Photochemical etching is a method of production implemented by companies needing delicate metal components with precise measurements and intricate patterns. Brands using a combination of materials choose to invest in photochemical etching for various reasons, including production cost, flexibility, time, and quality.
Photo chemical etching is most suitable for producing intricate shapes and designs. Its precision and quicker process make it more effective than laser cutting, metal stamping, and CNC machining. Additionally, Photo chemical etching allows for the production of multiple parts at once. Now, let’s explore additional advantages.
Thickness In The Lower Range
Photochemical etching and photochemical machining may be considered the top methods for producing metal parts with a lower thickness range. The typical etching rate for most metal alloys ranges from 0.0005 to 0.001 inches per minute on both surfaces. Many products need metal applications on a large scale, so brands invest in photochemical etching and photochemical machining to enhance part usability and flexibility and take advantage of the benefits. Always ensure that the sheet and plan’s dimensions and size align with each part’s dimensional tolerance and size.
Photochemical Etching and Mixed Materials
Numerous products utilize a variety of materials. Certain items, from timepieces to music tools and from medical devices to aircraft components, incorporate wood, plastic, glass, and composites along with various metals. Correct dimensions are crucial for perfect fit and performance when different materials with varying hardness levels join together. Manufacturers skilled at exploring different options will typically choose photochemical etching as the ideal method for producing thin metal parts that can be incorporated into other products.
Decreases the Likelihood of Errors
Specific manufacturing methods, such as laser cutting, metal pressing, and CNC machining, can expose thin metal parts to severe heat or stress, putting them at risk of developing fractures. Moreover, these production techniques might result in metal edges and surfaces having burrs. The photochemical etching does not produce high levels of heat or pressure, ensuring that only undesired elements are etched away, resulting in smooth, flawless edges and surfaces. Photochemical etching not only saves costs by avoiding the need to create parts again because of mistakes but also increases efficiency by having a high success rate on the initial production run.
Cost Effective
When producing items that include various materials, photochemical etching is a cost-efficient method for making thin metal parts for almost any retail or industry product. In contrast to machine tooling, photochemical etching does not need costly tooling changes and does not need several workers to cut metal parts. The procedure is very cost-effective, only requires one worker, and allows multiple pieces to be chemically etched on one metal sheet, resulting in significant savings for organizations.
Safe For Delicate Materials And Will Not Cause Damage
Thin metal components, like those found in jewellery and clocks, are typically fragile and, therefore, more susceptible to deformities. In today’s era of automotive engineering, the use of computers for miniaturization poses a greater threat to thin metal parts than alternative machining techniques that rely on manual expertise. Photochemical etching is considered a secure option for creating fragile, thin metal components as it does not harm the metal and only removes undesired elements.
Bottom Line
If your manufacturing process involves multiple materials and includes thin metal parts, photochemical etching is probably the most effective method to ensure a high-quality product for market release.
