Method for superficial marking of zirconium and certain other metals

摘要

A marking system for providing a superficial metallurgically immaterial mark on zirconium, its alloys, and other metals is disclosed. The method includes producing a thin oxide layer on the surface of the metal, and locally heating a portion of the oxide layer to reduce it to the base metal and oxygen, which is driven into solid solution, thereby leaving a mark of contrasting color.