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Chemical etching services

Qualitetch has expertise in providing photo etched metal components using the chemical etching process and is a well-respected market leader in the UK and worldwide.

But, why should you use photo chemical etching over other Metalworking Services?

Well, Photo chemical etching, also known as chemical milling or photochemical machining (PCM), is a highly precise and efficient metalworking process that offers numerous advantages over traditional methods such as stamping, laser cutting, or CNC machining. Whether you're in the aerospace, electronics, automotive, medical, or precision engineering sector, photo etching can be the best solution for producing intricate metal components with tight tolerances and complex designs.

One of the biggest advantages of chemical etching is its ability to produce highly detailed and complex geometries without distorting the metal. Unlike stamping or CNC machining, which involve physical force or heat that can stress or warp the material, chemical etching is a stress-free process. It removes metal using a controlled chemical reaction, ensuring the base material retains its structural integrity. This makes it ideal for applications requiring ultra-flat components, such as EMI/RFI shielding, filters, or precision springs.

Precision is another key reason to choose chemical etching. The process can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm on very thin metal sheets, often without the need for secondary finishing. This level of accuracy is particularly beneficial in industries like electronics and medical devices, where even minute imperfections can impact performance or safety. Features such as micro-holes, fine meshes, and sharp internal corners can be easily produced—something that is difficult, costly, or impossible with other processes.

Cost-effectiveness is another compelling factor. Photo etching eliminates the need for expensive tooling like dies or molds. Instead, a digital phototool artwork is created and applied directly to the metal using a light-sensitive resist. This means faster turnaround times, lower prototyping costs, and easy design changes. If you need to alter your design, there's no need to invest in new tooling—just update the phototool digitally. This flexibility is ideal for rapid prototyping, short production runs, and product development cycles where changes are frequent.

Chemical etching also allows for burr-free and clean cuts, unlike laser or mechanical cutting processes that often leave behind burrs requiring additional finishing. This reduces post-processing time and labour, leading to faster delivery and lower overall costs. In high-volume production, the savings in labour, material waste, and tooling can be substantial.

Additionally, the process supports a wide range of metals including stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminium, carbon steels and nickels and even more exotic materials like Inconel and Molybdenum. This versatility makes it suitable for a broad array of applications across industries and sectors. It's also environmentally friendly compared to some subtractive methods, as it generates less waste and can be easily controlled and recycled.

In summary, photo etching offers a unique combination of precision, flexibility, cost efficiency, and material versatility. It outperforms many traditional metalworking techniques, particularly when it comes to thin materials, intricate designs, or high-precision applications. For businesses seeking innovation, efficiency, and quality in metal part production, photo chemical etching is not just an alternative—it’s often the superior choice.