Chemical etching of metal parts is a photo-chemical metal conversion process that creates burr-free components with complex features for intricate metal designs and shapes that would not be achievable with conventional stamping techniques.
Reel-to-reel chemical etching takes this process to the next level by producing highly-repeatable precision parts in continuous format that is ideal for high-volume production environments.
This has made reel-to-reel chemical etching the preferred go-to process for many aerospace, medical and other high-precision applications that require very fine features and tolerances.
Using a tightly controlled reel-to-reel etching process is important to maintain the close tolerances and a high degree of repeatability combined with high-volume production output. Unlike panel etched parts, reel-to-reel etching is inherently automation friendly and allows for smooth integration of secondary processing steps. For example, the etched metal parts can be easily formed, plated or insert molded using various types of automated equipment.
Key advantages of Reel-to-Reel Etching include:
- Continuous reel-to-reel etching has the ability to hold very tight tolerances for small feature sizes with a very high degree of repeatability and consistency.
- The increased repeatability and consistency significantly reduces the total cost of quality, especially in high reliability applications.
- Customers can design burr-free, precision metal components with ultra-fine pitches, intricate shapes and 3-D feature profiles, unavailable using traditional metal stamping processes.
- Chemically etched parts can be produced in a high volume environment which reduces tooling and production costs, while improving time to market.
- Reel-to-reel etched parts can be presented to other automated processes such as forming, plating, insert molding and assembly on a reel, further reducing total manufacturing costs.
The degree of precision and consistency achievable offers a continuous chemically etched metal strip and a mass production advantage alternative to the standard panel or sheet etching process. The excellent control and flexibility makes the reel-to-reel chemical etching approach able to design and deliver parts that meet virtually any specific set of application requirements.
For more information, read the full Reel-to-Reel Chemical Etching Tech Bulletin.
