Laser etching of metals in neutral salt solutions

We report new findings that relate to rapid maskless laser etching of steel and stainless steel in neutral solutions of sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, and potassium sulfate. Etch rates have been determined as a function of laser power, laser on-time, and solution concentration. The morphology of laser-etched holes obtained in these solutions was compared with holes obtained in pure water. Results indicate that some controlled melting occurs under certain laser conditions in addition to the metal dissolution process induced by the locally intense heat of the laser beam.