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  1. What can you do with photo etching in 2021?

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    So long, 2020. We won’t miss you.

    How much more can be said about how brutal this year has been, in so many ways, for so many people. And, I’m over it as of now. It’s time to look forward and to plan for better things.

    Overall, the manufacturing sector is in pretty good shape. The Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) “Report on Business”, which publishes the “Purchasing Managers’ Index” (PMI) has recorded six months of business expansion in manufacturing, with underlying factors, including customer inventories, new orders, and backlogs, showing slow and steady improvement since the Covid lockdown in the spring.

    The immense mobilizations of hundreds of companies (including ours) to the production of supplies, equipment and medications needed in the battle against the coronavirus proved, yet again, that America can and will get the job done, regardless.

    We can’t thank them enough…

    The Conard 2020 Bookmark featured a salute to the pandemic heroes: all of the first responders, medical personnel, and the millions of essential workers who kept the country going. We have a limited number of bookmarks available. If you would like one, please send me your mailing address.

    And, it is with these thoughts that I look forward to a new year with enthusiasm.

    But, back to photo etching

    I’ve been at this for 15 years now, working to educate designers and engineers about the capabilities of this metal fabricating process that is completely overlooked both in engineering curricula, as well as by 3D design platforms. Yet, every time we have an opportunity to help an engineer or designer overcome a metal fabricating problem that conventional methods (stamping, laser, etc) can’t solve, it’s a head-scratching epiphany for them, “How did I not know about this?”

    And, the thing is, once you know about it, it’s hard to ignore. The design rules for chemical etching are pretty simple (and there are only 5 of them.) So, it’s not like you have to spend weeks or months learning some complicated system.

    We do get a lot of questions. Here are some of the most popular (along with the answers!):

    What does photo chemical etching look like?

    I get inquiries fairly regularly from people who “want to buy an etching machine,” as if it were like a photocopier that makes metal parts. Sorry, buddy–it doesn’t work that way.

    Photo etching is a process that involves multiple steps. People familiar with printed circuit board manufacturing will recognize the similarities. People used to thinking about metal fabricating as stamping presses or laser cutters, and such, have no frame of reference for etching. So, we made one: a three minute video animation of the process–complete with a plummy, British-accented narration.

    Then there’s Max, our intrepid continuous improvement engineer and resident Millennial, who– by the way, was never taught anything about etching in engineering school, either. Max convinced us that his “peeps” preferred consuming information by video. You can meet Max and his videos here.

    2021 could be your year to get on board with etching…

    And, we’ll be here to work with you. Need an NDA signed? Send it to me.

    Need to get a drawing quoted? Easy. Send it to me.

    Got some questions? Call me.

    Here’s to brighter days ahead. Thanks for reading.

  2. Meeting the Challenge of Fabricating Aluminum

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    What are the most well known processes for fabricating metal parts?

    For parts designed to be fabricated from aluminum sheet, strip or foil, the most well-known options are:

    • Milling
    • Laser Cutting
    • Plasma Cutting
    • Metal Stamping
    • Water Jet Cutting
    • Die Cutting

    Although each of these processes have “sweet spots” in terms of being best-suited to a particular type of application, each of them also has unique challenges when fabricating aluminum.

    What are the issues in conventional metal fabricating processes for aluminum?

    • As a light metal with comparatively low melting temperature, aluminum can become gummy and stick to cutting tools in milling
    • Due to its high reflectivity, aluminum is difficult to fabricate by laser which can induce heat affected zones, altering the metal’s characteristics and potentially generating hazardous dust.
    • Plasma cutting is also challenging because aluminum melts at 650 Celsius. Plasma cutters operate up to 25,000 Celsius leaving a very short exposure time before the material is obliterated.
    • Stamping dies can be expensive and can have long lead times.
    • Water jet tolerances are typically greater than precision components can require.
    • Die cutting is best used on very light gauge metal.

