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The metal etching process starts with your data files in 2-D CAD format. DXF or DWG files are preferred. Tools can also be produced from .ai and EPS files.
The tool designer creates a compensated rendition of your part geometry that accounts for the etching allowance needed by the metal thickness. Compensation makes the outsides a little bigger and the insides a little smaller on the phototool so that the metal part comes in to the correct dimensions. This version is stepped and repeated and processed to generate a Gerber file for plotting.
Clean, dry metal is laminated with photopolymer film in a safe-light clean room. Avoiding incidences of dust or other debris prevents pinholes or other gaps in the film.
The phototool and the laminated metal are precisely positioned in a vacuum frame UV exposure unit. Top to bottom registration is maintained by precision pin punches.
With 50 years of experience, we are leaders in precision metal manufacturing through photochemical machining in a wide variety of metal alloys. With turnkey services to meet demanding customer requirements, we provide engineering and design support with rapid turn around of prototypes. We also engage in special development projects for customers with complex needs.
This link leads to the machine-readable files that are made available in response to the federal Transparency in Coverage Rule and includes negotiated service rates and out-of-network allowed amounts between health plans and healthcare providers. The machine readable files are formatted to allow researchers, regulators, and application developers to more easily access and analyze data.