Photo chemical etching is a process used in producing thin metal parts for product development through milling. Also known as photo chemical machining, this process takes thin types of metal to cut out very detailed, small metal components for products. Companies offering photo chemical etching services are favored by brands because the service is more affordable, more accurate, and produces better quality products. This article is intended to help leadership teams for product development lines learn why photo chemical etching is the right solution for manufacturing thin metal parts.
1. Photo Chemical Etching Services Give Companies Better Results than Alternative Methods
In addition to photo chemical etching services, companies also have the option to choose alternative methods such as waterjet cutting, metal stamping, laser cutting and electric discharge machining. However, savvy manufacturing teams will always opt for photo chemical etching services because the quality of the work is better. For example, the other methods can leave tiny jagged bits while photo chemical etching leaves smooth, well-cut lines.
2. Companies have More Options with Metals When Using Photo Chemical Etching Services
Laser cutting and other methods can only work on certain metals, but photo chemical etching is a process that can be used on any material. Some popular options include steep, iron, copper, brass, aluminum, aluminum alloys, tin, nickel, gold, silver, and blended materials composed of multiple substances. Alternative metal cutting procedures are limited by only a small selection of materials, and therefore the companies that invest in these practices are limited in the possibilities surrounding their products.
3. Photo Chemical Etching is More Affordable than Other Methods
Another thing companies should notate when researching photo chemical etching as an option for manufacturing their thin metal parts is that it is more affordable. Laser cutting is extremely expensive and not ideal for companies that are trying to stick within a budget. Other processes take a long time to complete, and this factor creates an unnecessary expense.
4. Faster Results Come with Photo Chemical Etching
Some methods used for manufacturing thin metal parts take longer than others. For example, simply calibrating various tools and machines can take entire teams of people and a significant amount of time, which in turn contributes to higher costs for companies. On the other hand, photo chemical etching can be performed by a single worker and the machines and tools can be calibrated in mere minutes.
5. Photo Chemical Etching Doesn’t Impose Stress on the Metals
Some metal parts are as thin as a human hair, and this means the parts are extremely vulnerable to weakening in the cutting and milling process. Laser cutting is well known for damaging fine metal parts by applying stress to the material. But photo chemical etching doesn’t apply stress, pressure, or other known factors for weakening thin metal parts.
If your company relies on custom thin metal parts to complete the manufacturing process of a product, consider photo chemical etching for the variety of value points it brings to companies.