    Is there another alternative?

    The question that is rarely, if ever, asked is whether there is another fabricating alternative for aluminum that doesn’t come burdened with these common, yet all too real headaches.

    The short answer is, yes—there is. Unfortunately, not nearly enough people are aware of the process or its capabilities.

    What is it called?

    Photo Chemical Machining (PCM), chemical etching, and photo etching are all describing the same process for fabricating metal parts using acid as the medium to cut away metal.

    It is a multi-step process that involves creating an acid-resistant mask on each sheet of metal (to protect the metal that is the parts), followed by exposure to the etching solution and then neutralizing the acid and removing the masking material. So, there is no “etching machine,” per se. It is a series of activities: clean, laminate, image, develop, etch, and strip that results in producing precision metal parts.

    Given the known challenges encountered in the “conventional” fabricating methods discussed above, the logical question is:

    How does Photo Etching Aluminum compare with these issues?

    • Excess heat: Max temperature exposure in etching is about 55 Celsius (~130 F, like your dishwasher).
    • Reflectivity: Etching is an ambient light process that has no reflection issues.
    • Hazardous dust: Etching is a wet process; there is no dust.
    • Expensive stamping dies with long lead time: Photo tools are typically less than $500 and available in a day.
    • Loose tolerances: Etching dimensional tolerances are +/- 15% of metal thickness (e.g., +/-.005” on up to .032” material) in etching.

    What are the key characteristics of metal parts that can be made by photo etching?

    Aluminum parts (and most other metals) can be etched when:

    • Material thickness is between .001” to .080”
    • Part dimensions range from .020” diameter up to 24” by 58”
    • Dimensional tolerances are within +/- 15% of the material’s thickness

    Then, why doesn’t everyone just etch aluminum and be done with the other problems?

    We didn’t say it was easy. Etching aluminum has a different set of issues:

      • Aluminum etches in both acids and bases
      • Aluminum oxidizes very readily
      • Run-away exothermy is potentially hazardous 

    So, where do we go with this?

    Conard solved these problems over 50 years ago

     For more information about the etching process and its capabilities, here are some resources:

    3 Minute Video

    The Comprehensive Guide to Photo Chemical Machining

    Minute(s) with Max: A Series of Short Videos

  3. What are common issues in fabricating precision aluminum components?

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    What are the most well known processes for fabricating metal parts?

    For parts designed to be fabricated from aluminum sheet, strip or foil, the most well-known options are:

    • Milling
    • Laser Cutting
    • Plasma Cutting
    • Metal Stamping
    • Water Jet Cutting

    Although each of these processes have “sweet spots” in terms of being best-suited to a particular type of application, each of them also has unique challenges when fabricating aluminum.

    What are the issues in conventional metal fabricating processes for aluminum?

    • As a light metal with comparatively low melting temperature, aluminum can become gummy and stick to cutting tools in milling
    • Due to its high reflectivity, aluminum is difficult to fabricate by laser which can induce heat affected zones, altering the metal’s characteristics and potentially generating hazardous dust.
    • Plasma cutting is also challenging because aluminum melts at 650 Celsius. Plasma cutters operate up to 25,000 Celsius leaving a very short exposure time before the material is obliterated.
    • Stamping dies can be expensive and can have long lead times.
    • Water jet tolerances are typically greater than precision components can require.

    Is there another alternative?

    The question that is rarely, if ever, asked is whether there is another fabricating alternative for aluminum that doesn’t come burdened with these common, yet all too real headaches.

    The short answer is, yes—there is. Unfortunately, not nearly enough people are aware of the process or its capabilities.

    What is it called?

    Photo Chemical Machining (PCM), chemical etching, and photo etching are all describing the same process for fabricating metal parts using acid as the medium to cut away metal. It is a multi-step process that involves creating an acid-resistant mask on each sheet of metal (to protect the metal that is the parts), followed by exposure to the etching solution and then neutralizing the acid and removing the masking material. So, there is no “etching machine,” per se. It is a series of activities: clean, laminate, image, develop, etch, and strip that results in producing precision metal parts.

