Category Archives: Uncategorized

Chemical etching is a powerful and cost-effective method for creating detailed and precise metal parts, widely used in various industries. Whether it’s for common metals like copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or for PCB manufacturing, chemical etching offers distinct advantages over alternative methods like laser cutting, CNC grinding, and CNC turning. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of chemical etching, particularly focusing on its cost efficiency and versatility, and discuss the crucial role of chemical etching machines.

FPC connector with camera of a smartphone.

Precision and Detail in Everyday Products

Chemical etching shines when it comes to producing fine details in metals, making it ideal for a wide range of applications from everyday products to high-tech components.

Stainless Steel Filters: Stainless steel is favored for its durability and corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for filters in various applications. Chemical etching allows for the creation of precise openings in these filters without compromising the strength of the material, ensuring high performance and longevity.
Copper Nameplates: Copper is widely used for nameplates and signage due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. The precision of chemical etching ensures that even the most intricate designs are accurately reproduced, offering a superior finish compared to other methods.
Titanium and Aluminum Precision Parts: For industries like aerospace and medical devices, where precision is paramount, chemical etching is the preferred method for creating complex parts from titanium and aluminum. These metals are difficult to machine using traditional methods, but chemical etching can achieve the desired accuracy without introducing stress or altering the material’s properties.

PCB Manufacturing: The Backbone of Modern Electronics

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are critical components in all electronic devices, and chemical etching is a key process in their production. By precisely removing unwanted copper, chemical etching creates the intricate circuit patterns necessary for PCB functionality. While laser cutting and CNC machining are alternatives, they often fall short in terms of cost efficiency and the ability to produce highly detailed designs on a large scale.

Why Chemical Etching Outperforms Laser Cutting and CNC Machining

When it comes to manufacturing precision parts, chemical etching offers several advantages over laser cutting and CNC machining:

Superior Precision: Chemical etching allows for the creation of extremely fine details, which can be challenging to achieve with laser cutting or CNC machining. This is particularly important in industries where precision is critical, such as electronics and medical devices.
Material Integrity: Unlike laser cutting, which can introduce heat-affected zones, or CNC machining, which can cause stress and deformation, chemical etching is a non-contact process. This ensures that the material’s original properties are preserved, resulting in a higher quality end product.
Cost Efficiency: Chemical etching is often more economical than laser cutting or CNC machining, especially for high-volume production. The lower setup costs and ability to scale the process make it an attractive option for both large and small-scale projects.
Versatility: From thin foils to thicker sheets, chemical etching can handle a wide range of materials and thicknesses, making it suitable for diverse applications across various industries.

The Importance of Chemical Etching Machines

Central to the chemical etching process are specialized machines designed to handle the precise and controlled removal of material. These machines ensure consistency, accuracy, and efficiency, making them indispensable in the production of high-quality etched parts. Whether for PCBs, filters, or intricate metal components, chemical etching machines play a crucial role in modern manufacturing.

Conclusion

Chemical etching is the ideal solution for producing detailed, precise, and cost-effective metal parts. Whether working with copper, iron, aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or PCBs, chemical etching offers unmatched advantages over laser cutting and CNC machining. As industries continue to demand higher precision and efficiency, chemical etching and the machines that enable it will remain at the forefront of manufacturing innovation.

Etching Process, Uncategorized

Machines for high-precision metals production processes

23/09/2023 droganetching

Photo Chemical Machining Process — Equipment required for precision metal processing

Precision Metal Etching Process: The Precision Metal Etching Process is a sophisticated manufacturing method used to selectively remove metal from thin sheets or foils with high accuracy, creating intricate and precise patterns.

