Söövitusi

Söövitusi refers to a process of etching or engraving, commonly used in various manufacturing and artistic contexts. In industrial applications, söövitusi is a method of material removal typically achieved through chemical or electrochemical means. Chemical etching involves the use of corrosive substances to selectively dissolve material from a surface, creating intricate patterns or removing unwanted layers. This technique is widely employed in the production of printed circuit boards (PCBs), where copper is etched away to form conductive pathways. Electrochemical etching, also known as electro-etching, uses an electric current to facilitate the etching process, often offering more precise control over the depth and pattern of the etch.

In artistic contexts, söövitusi can refer to a type of printmaking. This technique, often translated as etching, involves drawing a design onto a metal plate (commonly copper or zinc) coated with a protective ground. The drawing tool cuts through the ground, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in an acid bath, which bites into the exposed metal. The longer the plate remains in the acid, the deeper the etch and the darker the resulting line in the print. After etching, the ground is removed, ink is applied to the grooves, and the plate is printed onto paper. This process allows for fine detail and tonal variations. Söövitusi, in its broader sense, encompasses a range of techniques for intentionally altering a material's surface to create design, function, or artistic expression.