    Given the known challenges encountered in the “conventional” fabricating methods discussed above, the logical question is:

    How does Photo Etching Aluminum compare with these issues?

    • Excess heat: Max temperature exposure in etching is about 55 Celsius (~130 F, like your dishwasher).
    • Reflectivity: Etching an ambient light process that has no reflection issues.
    • Hazardous dust: Etching is a wet process; there is no dust.
    • Expensive stamping dies: Photo tools are typically about $300 and available in a day.
    • Loose tolerances: Etching dimensional tolerances are +/- 15% of metal thickness (e.g., +/-.005” on up to .032” material) in etching.

    What are the key characteristics of metal parts that can be made by photo etching?

    Aluminum parts (and most other metals) can be etched when:

    • Material thickness is between .001” to .080”
    • Part dimensions range from .020” diameter up to 24” by 58”
    • Dimensional tolerances are within +/- 15% of the materials thickness

    Then, why doesn’t everyone just etch aluminum and be done with the other problems?

    • We didn’t say it was easy. Etching aluminum has a different set of issues:
      • Aluminum etches in both acids and bases
      • Aluminum oxidizes very readily
      • Run-away exothermy is potentially hazardous 

    So, where do we go with this?

    Conard solved these problems over 50 years ago

     For more information about the etching process and its capabilities, here are some resources:

    3 Minute Video

    The Comprehensive Guide to Photo Chemical Machining

    Minute(s) with Max: A Series of Short Videos

  4. 4 Ways Photo Etching Solves Design Engineers’ Problems

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    4 Ways Photo Etching Solves Design Engineers' Problems
    Designers and engineers are turning to photo etching to solve some of their toughest design challenges.

    Over the years, we’ve talked to hundreds of engineers and designers who are looking for new ways to solve their trickiest design problems. Sometimes, the parts they want to make are too complex for the processes they’re accustomed to using. Other times, they need parts in large batch sizes that are impractical for other fabrication methods.

    Photo etching has a number of characteristics that make it conducive to handling some of these problems. Here are four benefits that engineers and designers should know about:

    “At its hottest point, the etching process reaches temperatures of about 135℉. “

    No stresses or deformations on the finished part
    The cutting- and stamping-based fabrication methods are more well-known, but they have some shortcomings that give designers pause. For example, laser cutting and wire EDM exposes the workpiece to extremely high temperatures, leading to recast layers and work hardening. Stamping and CNC milling can lead to mechanical distortions, burrs and uneven edges.

    Photo etching has none of these problems. At its hottest point, the etching process reaches temperatures of about 135℉. And because the parts are chemically etched out of the sheet metal, there is no cutting that leads to burrs or other deformations.

    Well-suited for complex geometries and features on flat parts
    Today, screens, meshes, sieves and other parts that require many small holes or design features are finding their place in industrial, medical and scientific applications. For most of the conventional fabrication processes, these parts are either impossible to make consistently, or are completely impractical in terms of tooling and setup costs.

    When we make a phototool – a stencil in the shape of the finished part – we can include all of those holes and etch them all at once. This saves time and ensures the uniformity of each hole on the part. The photo etching process produces consistent, burr-free holes as small as 0.004″ in 0.002″ thick material. As a general rule, minimum hole size is 110 percent of the thickness of the material. So if we have 0.010″ thick material, the smallest hole we could make would be 0.011″.

    Designers and Engineers Today Need Precise Component Parts, and are Looking for new processes to help them solve their design problems.
    Designers and engineers today need precise component parts, and are looking for new processes to help them solve their design problems.

    Tight, consistent tolerances are no problem
    The phototool is extremely accurate because light is its only working exposure. Thus, there is there is no “tool wear” that could leave to uneven tolerances. Because of this, the locational tolerances for design features generally meet the nominal dimensions of the specification.