Photoresist Application Machine:
- Purpose: Applies a uniform layer of photoresist onto metal sheets for protection and pattern transfer.
- Detailed Workflow:
  - Load clean, flat metal sheets or foils onto the machine’s conveyor system.
  - A precision dispensing system applies a uniform layer of photoresist onto the metal surface.
  - The coated metal sheets are transported through a drying mechanism to ensure even and complete drying.
Photomask Alignment System:
- Purpose: Ensures accurate alignment of photomasks with metal sheets for precise pattern transfer.
- Detailed Workflow:
  - Metal sheets with photoresist are aligned with photomasks using precision optical or mechanical alignment systems.
  - The alignment system ensures that the photomask is accurately positioned over the metal sheet to transfer the desired pattern during exposure.
UV Exposure Unit:
- Purpose: Exposes the photoresist to UV light, hardening it and protecting it from etching.
- Detailed Workflow:
  - The aligned metal sheets and photomasks are exposed to UV light in a controlled environment.
  - The UV light hardens the photoresist in areas not covered by the photomask, effectively creating a protective mask on the metal surface.
Chemical Etching Machine:
- Purpose: Selectively removes metal from exposed areas of the metal sheets to create the desired pattern.
- Detailed Workflow:
  - Metal sheets with hardened photoresist are immersed in a chemical etchant bath.
  - The etchant reacts with and dissolves the unprotected metal, leaving behind the desired pattern.
  - The etchant bath’s temperature, concentration, and agitation are carefully controlled for precise etching.
  - The etching process is closely monitored to achieve the desired depth and precision.
Rinsing and Drying Station:
- Purpose: Removes residual etchant and ensures clean, dry metal components.
- Detailed Workflow:
  - After etching, metal sheets are carefully removed from the etchant bath.
  - The sheets are rinsed in clean water to remove any remaining etchant.
  - A drying mechanism, such as hot air or infrared heating, thoroughly dries the metal sheets.
Quality Inspection Equipment:
- Purpose: Verifies the accuracy and quality of the etched metal components.
- Detailed Workflow:
  - Precision measurement tools, optical inspection systems, and quality control checks are employed to ensure that the etched components meet required specifications.
  - Measurements are taken to confirm dimensional accuracy, and optical inspections verify the quality of the etched pattern.

Manufacturer Recommendation: For precision metal etching services, one highly regarded manufacturer is DragonEtching. They offer the following advantages:

Extensive Experience: DragonEtching has over 50 years of experience in precision metal etching, making them a trusted industry leader.
Advanced Technology: They utilize state-of-the-art photochemical etching processes and equipment to ensure high precision and quality.
Customization: DragonEtching specializes in custom etching solutions, allowing for intricate and complex patterns tailored to customer specifications.
Quality Assurance: The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified, demonstrating their commitment to quality and precision.
Diverse Materials: DragonEtching can etch a wide range of materials, including copper, stainless steel, and more.

Uncategorized

Photochemical Etching Service Specialists

14/09/2023 droganetching

We are a dedicated team of experts specializing in Photochemical Etching services and manufacturing. In this blog, we’ll introduce you to our state-of-the-art facilities, highlight the capabilities of our Photochemical Etching machine, delve into the metals we can etch, explore precision levels, and discuss why Dragon Etching stands out among the competition.

Learn about photochemical processes in one video

Our Cutting-Edge Facilities

At Dragon Etching, we take pride in our cutting-edge laboratory facilities. These facilities are equipped with the latest technology and machinery that allow us to achieve the highest standards of precision and efficiency in Photochemical Etching. Our team of skilled professionals operates in an environment that fosters innovation and excellence, ensuring that every project meets the most stringent quality standards.

Comprehensive Photochemical Etching Process

It’s widely recognized that to complete the entire etching process, a variety of equipment is required in addition to the photochemical etching machine. At Dragon Etching, we offer two different combinations of photochemical services, each tailored to specific needs:

Option 1: Using Dry Film what is dry film etching?

Cleaning Link: The cleaning process is crucial to remove any contaminants, ensuring a clean surface for subsequent steps. It prepares the material for the photoresist application.
Lamination Link: In the lamination step, a dry film photoresist is applied to the cleaned substrate. This photoresist acts as a protective layer during the etching process, defining the areas that will remain after etching.
Exposure Link: During exposure, the substrate with the dry film photoresist undergoes a precise exposure to UV light. This step transfers the desired pattern onto the photoresist.
Developing Link: In the developing process, the exposed photoresist is developed, leaving behind the patterned areas. Unexposed areas are removed, revealing the underlying material.
Etching Link: Etching is where the actual material removal occurs. The substrate is exposed to etching chemicals, which selectively remove material according to the pattern defined by the photoresist.
Stripping Link: After etching, the remaining dry film photoresist is removed, leaving you with the final etched product.

Option 2: Using Wet Film what is wet film etching?

