Professional Metal Etching Services

Precision photochemical etching and chemical milling for complex metal components. Delivering exceptional quality parts for aerospace, electronics, medical, and automotive industries with tolerances as tight as ±0.001″.


Metal Etching Manufacturing Line

What is Metal Etching?

Metal etching, also known as photochemical machining (PCM) or chemical milling, is a precision manufacturing process that uses controlled chemical reactions to selectively remove material from metal sheets. This advanced technique produces complex, burr-free parts with exceptional dimensional accuracy and surface finish quality.

Chemical Etching Process Diagram

Why Choose Metal Etching?

 

Extreme Precision

Achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.0005″ (±0.013mm) with exceptional repeatability

 

Burr-Free Results

Chemical process eliminates burrs and tool marks for superior surface finish

 

Complex Geometries

Create intricate patterns and shapes impossible with traditional machining

 

Material Preservation

No heat affected zones or mechanical stress, maintaining material properties

Metal Etching Process Types

We specialize in multiple etching technologies to meet diverse manufacturing requirements and deliver optimal results for every application.

 

Photochemical Etching

High-precision process using photolithography to create detailed patterns. Ideal for complex geometries, fine features, and tight tolerances down to ±0.0005″.

  •  Tolerances: ±0.0005″ to ±0.002″
  •  Material thickness: 0.0005″ to 0.060″
  •  Excellent edge quality
  •  High volume capability

 

Chemical Milling

Selective material removal process for weight reduction and pocket creation in aerospace components. Excellent for large parts and complex contours.

  •  Large part capability
  •  Weight reduction applications
  •  Stress-free machining
  •  Aerospace qualified

 

Precision Etching

Ultra-precise etching for critical applications requiring the highest accuracy. Perfect for electronics, medical devices, and precision instruments.

  •  Sub-micron accuracy
  •  Medical device grade
  •  Electronics compatible
  •  Clean room processing

How Metal Etching Works

Our photochemical etching process combines precision engineering with advanced chemistry to deliver exceptional results every time.

Metal Etching Process Steps
1

Design & Tooling

Create photographic artwork and precision phototool from your CAD files with micron-level accuracy.

2

Lamination

Apply photosensitive resist to both sides of the metal sheet ensuring complete coverage and adhesion.

3

Exposure & Development

UV exposure through phototool followed by chemical development to reveal etch pattern.

4

Etching & Finishing

Controlled chemical etching removes exposed metal, followed by resist stripping and final inspection.

Materials We Etch

Our advanced etching capabilities work with a comprehensive range of metals and alloys to meet diverse application requirements.

 

Stainless Steel

301, 304, 316, 321, 430 grades. Excellent corrosion resistance for medical and food applications.

 

Copper & Alloys

C101, C110, brass, bronze, beryllium copper. Superior electrical and thermal conductivity.

 

Aluminum

1100, 3003, 5052, 6061 alloys. Lightweight with excellent strength-to-weight ratio.

 

Titanium

Grade 1, 2, 4 titanium. Biocompatible with exceptional strength and corrosion resistance.

 

Nickel Alloys

Inconel, Hastelloy, Monel. High temperature and corrosion resistant superalloys.

 

Tool Steels

A2, D2, O1, S7 grades. Hardened steels for tooling and wear-resistant applications.

 

Precious Metals

Gold, silver, platinum. High purity metals for electronics and medical devices.

 

Specialty Alloys

Kovar, Invar, Mu-metal. Controlled expansion and magnetic shielding materials.

Precision Capabilities & Tolerances

Our state-of-the-art equipment and proven processes deliver exceptional precision and repeatability for the most demanding applications.

Precision Metal Etched Parts

Dimensional Capabilities

Material Thickness Standard Tolerance Precision Tolerance
0.0005″ – 0.005″ ±0.0005″ ±0.0002″
0.005″ – 0.010″ ±0.001″ ±0.0005″
0.010″ – 0.020″ ±0.002″ ±0.001″
0.020″ – 0.060″ ±0.003″ ±0.002″

Minimum feature size: 0.002″ (0.051mm)

Maximum sheet size: 24″ x 36″ (610mm x 914mm)

Surface finish: Ra 16 microinches or better

Edge quality: Burr-free, no heat affected zone

Industry Applications

Our precision metal etching serves critical applications across diverse industries, delivering components that meet the most stringent requirements.

 

Aerospace

Aerospace Etched Parts

  • • Fuel injection systems
  • • Heat exchangers
  • • RF shielding
  • • Turbine components
  • • Weight reduction panels

 

Electronics

Electronic Etched Components

  • • EMI/RFI shields
  • • Contact springs
  • • Lead frames
  • • Circuit patterns
  • • Connector components

 

Medical

 
  • • Surgical instruments
  • • Implant components
  • • Stents and filters
  • • Diagnostic equipment
  • • Drug delivery systems

 

Automotive

 
  • • Fuel cell plates
  • • Sensor components
  • • Brake system parts
  • • Emission control
  • • Safety systems

Metal Etching vs. Alternative Processes

Understanding when metal etching provides superior results compared to laser cutting, stamping, and other manufacturing methods.

Metal Etching vs Laser Cutting Comparison
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Process Tolerance Edge Quality Heat Effects Best For
Metal Etching ±0.0005″ Burr-free, smooth None Complex patterns, thin materials
Laser Cutting ±0.003″ May have dross Heat affected zone Thick materials, simple shapes
Stamping ±0.005″ Burr present None High volume, simple shapes