    Dimensional tolerances are dictated by the thickness of the metal. We can typically hold these to within +/-15% of the sheet’s thickness.

    Design changes are easy and cheap
    Phototools are extremely cheap compared to the tooling costs seen in other fabrication methods. For the most part, phototools cost about $300 or less and can be made in about 24 hours. This means that designers can change their designs without incurring substantial costs. With other methods, the tooling costs and lead time are so great that changes to any designs can lead to more money spent and a lot of wasted time.

    For detailed information, our newly-published Comprehensive Guide to Photo Chemical Machining offers engineers and designers technical information to assist their projects:

    Get The Guide Now

    If you have some difficult design problems, call us at 800-443-5218 or email us at sales@conardcorp.com and see what working with a photo etcher can do for you!

  5. Understanding etch ratios and etch factors

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    Understanding etch ratios and etch factors
    If you’re an engineer or designer at an OEM looking to gain some familiarity with photo etching, here are two terms we think you should know in order to improve your understanding of how etching works.

    One of the main problems with photo etching is that it is not a well-known manufacturing process. Because of this, OEMs often overlook this versatile, precise fabrication method when looking for a value-added supplier. They simply don’t know enough about the photo etching process, making them hesitant to entrust part of their operation to it.

    At its core, manufacturing component parts is a matter of starting with raw materials and using some sort of method to transform that material into a finished part. Photo etching is no different, even if the terminology is unfamiliar to those who are more well-versed in mainstream methods. We think this is a shame – OEMs are losing out on an opportunity to work with a low-cost, efficient and precise small-parts manufacturing process.

    If you’re an engineer or designer at an OEM looking to gain some familiarity with photo etching, here are two terms we think you should know in order to improve your understanding of how etching works.

    What is the etch factor?
    If you’ve worked with CNC milling or other tool-based methods, you’re probably familiar with a tool offset. Tool offsets are what allow operators to make dimensional adjustments to the workpiece.

    “The etch factor in photo etching is determined by metal thickness.”

    Adjusting the etch factor is how we adjust the dimensions of the parts. We call this process “compensation.”

    The etch factor in photo etching is determined by metal thickness, much like with the tolerance band and minimum feature sizes. To keep it simple, if we assume a 50/50 etch, then the etch factor is half the metal thickness.

    When explaining this concept, we like to use the example of a basic washer. Let’s start with a metal thickness of .010″, and assume the outside diameter of the washer is 1″ and the inside diameter is .5″. In this case, we need to compensate by adjusting the outside diameter of our phototool to 1.005″ and the inside diameter to .495″.

    In addition to this compensation, we also include an “etch band” to the areas that will be etched. Remember that the clear area on the phototool is what will eventually become the actual part. The etch band is printed in black and, like everything else, is dependent on the metal thickness, usually yielding a width between .020″ to .050″. If we’re dealing with a part where a large area will be subject to internal cut outs, we may put an etch band around them as well and let them fall out on their own.

    Dimensions Matter
    The metal thickness determines the necessary etch factor on our parts.

    What is an etch ratio?
    For most etching operations, the etch ratio is 50/50. This means that both sides of the sheet are treated equally and are subject to the same limitations in terms of allowable diameters for holes and other features. However, in some situations, the etch ratio must be altered.

    In a situation where we’re working with an asymmetrical ratio like 60/40 or 70/30, each side of the metal sheet is treated as if it were a different thickness. This is key when you consider that the general rule is that hole size must be 115 percent of the metal’s thickness. For example, for an 80/20 ratio on .010 material, the 20% side would be treated as if it were .004″ thick and the 80% side as if it were .016 thick.

    Changing the etch ratio means that we can put smaller holes on one side. This comes in handy for parts used in filtration devices. Uneven etch ratios are also finding applications in the semiconductor market as well.

