I have been trying to etch a 0.035" x 3" x 1.75" stainless steel data plate for an aircraft on my P2S.  The etching turns out perfectly, but the heat being put into the plate is causing it to ‘curl’.  I have tried lowering the power and making more passes, but get the same results.  I am guessing that I may have to make the plate larger so that I can clamp it down for etching, then cut it down to its final size.  I do realize that the F1 Ultra would probably do a better job, but unfortunately I do not have one.

Thanks in advance for any advice.