Strained Zone
Definition
The region of cold-worked, plastically deformed metal lying beneath an original stamp. The crystal lattice is distorted, dislocation density is elevated, and the strained metal dissolves at a different rate from the surrounding unstrained metal under chemical or electrolytic attack.
Related terms
- Davis Reagent
- Variant etchant for steel using cupric ammonium chloride (Cu(NH4)2Cl4) in dilute HCl. Slower acting than Fry's, sometimes preferred when contrast on Fry's...
- Fry's Reagent
- Classical etchant for plain carbon and low-alloy steel: 40 g cupric chloride (CuCl2) + 90 mL concentrated HCl + 100 mL water....
- Heat-Tinting
- Restoration by controlled heating of the polished surface. Strained metal oxidises at a different rate from unstrained metal, producing colour contrast (straw...
- Magnetic-Particle Method
- Non-destructive restoration for ferromagnetic metals. The polished surface is magnetised and dusted with fine iron particles; the particles cluster at the strained...
- Peak Contrast
- The narrow window during a chemical etch when the original digits are most legible. Continuing past peak contrast overetches the unstrained metal...
- Stamped Marking
- A serial, chassis, engine or part number impressed into metal by a hardened steel die under high force. The visible impression is...
- Villela's Reagent
- Etchant for stainless and high-chromium steels: 1 g picric acid + 5 mL concentrated HCl + 100 mL ethanol. Targets prior austenite...
Explained in
- Restoration of Erased Markings on Metal SurfacesThe region of cold-worked, plastically deformed metal lying beneath an original stamp. The crystal lattice is distorted, dislocation density is elevated, and t...