ISO 14104

[[Pe...]]

Hello,

We have a customer requiring a ISO 14104 Surface temper etch inspection.
This is a first for us here, it appears to be a chemical test done on ground surfaces
to check for burning or over heating.
This is a spec required for the gears our machines are producing for this customer.

Has anyone else had to do deal with this requirement?
I have looked for local companies who can perform this test with no luck so far.
Any referrals or suggestions are most appreciated.

[[An...]]

We do an acid etch on a lot of our parts. I don't have any recommendations on where you can send it to be done but I don't think it would cost much to do it in house. I can share more with the process/pictures of our setup if you would like.

[[Pe...]]

Andrew,
Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Anything you could share regarding the acid etch test would be greatly appreciated.
We have a new customer in Mexico that requires this test to be done
on the gears we are producing for them on a machine they are buying from us.
We have never had to provide this before so we are not sure what direction to go in.
I tried to contact local inspection companies in our area but none of them
do this type of inspection.
Thanks for any and all assistance you can provide.

Pete Milich
pmilich@emag.com
248-442-6700

[[An...]]

The process we use is fairly simple, I don't know how different materials and/or heat treat processes would affect it.

We have 11 containers in a row that the part will go through:


1. Heated - Diluted S-21 (multi purpose cleaner) for about 7 minutes to clean the part
2. Room temperature water to dip in to rinse off the part.
3. Distilled water, just another dip.
4. Diluted Nitric Acid (our target is 4% acid) for 15-20 seconds.
5. Room temp water dip
6. Heated water dip

At this point we blow the part dry using compressed air.

7. Diluted Hydrochloric Acid (target 4-6%) for 30 seconds.
8. Water dip
9. Sodium Hydroxide (Neutralizer) for 30-45 seconds.
10. Water dip
11. Hot water dip

Then we blow the part dry again and inspect, be sure to oil the part after inspection.

I know with tool steel it will need to be a more concentrated acid.

If you want more information on what to look for or more information about our process feel free to email me at asearles@callies.com

Edit: Wanted to add that I am not a metallurgist - just wanted to share what knowledge I do have on the subject.