The process of photochemical machining starts by creating a phototool. The phototool consists of two sheets of photographic film on which the negative images of the desired parts are printed. Once the phototool has been designed and printed, metal sheets are prepared for the etching process. Read More…
Great Lakes Engineering is a trend setting manufacturer of surface mount stencils, precision laser cut parts, and photo chemical etched parts. We work with a wide range of materials, including Stainless Steel, Copper, Titanium, Nitinol, Nickel, Kovar and many others.
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Precision photo chemical machining and etching is what brings a solid definition to what Northwest Etch Technologies is all about. We also do stainless steel etching among other metal chemical etching services. We started our business in 1978 and are now delivering products to 26 states and 10 foreign countries. Visit our website for further information!
We are E-Fab, LLC, a leading provider of metal etching solutions. With our expertise and state-of-the-art facilities, we specialize in delivering high-quality metal etching services to a diverse range of industries. We offer a wide array of products and capabilities to meet the unique needs of our clients. Our metal etching process allows us to precisely etch intricate patterns, designs, and...
Advanced Graphic Engraving is a manufacturer engraved and printed materials for various industries. Our company’s goal is to continue to be the premier industrial engraving company by integrating highly motivated, creative people, state of the art equipment, and an intense focus on providing outstanding service and excellent quality. Contact Advanced Graphic Engraving today to get started!
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Photochemically Machined Parts and Components - Great Lakes Engineering, Inc.The sheet metal must be cleaned thoroughly and laminated on both sides with a photo sensitive film called a photoresist. The metal can be laminated using the roller method or the wet dip method. The roller method requires the sheet metal to pass through rollers which apply laminate to both sides, while the wet dip method involves dipping the metal into a liquid film and then baking the sheet to harden the film.
After lamination, the metal is placed between the two halves of the phototool and exposed to high intensity UV light which transfers the image from the phototool onto the laminated surface of the metal. Exposure to UV light hardens the exposed film. The metal must then undergo a developing process. The photoresist developer washes away the unhardened film leaving the areas to be etched exposed to the etching agent.
Then the metal sheet is placed on a conveyor which passes through the etching machine which contains a series of spray nozzles above and below the conveyor. As the metal sheet travels through the machine, the nozzles spray a heated, acidic solution onto both sides of the sheet metal.
When the acid comes in contact with the unprotected metal it quickly corrodes the metal away, leaving only the laminated sections intact. All that remains are the desired parts. These parts are rinsed, and the remaining lamination is removed.
Photo chemical etching offers many distinct benefits and advantages as a metal etching process. Possibly one of the most advantageous attributes of this process is its cost effectiveness. Compared with other etching and machining processes, phototooling costs are incredibly low, and phototools take substantially less time to create.
Photo etching is also an excellent option for prototyping since costs are so low and tooling is so quickly created and changed. Unlike machining tools, phototools are only exposed to light which drastically reduces wear and damage to the tool, which then drastically reduces tool repair and maintenance costs. Since there is no mechanical cutting, the process does not create sharp edges, and it does not alter the physical properties of the metal.
Essentially any metal or alloy can be used in this process, and it can be used effectively on materials with thicknesses between 0.0005 and 0.080 inches. For these reasons, photo etching is often used in creating precision components in the electronics and hardware industries.
Products commonly created using photochemical machining include: fuel cell components, sensors, metal gaskets, shields, washers, and more.
