Services
Chemical Etching FAQ
What steps are involved with chemical etching?
Our chemical etching process starts and ends with you! The very first step in the process is to review your drawing and requirements . While we prefer fully-dimensioned CAD files, we are happy to work off of anything you can provide, including sketches on napkins.
We will use the dimensional information from your provided files to create a top and bottom mylar artwork tool.
After we laminate your chosen metal with a chemical-resistant film (called resist), the metal goes through a process which involves using UV lights to develop the image of your part on the resist. The undeveloped portions of the photoresist are then washed away, leaving resist protecting the areas which will become your part.
The metal is sent though a conveyorized etching machine, which has been calibrated specifically for your part's requirements, including feature sizes and locations, metal type and metal thickness. The ferric acid solution dissolves the areas of the metal not protected by the resist . Before QC and final inspection, the remaining resist is stripped from the metal, revealing your part.
Our highly-trained and qualified final inspectors review your requirements and confirm the finished parts meet your specifications, and then package them for shipping.
It is important to remember that since every step of the process has numerous (controlled) variables, the breadth and range of parts and features we can etch is limitless!
Is the Chemical Etching process used in my industry?
Many industries have been using parts produced by our chemical etching process for years. Several more are beginning to understand the many benefits of switching to this process. If you have a thin-metal part adaptable to our process, we can supply finished, high quality components to meet your requirements!
How quickly can you make my parts?
We offer standard lead-times as short as 5 working days. Because both price and lead-time are significantly impacted by your design and requirements, please contact us for a formal cost/lead-time evaluation.
Is it cost-effective to run prototypes with your chemical etching process?
The cost of prototypes is typically low, compared to other processes.
Can hole sizes, tab widths, and other changes be made easily?
Many changes are often easy to implement. However, we recommend consulting with us early in the development stage to select the best and most flexible layout.
Is the same process used to make prototypes and production parts?
The same process can be used to make one part or one million parts. You benefit, because we can introduce process variables that may cause production problems and solve them prior to production runs.
Is it possible to achieve "burr-free" parts without costly secondary operations?
Our chemical etching process creates a clean edge eliminating the possibility of burrs on your component
Can design changes or improvements be done without costly fees?
Tooling is very inexpensive. Therefore, it is very cost effective to make alterations, if necessary. Some design improvements can even be made without changing the original tooling.
Can you manufacture my part, even if it requires secondary operations?
Precision Photo-Fab has a sister-division which helps us provide you with a completed part.
Can you hold the tight tolerances required for my part?
Typically, a tolerance of +/- 10% of the material thickness is achievable. In some cases, a tighter tolerance can be held to meet your requirements. Consult with our engineering staff for tighter tolerances.
Will PPF help with design problems?
Our experienced and knowledgeable staff is always at your service to assist with design issues helping meet your requirement to produce low-cost, high-quality parts!
How can I contact the experts at Precision Photo-Fab?
Simply call us at 1.800.875.1093 Monday through Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Eastern, fax us at 716.821.9399, or email us at sales@precisionphotofab.com.
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