“Photo etching” happens to be among the best kept secrets in the world of manufacturing, produces identical and highly accurate parts for small and large scale operations. Photo etching in use in several sectors, including: electronics, automotive, precision engineering and communications. The procedure can produce drawings, in large parts of matching parts.
The “photo etching” procedure involves the application of a photo sensitive polymer to a sheet of crude metal. Using photo tools that are computer-designed, such as stencils; the metal is presented to ultraviolet light leaving a design pattern. The pattern is then engraved and developed from the sheet metal. The resulting constituent form is then cleaned and delivered to a finished workshop for surface treatment, training and inspection.
“Photo etching” tools are consequently economical in terms of traditional tooling techniques that design reviews can be carried out for a portion of the cost. After the material is selected for the photo etching, it is necessary that it be completely cleaned of all contaminants.
The “photo etching” process can be accomplished by several different coating methods such as roller, wet dipping or dry lamination. This broad range of approaches enables the manufacture of components for metals with thick extensions between 10 microns and two millimeters.
A strictly controlled and clean environment will guarantee the finest and most effective result. The metal sheet is sandwiched between the photo etching tools before contact to a detonation of ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light hardens preferred areas of the coat on an acid-resistant facade. The sheet is eventually developed and some unexposed coating is washed.
In the next step, an acid solution is poured over the sheet, liquefying the exposed metal areas of and revealing the product design. In case the metal gets exposed only in the front photo tool, the acid is only important on one side. If the rear and front photo tools contain identified areas, the metal is completely detached, leaving smooth, colorless edges without distressing the material’s properties. The residual resistance is removed to divulge the end product.
The “photo etching” procedure offers a natural answer to various design challenges. A broad range of technical endings and coatings improves conductivity, provides insulating properties and improves decomposition resistance.
Components can as well be created in multifaceted three-dimensional blueprints. By engraving a direct punctuation mark, foldable edges can be produced for various applications, including electronic systems shielding using RFI.
Since photo etching tools are exceedingly wear-resistant, the first item is matching with the last, no matter how many parts are produced.
Engraving consists of a combination of processes, most of which consist of enlarging and tooling sheets, cleaning, photoresist lamination, printing, development, photography and stripping.
Almost all processes have work content, making this an important element of the total cost. The craftsmanship is almost the same, regardless of the size of the sheet and, therefore, the size of the sheet is an important factor in the costs of photographic recording.
The component price is calculated from the sheet, which means that smaller parts or larger sheet sizes provide lower units. However, the larger the sheet, the greater the dimensional tolerance across that sheet, which means exceptionally rigid tolerances generally achievable only in smaller sheet sizes.
In processing, parts can be supplied glued to the sheet or unscrewed, with tabs, facilitating lower costs and reduced packaging.