Chemical etching, sometimes called photochemical etching, is a precise method of engraving metals using controlled chemical reactions. Instead of relying on force or heat, the process removes material at a microscopic level with a pressurised heated chemical spray. By applying a protective resist to selected areas, the technique ensures only exposed metal is dissolved, creating clean, burr-free results.
UV photo resist etching
One of the most widely used methods is UV photoresist etching. This involves laminating the metal with a light-sensitive film, exposing it to UV light through a patterned artwork and developing away the unexposed areas. Once etched with ferric chloride or another etchant, the design is revealed and the resist stripped. This process enables extremely fine detail and consistent repeatability, even on challenging thin materials.
Advantages of chemical etching
There are many reasons chemical etching is preferred to mechanical cutting or laser engraving. It places no stress on the material, preserves its structural and magnetic properties, and allows easy design changes without expensive tooling. It is suitable for use on almost any sheet metal, including stainless steel, copper, aluminium, titanium, precious alloys, and even metals that are corrosion-resistant or otherwise hard to machine. It is a highly versatile manufacturing method.
A wide choice of other surface treatments is available from companies such as //www.poeton.co.uk/surface-treatments, although chemical etching is offered by a limited number of specialists. Its use is aesthetic in addition to protective.
Applications range from industrial nameplates and signage to precision electronics, aerospace parts, medical components, and printing tools, making chemical etching a cornerstone of modern manufacturing.
+ There are no comments
Add yours