Choosing the right etchant etchant is the chemical or mixture of chemicals that you ll use to cut into unprotected parts of your metal and create the finished etched design.
Chemical etching metal.
There are two different processes we use to etch into the metal.
It was developed from armor decorating and printing etching processes developed during the renaissance as.
Why using chemical etching.
The chemical etching process is one that involves very little stress on the metal sheets that we utilise.
Chemical etching or photochemical etching is used to manufacture high precision metal parts.
This means that unlike other processes that require bending and cutting the end product is a lot less vulnerable to damage when it comes to being used.
See all gauges of metal blanks for more options.
A common question we receive regarding our various production processes is.
The photo etching process is ideal for the precision machining of parts with simple to complex designs.
When a part of 200 μm is chemically etched deviation can be up to 20 μm 0 02 mm.
Although not as fine a metal as copper steel is finer than zinc and it is also more durable particularly when used as a printing plate.
A mask or resist is applied to the surface of the material and is selectively removed exposing the metal to create the desired image.
Chemical etching is a method of engraving that uses a high pressure high temperature chemical spray to remove material to create a permanent etched image in metal.
It is mostly used on metals though other materials are increasingly important.
Chemical etching and laser etching both are available for stainless steel black metal brass finish and copper finish materials.
By using chemicals to dissolve the excess or unwanted portion of the material rather than simply cutting it away you are left with smoother more precise edges.
Because copper and zinc have gone up in price many artisans who etch designs in metals have turned to etching steel.
24 gauge sheet metal and 24 gauge pre cut blanks will also work just be sure to leave 24 gauge items in the chemical bath for less time than you would a thicker metal.
What is the difference between the etching methods we offer.
Benefits of chemical etching.
Chemical etching is highly suitable when you want to create complex multi layer high precision metal parts.
Chemical milling or industrial etching is the subtractive manufacturing process of using baths of temperature regulated etching chemicals to remove material to create an object with the desired shape.