    For more information on the etching process, or to see how your OEM can benefit from working with a photo etching provider, call us at 800-443-5218 or email us at sales@conardcorp.com and we can get started working on your designs!

    Request a Quote

  6. Tour a Photo Etching Company on MFG Day

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    National MFG Day is Friday, October 3, ,2014. More than 1500 American manufacturers are hosting events to bring more attention to the importance of manufacturing to our economy and our society. Conard will hold an Open House from 10 AM to 4 PM featuring guided tours of our photochemical etching and electroforming capabilities.

    The MFG Day Mission

    … addresses common misperceptions about American manufacturing by giving manufacturers an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a coordinated effort, what manufacturing is — and what it isn’t. By working together during and after the annual event manufacturers will begin to address the skilled labor shortage they face, connect with future generations, take charge of the public image of manufacturing, and ensure the ongoing prosperity of the whole industry.

    Supported by a group of industry sponsors and co-producers, MFG DAY is designed to amplify the voice of individual manufacturers and coordinate a collective chorus of manufacturers with common concerns and challenges. The rallying point for a growing mass movement, MFG DAY empowers manufacturers to come together to address their collective challenges so they can help their communities and future generations thrive.

    Participation in MFG Day 2014 is free.  Sign up your company here!

    Tour a Photo Etching Company on MFG Day

    Since 1965, Conard Corporation has specialized in fabricating precision metal components using the photo chemical machining process that is also known as photo etching. We have just launched a new facility to produce highly specialized parts by nickel electroforming, an additive manufacturing process.

    If you are unable to join us in person, please visit us online at www.conardcorp.com.

    You can learn more about the photo etching process in this 2 Minute Etching Video

  7. Back to the Future? Electric Vehicles 200 Years Later

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    Believe it or not, the EV Age started with rudimentary electric carts in the 1820s…

    It was a tinker’s world. People cobbled together ways of  mechanizing movement using primary batteries (non-rechargeable) and whatever they could find for electric motors.

    By the mid-19th century, patents had issued in the US and Europe for electrified rails as conductors of  current. Power delivered continuously to the motors, made trains, trams, street cars, and subways mainstays of urban transportation.

    Electric motor development continued in the US and Europe, with contributions and advancements made by many.

    In 1859, the rechargeable lead-acid battery was invented…

    For the next 30 years, dozens (perhaps hundreds) of erstwhile inventors built an astounding number of electric vehicles. The first car that Ferdinand Porsche designed and built was all wheel drive, electric, and set a number of speed records in its day. (Color me surprised…not).

    At the dawn of the 20th century…

    The United States led the way with more than 30 thousand registered electric vehicles, Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles were outnumbered 2:1 compared to EVs.

    Outside of urban areas, most vehicles were steam powered. You can get water everywhere, and coal was a staple fuel for homes and businesses.

    The 1920s brought many changes…

    Road infrastructure grew dramatically, the development of cheap global supplies of petroleum, and the inventions of electric starter motors, alternators, water and fuel pumps fueled both the desire and the ability of travelers to go farther and faster than ever before.

    And, of course, Henry Ford. By 1920, half of all cars in the US were Fords. And Ford was the number two domestic vehicle manufacturer in the US, with additional operations in more than half a dozen countries around the world.

    Internal combustion engines dominated transportation for the next 90 years (and still do, but…)

    Then came Tesla…

    From the late 1960s in to the early 21st century, there were a number of sporadic ( and ill-fated) attempts by a number of companies, both established automakers as well as a number of emerging entrants, to “electrify” existing vehicles (mostly ugly, boxy down-line models) that the public found unappealing.

    The real turn in popular opinion and excitement came with the introduction of the Tesla Roadster in 2008. With its sporty curb appeal and head-turning performance, the Roadster was an all electric vehicle that people clamored for.

