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Pratt & Whitney

STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL (PN 585005)

MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

Task 70−11−00−280−006:

R 1. SPOP 401 − Electrolytic Marking

A. General

(1) Electrolytic marking produces sharp impressions without

distortion on almost any bare metal or on most plated
surfaces, using a small amount of electric current
and a salt solution (electrolyte). Etching current
is applied through a stencil by a hand−held marking
tool, while a grounding clip is attached to the object
being marked. This method is not suitable for surfaces
coated with a non−conductive film.

(2) When alternating current is used, a mark is created by

etching out metal and then plating into the impression
a stable compound of the base metal. In most cases
this compound is an oxide, usually dark in color.

(3) Shallow etch, to a depth of 0.0003 inch (0.0076 mm) can

be done with a standard power unit using alternating
current, except in the case of aluminum, for which
direct current is used. Shallow etch may also be done
with low current DC.

(4) Deep etch, to a depth of 0.0005 − 0.002 inch (0.013 −

0.050 mm), is done with a heavy duty power unit, by the
application of direct current and the use of a highly
fibrous deep etch pad saturated with electrolyte.

(5) In order to prevent subsequent salt corrosion, the

marked area must be neutralized by wiping or soaking
with an appropriate neutralizing solution.

(6) Refer to 70−12−00, General−02 (Task 70−12−00−990−002)

for consumable materials used in this SPOP.

B. Equipment
See Figure 1 (Sheet 1) and (Sheet 2).

NOTE: It is permitted to use any equivalent machine and

marking tools that can meet the requirements of SPOP
401.

(1) Power Source

(a) Electromark X−100 shallow etch power unit: 0 − 10

Amps

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STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL (PN 585005)

MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

(b) Monode M−150−C electrolytic etch power unit: 1.5

− 15 Amps

(c) Electromark M−400 electrolytic etch power unit:

1.5 − 15 Amps

(d) Electromark 961−1 deep etch power unit: 0 − 25

Amps

(e) Lectroetch VT−15A electrolytic etch power unit: 0

− 15 Amps

(2) Marking Tools

(a) Electromark 4397−2A rectangular hand marker

(b) Lectroetch LE 28287 rectangular hand marker

(c) Electromark 14040 hand dip square marker

(d) Lectroetch LE 25588 hand dip square marker

(e) Monode Marking Co. hand dip square marker,

HM−50150 marker, H−100 holder

(3) Cord Set, Neoprene Rubber Insulated

(a) Electromark 4309 BA

(b) Monode Marking Co.

(c) Lectroetch 21188−A

(4) Electrolyte Pads

(a) Electromark 4397−1

(b) Lectroetch DEP 26

(c) Monode M−50150

(5) Deep Etch Pads

(a) Electromark Corp.

(b) Monode DE−50150

(c) Lectroetch Co.

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STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL (PN 585005)

MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

(6) Stencil Sheets

(a) Electromark 9001 paper (to make 1 − 100

impressions/die or type−cut mark).

(b) Lectroetch L paper

(c) Monode D−I paper

(d) Photosensitive stencils (to make 100 − 2000

impressions; custom−prepared by Electromark,
Monode, or Lectroetch).

(e) Plastic Stencils (to make 2000 − 5000 impressions;

custom−prepared by Electromark, Monode, or
Lectroetch).

(7) Electrolytes − See Figure 1 (Sheet 1) and (Sheet 2).

(8) Cleaners (Neutralizers) − See Figure 1 (Sheet 1) and

(Sheet 2).

C. Procedure
See Figure 1 (Sheet 1) and (Sheet 2).

(1) Preparation

(a) Parts must be degreased and reasonably free of

scale and oxide. Use the applicable cleaning SPOP
specified in the Engine Manual for the part.

(b) Grit−blasted, peened, or porous steel surfaces

must have a thin film of a petroleum−type
corrosion inhibitor before the mark is made to
prevent a blurred mark and possible corrosion.
Refer to SPOP 5. Refer to 70−21−00, SPOP−5 (Task
70−21−00−110−048).

(2) Marking

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STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL (PN 585005)

MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

CAUTION: ELECTROLYTIC MARKING MUST BE SHALLOW

ETCH UNLESS SPECIFIED DIFFERENTLY.

CAUTION: HAND MARKER MUST BE FULLY INSULATED TO

PREVENT BURNING THE WORKPIECE.

CAUTION: DO NOT USE A DAMAGED MARKING TOOL.

(a) Make the mark on the part with only sufficient

force to make the electrolyte touch the part.

(b) Use applicable electrolyte and current (AC or DC)

given in Figure 1 (Sheet 1) and (Sheet 2).

CAUTION: MARKING TOOL AND WORKPIECE MUST NOT MOVE

DURING TIMED CYCLE.

(c) Determine time of contact by usage. In most

instances a 2 or 3 second dwell is sufficient.
Continued application for more than 4 or 5 seconds
will usually cause premature deterioration of the
stencil along with no appreciable increase in
density of the mark.

(d) Allow soft metals such as silver, zinc, copper,

and cadmium to stand a few seconds after marking
before applying cleaner−neutralizer. This allows
dark residue to set and form a permanent coloring.

(3) Preservation

(a) Wipe off any liquid electrolyte.

(b) Within 3 minutes after marking, immerse part

in a solution of 1 part cleaner−neutralizer
concentrate (PMC 1664) to 19 parts water for a
minimum of 2 minutes; or wipe with a tissue (PMC
4169) saturated with an appropriate cleaner
selected from Figure 1 (Sheet 1) and (Sheet 2).
Cleaner−treated tissues (PMC 4181) are also
available.

NOTE: PMC 4181 tissues can be used on all metals,

except magnesium.

(c) If a water−base cleaner is used, dry part

thoroughly before oiling to prevent entrapment of
corrosive deposits.

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MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

(d) Preserve the part with a petroleum−type corrosion

inhibitor from SPOP 5. Refer to 70−21−00, SPOP−5
(Task 70−21−00−110−048).

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STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL (PN 585005)

MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

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R Electrolytic Marking Specification Chart

Figure 1 (Sheet 1)
(Task 70−11−00−280−006)

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STANDARD PRACTICES MANUAL (PN 585005)

MARKING OF PARTS − SPOP−401

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R Electrolytic Marking Specification Chart

Figure 1 (Sheet 2)
(Task 70−11−00−280−006)

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