Process

Overview

What is it?

Photo-chemical machining or photo-etching is a metal fabrication process that produces thin metal precision parts with complex geometries unmatched by any other conventional metal forming process. Through a chemical process, metal is selectively removed. A photographic process is used to outline boundaries creating selected shapes quickly and stress free to tight tolerance specifications. Surfaces can be engraved with patterns and at the same time pierced.

Why use it?

Photo-chemical machining is a fast, efficient, precise, cost competitive, burr and stress-free method of producing metal components. It is ideal for volume, prototype or R&D applications. Its low cost, fast turn around tooling permits engineers great cost flexibility in terms of both time and tooling investment.

What types of products are
typically fabricated by photo-chemical machining?

Virtually any product type has photo-chemical machining applications. Common industries served include aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical, computer, instrument and decorative. Typical parts produced are heat sinks, shields, covers, lids, gaskets, springs, encoders, disks, lead frames, grids, screens connectors, panels, shims, bus bars, combs and decorative findings.