FAQ's of the Photo Etching Process

Q. What is Chemical Etching (Photo Chemical Machining, PCM)?

A. Chemical Etching involves the process of printing an image onto a UV photo sensitive film that is adhered to the metal being etched. Once printed the sheet is developed and prepared for etching. The sheet is then sprayed with a etchant that eats through the material only on the chosen lines that were printed. Once the sheet has been etched all the way through, then all thats left is to remove the UV sensitive film leaving the bare metal and the part required

Q. What metals can we etch?

A. We can etch most materials including: Brass, Copper, Beryllium Copper, Aluminium, Stainless Steel, Mild Steel, Carbon Spring Steel, Sandvik Steel, Inconnel, Molybdenum, Nickel, Nickel Silver, Braze Foil, Kovar, Mu-Metal, Monel, Phosphor Bronze, Phytherm, Silver, Silver Alloys & (Titanium, but wire erode only)

Q. Applications that our process can be used for?

A. The etching process can be used for many applications including:

It can also be used for any application of metal required either flat or formed, with material thickness between 0.0127mm and 1.60mm.

Q. Best tolerances achievable?

A. The best tolerances achievable are +-0.025mm on the flat profile size & +-0.10mm on formed dimensions. As a simple rule of thumb best tolerances offered would be 10% of material thickness. However often better tolerances can be provided if necessary, but please ask one of our team.

Q. Electronic Files We can accept?

A. SLDPRT (Model), DXF,DWG,IGS,STP,PRT,STEP

Q. Leadtimes Available?

A. Qualitetch offer leadtimes from next day

Q. Can you mix Components on the same sheet?

A. Yes, Qualitetch offer a mulitool service so if you have components on the same thickness of material and same grade of material then they can indeed all be etched from the same panel. Plus with Qualitetch currently offering FREE PHOTOTOOLS all your flat part tooling designs will not be charged for.

Q. Do You have to use tabs to hold Components within the sheet?

A. Parts can be supplied either in sheet or as loose parts, it is completely at your discretion.

Q. What additional services can Qualitetch offer?

A. Qualitetch offer a complete package of additional services including Stamping, Forming, Machining, Wire Erosion & Laser Cutting. Qualitech also provide various added value processes such as Soldering, Assembly Work, Spot Welding & Welding aswell a wide range of plating finishes including Silver, Gold, Tin, Nickel, Alocrom & Anodising that are all catered for. Please ask one of our team for any details needed for any requirements you may have.