Photo Chemical Machining (Metal Photo Etching)
The Photochemical Machining (PCM) process is ideally suited for small, intricate parts made of flat metal. The metal etching process is a frequent alternative for stamping as the tooling is comparatively inexpensive and turn time is considerably shorter, enabling a stamper to prove a design or get a prototype run to the customer quickly without the long lead time required with hard tooling.
Photo metal etching is also capable of very fine detail which cannot be stamped and is able to produce slots and holes as small as 110% of the thickness of the metal being etched. Many parts such as shims must be absolutely burr-free and undistorted. The chemical etching process produces completely burr-free parts and the process induces no distortion-causing stresses. Photo etching uses no oils so parts are never contaminated with lubricants, and the process is completely compatible with requirements of RoHS.
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About PCM / Etching
Photo chemical machining is known by a number of names including PCM, photo etching, Photo etching, and chemical milling.
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Photo Etched Products
Photo etching is used in a wide variety of industries ranging from Aerospace and Electronics to Medical and Decorative applications
