Applications
Battery Contacts
Washers
Gaskets
RF Shields & Covers
Custom Shims
Screens
Lead Frames
Connectors
Encoder Discs
Photochemical Etching Process
Photochemical Machining (PCM) Also known as Photo Etching, photochemical milling or chemical milling is a process of manufacturing that emerged in the 1960’s as a method of sheet metal fabrication utilizing a chemical bath rather than hard blanking tooling. The process of PCM is an excellent method for many types of material and works well for thicknesses ranging from .0005″ up to .032″.
Photochemical Etching & Milling
Also known as photo etching, photochemical milling, and chemical milling, photochemical machining (PCM) is the process of fabricating sheet metal components using a photoresist and etchants to corrosively machine away selected areas.
Design Guide
For Flat Parts Photo Etching
All dimensions, tolerances and configurations are functions of the thickness of the material being photo etched and should be considered during the design process.
The Etchit Advantage
The process of photochemical milling is an excellent alternative to traditional manufacturing methods. Advantages include…
- Low cost tooling. Typical photo tooling is less than $295.
- Photo tools can be produced within 24 hours if needed.
- Design changes are quick and easy and done with minimal cost.
- Shorter lead-times.
- High precision and intricate designs.
- Burr free and stress free parts. No hard blanking dies.
- Excellent for prototyping multiple designs prior to production.
- No quantity too big or too small.
- Over 60 years of experience in the business of chemical milling.
Industries Served
Our process is very effective for industries where miniaturization, part weight and extreme tolerances are necessary. Our client base ranges from small businesses to large scale corporations. A significant portion of our business comes from the industries listed below.