Chemical EtchingApplications - Benefits ofMetal Etched Parts

Chemical etching, also known as chemical milling, is the process of using acids, bases and other chemicals to dissolve materials such as metal and glass. Chemical etching provides not only great precision; it also allows great opportunity for customization of the desired products. Chemical etching can be used in a variety of applications, providing a practical and cost-effective way to achieve high-quality results.

One of the main benefits of the process is that chemical etching does not create burrs or stresses that are associated with metal stamping. Burrs, which are raised edges or small pieces of material that remain attached after the material is modified, are most commonly an unwanted addition to the final outcome. Burrs can affect not only the size and shape of the opening of a part, but also the flatness. Because chemical etching does not add stress to the metal, the flatness of the part will not be affected. Additionally, when the undesired material is etched away chemically— instead of through stamping or being machined away—there is no work hardening to the edges. This is beneficial as work hardening to the edges could potentially affect the performance of the part.

In the manufacturing of apertures and other parts used in optical applications, chemical etching provides a superior method. By employing chemical etching, the process creates precise openings that can be tailored to meet exact specifications. Chemical etching is also ideal for the manufacturing and creating of fine screens. The chemical etching process can create screens with features that would be difficult, or even impossible for other processes to make easily. During the etching process, all unwanted material is dissolved allowing the possibility to create intricate features, including fine webs and small openings. Chemical etching can also be used in the creation of covers and lids. Because covers and step lids need to fit tightly and precisely, they can be challenging to produce. Additionally, it is important that the cover keep its shape in order to be welded easily. Because chemical etching does not add any stress or pressure to the metal, it is able to remain flat. Chemical etching can easily produce lids that not only fit perfectly, but also stay flat. Another practical application for chemical etching is in the creation of encoder discs. Because of the flexibility and precision unique to chemical etching, the process can be used to make the most challenging encoder discs. Slots can be as small as 1.2 times the thickness of the material.