Precision Thin Metal Components from Prototype to Production
Etchit specializes in photochemical machining (PCM) to produce burr-free metal parts with intricate geometries, low tooling costs, and rapid turnaround. We provide rapid prototypes as well as production quantities in stainless steel, copper, brass, beryllium copper, and more.
Projects
Our manufacturing process is highly adaptable, making it perfect for a wide range of applications. Since 1964, Etchit has manufactured over 15,000 custom designs in a wide range of industries. Learn about some of our most popular projects.
RF Shields & Covers
Screens
Lead Frames
Bus Bars
Encoder Discs
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
When designing a component to be manufactured using photochemical machining (PCM), it is important to understand how the photo etching process can affect part geometry, tolerances, and feature size. Unlike stamping, laser cutting, or conventional machining, photo etching removes material chemically rather than mechanically, allowing complex flat metal components to be produced without burrs, heat-affected zones, or tool-induced stress. The result is a highly precise manufacturing process capable of producing intricate features while preserving the base material’s mechanical properties.
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.