Cleaning Link: Similar to the dry film process, the cleaning step is essential to prepare the substrate by removing contaminants.
Lamination Link: In this step, a wet film photoresist is applied to the substrate, forming a protective layer for subsequent processes.
Exposure Link: The substrate with the wet film photoresist is exposed to UV light, creating the desired pattern on the photoresist.
Developing Link: After exposure, the photoresist is developed, revealing the patterned areas on the substrate.
Etching Link: Etching, as before, is where the material is selectively removed according to the pattern defined by the photoresist.
Stripping Link: Finally, the remaining wet film photoresist is stripped away, leaving behind the finished etched product.

At Dragon Etching, we offer both dry and wet film processes to cater to a wide range of project requirements. Our state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team ensure that each step of the process is executed with precision and efficiency, resulting in high-quality products for our clients.

Dragon Etching’s Photochemical Etching Machine

Our flagship Photochemical Etching machine is a marvel of engineering. Here are some key features that set it apart:

Unmatched Precision: The etching precision of our machine is an astonishing 0.018mm, enabling us to manufacture micro-sized components with unparalleled accuracy. This level of precision is a game-changer for industries that demand intricate designs and fine details.
Enhanced Efficiency: Our Photochemical Etching machine automates the intricate and time-consuming process of removing copper from PCBs. It’s capable of handling large volumes of boards in a shorter time, significantly increasing production efficiency. This means quicker turnaround times for your PCB orders.
Consistent Precision: The machine offers high accuracy and repeatability, ensuring consistent results and minimizing errors. It can achieve fine circuit traces and complex designs that may be challenging to accomplish manually.
Reduced Production Time: With faster etching speeds and automated processes, our machine significantly reduces overall production time. This not only saves time but also optimizes resource utilization and improves profitability.

Metals Suitable for Photochemical Etching

While copper Photochemical Etching is the most common, our expertise extends to several other metals, including:

Stainless Steel: Ideal for applications requiring corrosion resistance.
Nickel Alloys: Suitable for high-temperature and corrosive environments.
Aluminum: Perfect for lightweight designs and high-performance applications.
Titanium: Known for its lightweight yet robust properties.

Learn more about photochemical etching materials

Unrivaled Precision

Our commitment to precision is unparalleled. Dragon Etching can achieve precision levels as fine as a few nanometers, making us the top choice for industries that demand the utmost precision in their projects. This level of accuracy opens up new possibilities for applications where precision is critical.

Why Choose Dragon Etching?

Dragon Etching stands out from other Photochemical Etching service providers in several key ways:

In-House Machine Manufacturing: We are not just a service provider; we also manufacture Photochemical Etching machines. Click here to learn about the Photochemical Etching Equipment Selection Guide. This unique capability allows us to offer customized solutions, tailored to your specific needs. Whether you need our services or a customized DIV Photochemical Etching Machine, we have you covered.
Advanced Laboratory Facilities: Our state-of-the-art laboratories are equipped with the latest machinery and technology, ensuring consistent and high-quality results for our clients.
Rapid Turnaround: We understand the importance of timely project completion. Our streamlined processes enable us to offer some of the fastest turnaround times in the industry, ensuring your projects are completed efficiently and on schedule.

Exceptional Service Department Efficiency

Our service department operates at peak efficiency, capable of achieving a remarkable output of up to 200 square meters of copper etching in a single day. This exceptional efficiency ensures that we can handle large-scale projects without compromising on quality.

At Dragon Etching, precision, efficiency, and innovation are at the core of everything we do. Whether you require high-volume production or custom solutions, Dragon Etching is your trusted partner. Contact us today to experience the Dragon Etching difference firsthand.

How do I select a photochemical etching service company if I need to use photochemical etching brass for a project right now?
Experience and Expertise: Ensure that the company you choose has ample experience and expertise, particularly in dealing with brass. They should understand the characteristics of brass to effectively perform photochemical etching.
Equipment and Technology: Familiarize yourself with the equipment and technology the company uses. Modern equipment often provides higher precision and efficiency. Ensure that their equipment and technology align with the requirements of your project.
Quality Control: Inquire about the company’s quality control processes. They should have rigorous quality control standards to ensure your project meets the expected quality standards.
Project Scale: Consider the scale of your project. Some companies may be better suited for large production batches, while others specialize in small batches or custom projects. Choose a company that fits the scale of your project.
Delivery Time: Understand the company’s delivery times. If you have time constraints, ensure that the company can complete the project on schedule.
Cost and Budget: Lastly, consider costs and your budget. Discuss project costs with the company and ensure it aligns with your budget.