The photo chemical etching process is used to produce incredibly accurate parts that would otherwise be impossible or too expensive to manufacture using more conventional methods. The process combines photography, computer, metallurgy and chemistry designs to provide an accurate and economical method of producing thin metal parts quickly, avoiding heavy tools.
The technology, developed commercially during World War II to produce weapon reticles, has been adapted and innovated over the years to serve a variety of applications in various sectors. There are many benefits to using photo chemical recording. Photo chemical engraving is an economical alternative for stamping, punching and laser or water jet cutting to create accurate parts. Not only cheap photo chemical equipment can produce fast results. The part can be created just hours after receiving the drawing. Unmatched precision and chemical engraving precision make it ideal for prototyping. Due to easy repeat ability and quick turnaround, engineering changes and modifications can be made not only easy, but also inexpensive. The process allows for easy changes in mass production.
Compared with unconditional equivalent companies, photo chemical prints are significantly less expensive. With the photo chemical recording, the complexity of a part does not generate cost, as it happens in a typical hard disk and there is no cost for maintenance and repair. There is no equipment in the photo chemical aquifer. Through a contact printing process, the photo tool is transferred to the metal. This process does not guarantee the degeneration of the tools, which means that the first part will be identical to the last part produced and will become ideal for mass production. Although heavy equipment is an important investment, the photo chemical aquifer reduces costs and achieves better results. it also eliminates metal stress and deformation of parts. As the metal is removed chemically, not mechanically, the parts remain flat. This also eliminates the need for secondary explosion operations, as there is no contact voltage. In addition, the use of photo chemical etching will not compromise the integrity of the metal’s properties. Due to the nature of the process, the metal’s internal structure remains unchanged. This guarantees hardness, grain structure, magnetic properties or ductility of the metal.
Photo chemical engraving can be done on almost any commercial metal, such as: brass, aluminum, manganese, copper, steel, silver, nickel, titanium and zinc. The method can be performed out on materials of any type of immersion, with thick parts ranging from 0.0001 “to 0.125”.