My boss has forgotten more about photo chemical machining than I will ever know. But, there are some things about photo etching that he thinks would make your life easier.
1. A wide selection of alloys
Photo etching works with many metals, including a wide variety alloys of iron, nickel, copper, aluminum; as well as molybdenum and silver. Here's a more comprehensive list. If your metal of choice is not on this list, ASK ME.
2. From super thin foils to .080" sheet
Photo chemical machining is effective for metals as thin as .0005" (really). And is also suitable for nickel/iron *("white metals") up to .040"; copper alloys ("red metals") up to .065" and aluminum up to .080".
3. Nadcap is not an issue
Photo etching does not alter the characteristics of the metal. There are no thermal or mechanical stresses applied during photo etching. Therefore, the process is not subject to Nadcap.
4. Tremendous size range
Photo etching can produce parts as small as .020" diameter and our equipment can process parts up to 24" x 60".
5. No tool wear; no metal on metal contact
Phototools are pieces of Mylar film and are only exposed to light. Therefore, there is no "tool wear" in photo etching. What is actually cutting the metal is etchant. Therefore, SPC doesn't apply.
6. Tiny holes, many holes: all free
Photo etching can make holes as small as .004" (100 microns) in .002" (50 micron) metals. The important thing is that the holes have to be larger in diameter than the metal thickness.
We only charge you for the first hole. The rest of them are free. One hole or a million...it's all the same to us.
7. Be generous with yourself; it saves money
Photo etching costs less when your dimensional tolerances are more generous. Bigger tolerances mean bigger sheets, less labor and lower costs. This white paper explains why.
8. Weird is good
Chemical etching is great at weird shapes. The cost is in the "real estate".
9. Leave it to the pros
Conard has specialized in photo chemical machining since 1965. Let us do it for you.
To learn more about the etching process, please download our FREE Comprehensive Guide to Photo Etching.