    The entire conversation shifted: electric could be sexy, plus it’s really good for the environment. Driving electric became a symbol of status not derision. Within the last few weeks, Tesla has reached the 6-million mark in cars sold.

    Tesla really started the party, but a lot of others have jumped in, too.

    Despite Meghan Traynor, now it’s all about the batteries (not the bass)…

    EVs now account for about 7% of new vehicle sales (up from 0% as recently as 2007, BTW) and barely 1% of all vehicles on the road (in the US).

    Lithium-ion batteries now power almost every rechargeable device. And, while they have proven to be reliable power sources, they are not without controversy. A tendency to catch fire is a concern. Another concern is the sustainability of the materials, specifically the lithium, nickel,  magnesium and cobalt-a conflict mineral.

    But it is not just about passenger vehicles. Commercial vehicles, buses, construction vehicles, industrial (forklifts, cranes,) if it moves, eventually it’s going to be electric powered…even aircraft.

    And, that’s a LOT of batteries.

    There are a number of battery technologies in development. This article from BuiltIn.com offers an accessible overview of  some of the work being done. 

    Photo etching has been used for making battery components for decades, going back to nickel metal hydride (NiMH) power cells used in satellites. Photo etching produces anode and cathode grids as well as positive and negative current collectors.

  8. The Underestimated Role of Photo Etching in Everyday Products

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    Photo Chemical Machining is More Widely Used Than Many  Realize

    When we think about the intricate designs and precision found in many of the products we use daily, few of us realize that Photo Chemical Machining (PCM) plays a critical role in their creation. Though it is a well-established technique in industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics, the significant role PCM plays in creating components used in everyday products is often overlooked.

    Photo etching, is a manufacturing process that uses a chemical etchant and photographic techniques to shape metal parts with high precision. This process is widely used in various industries, but its contributions to everyday products often go unnoticed.

    Photo Etching and Electronics: Hidden in Plain Sight

    One of the most significant, yet often overlooked, roles of PCM is in the production of consumer electronics. The complex circuits, connectors, and metal components inside smartphones, laptops, cameras, and tablets are often produced using PCM.

    The metallic mesh components used in smartphone microphones, speakers, and sensors are frequently produced using PCM. It is also used to manufacture components like metal connectors, sensor grids, and speaker meshes that are essential for electronic devices. For example, the microphone mesh found in most smartphones, which protects the sensitive electronics inside while allowing sound to pass through, is often produced using photo etching.

    These tiny parts, often smaller than a grain of rice, are critical to the functionality of the devices we use every day, and yet, they remain hidden from our awareness.

    Without this process, it would be far more challenging to mass-produce these components at a cost-effective rate, especially considering the ever-decreasing size of devices.

    Photo Etching in Automotive and Aerospace: Safety and Efficiency

    PCM is commonly used to produce precision metal parts such as fuel injector nozzles, filters, and various sensors that contribute to the performance and safety of vehicles. Fuel injectors, for example, must deliver fuel in precise amounts and at high pressures to ensure the engine operates efficiently. Etching enables the production of injector nozzles with tiny, consistent apertures that provide this precision.

    Furthermore, PCM plays a role in the aerospace industry, where lightweight, durable components are critical to flight safety and fuel efficiency. Components such as heat shields, and electrical connectors are often manufactured using PCM because of its ability to create intricate designs while maintaining structural integrity.

    Medical Devices: Precision That Saves Lives

    The contributions of photoetching to medical devices may be one of the most vital yet overlooked areas of its impact. Medical professionals rely on precision instruments to diagnose and treat patients effectively, and PCM plays a key role in manufacturing components for these devices. Surgical instruments, pacemakers, stents, and diagnostic tools often feature parts produced using PCM.

    For example, the stents used to open up arteries in cardiovascular treatments require precise dimensions to ensure proper blood flow. PCM allows manufacturers to produce these life-saving devices with the exacting precision necessary for use in delicate medical procedures. The consistency and accuracy of PCM make it ideal for producing parts that will be used in critical healthcare settings.

