found.