Engraving Stainless Steel is a chemical tradeoff. Too much heat causes **Chromium Depletion**, destroying the metal's ability to resist rust.
Act I: The Bug
The "Hidden Rust" Time-Lapse
304 Stainless Steel (SS304)
Exposure Time1 Week
Cr Concentration
8% (Depleted)
Surface State
Sensitized
The Failure: When SS304 is heated above 850°C for too long, Chromium reacts with Carbon to form carbides. This leaves Chromium-Depleted Zones. The mark looks great today, but it will rust in a week.
Act II: The Fix
Passivation Preservation (Heat Gating)
304 Stainless Steel (SS304)
Peak Temperature720°C
Cr Retention
18% (Stable)
Corrosion Resistance
Excellent
Sensitization Risk
The Success: By Gating the Heat below the critical threshold, we keep the Chromium in the substrate. This ensures the mark remains "Stainless" and rust-free for life.