I am for the first time, applying photo-etched metal parts - very tiny of course - and in the process, find that all my fine tweezers have enough magnetism to not allow me to smoothly apply the CA-prepped part.
Anyone have a suggestion on what I can do? Demagnetize? Apply some other way?
Thanks. [banghead]
Demagnetization is the best course. Also, the higher quality stainless steel tweezers are nonmagnetic.
I thought all PE was brass or stainless (both non-magnetic) is there some tin stuff out there?
Not all stainless is nonmagnetic, particularly the less “stainless” kinds that can be easily etched.
it is also possible that he’s having trouble with static charges, in which case grounding himself should cure the problem.
Sounds like a line from YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Ross![(-D]
Hook up the ole’ electrodes Jake!
Actually, they are called grounding straps, and are used by electronic assemblers and computer hardware technicians. Widely available wherever hard core tech-geek items are sold.…[alien][8-][alien]
Or you can just touch a grounded metal object—anything that will give you a zing when you walk across the carpet in the winter. [:O]
Thanks for the help on magnetism, guys! [:D]
I also googled demagnetize and see that a hot temp will also demagnetize. I do not think I have a static problem so I will try heat… and maybe buy more expensive tweezers (although these were surgical quality!)
[;)]
“Surgical quality” varies with the country of origin…and with intent. Some surgical instruments are intentionally magnetized for removal of ferrous metal fragments. Also, most humans do not contain magnetically susceptible components that would be adversely affected by a magnetized instrument.
Some tweezers are marketed as nonmagnetic for use in electronics and other applications where even a tiny magnetic field could do damage.
I have forgotten what the Curié point temperature of stainless is. You can also demagnetize by placing the object in a sufficiently strong oscillating magnetic field.
The only thing I would worry about with heat is that if you’re not careful, you’ll possibly cause the item to lose it’s temper. Look around the hand tool department of your local hardware, lumberyard or home development store. Somewhere around the screwdrivers you should find a plastic “card” (roughly 2 1/2 x 4 x 1/2) with two holes in it - it has magnets in it and is used to magnetize and demagnetize screw drivers as needed - simply pass the item you want to magnetize/demagnetize through the proper hole. Think they’re less than $5.
Quincy - thanks so much for the tip. I will look for that tool as I too was somewhat afraid to use heat and lose the temper. Hope Lowes has it! Ot Harbor Freight?
[:)]