When it comes to etching metals, a number of options are available. Options include the specific process used, and what type of metal will be used. Each metal has its own unique and individual properties. For example, stainless steel is an incredibly hygienic metal. Often etching uses stainless steel, aluminum, copper and brass amongst others. Brass is often chosen because of its softness, and easily malleable qualities. Its softness makes it valuable in instances where sparks should not be struck or for tools and fittings where explosive gases might be present. It has a yellowish color, similar to gold, and is fairly tarnish resistant.
Brass is an alloy of zinc and copper, giving it many of the same properties those metals possess. Since brass is so soft, it is able to be etched in shorter times and with less mechanical force compared to other metals. It is easily formed into strips, rods, tubes, sheets or plates that can be engraved or etched. This metal is also one of the best and most cost effective conductors of heat and electricity. Products that are often formed out of brass include tubes, piping, welding, weather stripping, locks, gears, doorknobs, valves, decorative embellishments, coinage and musical instruments. Its gold like color makes it great for a cheap decoration substitute.
While it used to be the perfect candidate for needle etching in artistic and custom applications, today chemical etching, often acid etching or photofabrication are using this metal to create various products. In this process acid is able to melt away select parts of the metal, leaving a depression in the work piece. Different shapes and patterns of various sizes and depths can be created in this way. Most often cupric chloride is used to accomplish this, but iron chloride and nitric acid are also good chemicals to use.