    Household Products: Beyond the Basics

    Beyond high-tech industries, PCM also contributes to the everyday household items we use regularly. Many kitchen appliances, such as toasters, coffee makers, and blenders, contain small metal filters, brackets, or heat shields manufactured using etching. These components might seem insignificant, but they are vital to the functionality and durability of the appliances.

    Additionally, PCM is used in the production of fine metal components in items like razors, watches, and eyeglasses, where precision and design complexity are key. The ability to create detailed metal parts quickly and cost-effectively makes photo etching the ideal choice for manufacturers of consumer products that require both aesthetics and functionality

    The Future of Etching in Everyday Products

    As technology continues to evolve, the role of PCM in everyday products will only grow. With advancements in miniaturization, especially in fields like electronics and medical devices, the demand for highly precise, intricate components will continue to rise. PCM’s unique ability to produce such parts at scale and with unmatched precision ensures that it will remain a key manufacturing process.

    However, despite its vital role, PCM remains largely underappreciated. Most consumers remain unaware of how integral this technology is to the functionality of the products they use every day. By understanding the widespread applications of PCM—from smartphones and automobiles to medical devices—we can gain a greater appreciation for this silent, yet indispensable, process.

    Conclusion: An Unsung Hero of Modern Manufacturing

    While the role of Photo Chemical Machining in industries like aerospace and automotive is well known, its contributions to everyday products are largely underappreciated. From the electronics that power our smartphones to the fuel injectors in our cars and the medical devices that save lives, PCM is a hidden force behind many of the products we rely on daily. By enabling the production of high-precision, intricate components, PCM ensures that modern products are efficient, reliable, and affordable. It is time to recognize the significant, yet often invisible, role that PCM plays in shaping the modern world.

  9. The recovery is in our hands

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    It was just a decade or so ago that…

    a devastating tsunami swamped Fukushima, Japan and threw global trade into massive disruption. In the aftermath of this “act of God”, the tenuousness of globe-spanning supply chains were revealed in their terrifying fragility. The “re-shoring” movement gained considerable momentum as companies around the world looked for ways to source from more local partners.

    It was just a year or so ago that…

    a devastating virus emerged globally,  throwing entire economies into utter disarray and revealing, yet again, that nearly everything we take for granted, including the most mundane of things–groceries, toilet paper, seeing friends and family– can be swept away without warning by an unimaginable force.

    And, it was just a week or so ago that…

    the world’s largest ship ran aground in one of the world’s busiest waterways, further snarling global trade to the tune of billions of dollars each day.

    Everyone in manufacturing has, experienced consequences from these events. The effects of the tsunami have muted over the years, but the realization remains that global shipping is still a fraught business. In the last year, ports all over the world have struggled with virus-related workforce outages that have delayed vessel ladings by weeks. Although the ship grounding is a tiny “wrench in the works”, by comparison, it still demonstrates that even relatively small disruptions can have outsize effects.

    We’re among the thousands of “goes-into” businesses. We make (precision metal) stuff that goes into something else and something else and something else until it eventually becomes a “thing”, like a jet engine or a ventilator or an MRI machine.

    In the past year, throughout our supply chain and our customer base, there has never been more uncertainty. Customers are reluctant to make longer term commitments, which means that producers like us are less likely to make larger raw material buys, which means that the distributors are reluctant to restock depleted inventories, which means the mills don’t have enough reliable demand to make the size runs they used to. Which means that lead times extend, prices increase and life gets a bit tougher all around.

    We all need to buck up our confidence now that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Businesses will recover, and customers will still need the goods and services we provide. We’re focused on getting ahead of the curve as much as we can today by keeping abreast of supply side conditions.

    We’re happy to share our insights. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

    We hope that you will take a moment to look forward and consider what you can do to be part of the recovery, as well.