Post this in the believe it or not category! You can etch stainless steel

Lasers
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Post this in the believe it or not category! You can etch stainless steel using mustard!
Plenty of youtube videos but here is a statement from a reputable source.

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I say - do you have any Grey Poupon?

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Interesting. He’s using a 5W blue laser so I’m not sure how well it would work with a higher power CO2 laser since they have different wavelengths. If it is the isothiocyanates, as he speculates, you could always try mustard oil which is distilled allyl isothiocyanate from mustard seed. May need to add some vinegar to acidify it some. Probably forming a metal sulphide on the surface.

Edit: Note, using straight mustard oil may not be advisable for respiratory reasons.

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@Nedman ​ I found this on another CO2 laser forum. There were a few proof of concept pics.

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Stainless steel is about the only metal I CAN engrave/mark with my K40 without any sort of additives (dry moly, plaster of paris, etc.).