Custom Metal Shims are thin pieces of metal used to fill small gaps between two objects, or to adjust the spacing or levelness of two parts. They can be used in a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and medical. Custom Metal Shims can be made from a variety of metals, including stainless steel, brass, copper, and aluminum, and can be manufactured to meet specific design requirements using chemical metal etching.
Difference between traditional sheet metal precision processing VS Chemical etched sheet metal processing
VECO’s video to learn what metal etching is.
Comments related to etching technology:
From @chadr2604: There is another way it involves stacking many layers of very thin material with an There is another way it involves stacking many layers of very thin material with an adhesive, pressing the stack, then either stamping or punching the blank then heating it to release the adhesive. The parts will not be as accurate the tolerance is limited to about .002″ but if its good enough its much faster.
From @chadr2604: If you try to cut that stack with a laser you will just start a fire we had an aluminum fire trying that.
Modern precision sheet metal fabrication includes a common technique known as etching, which differs from traditional sheet metal fabrication in several ways. Here are some key differences between etching and traditional precision sheet metal fabrication:
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- Principle: Traditional sheet metal fabrication typically involves mechanical processes such as cutting, bending, and punching to shape and form metal sheets. Metal etching by Metal Etching Machine , on the other hand, is a chemical process that uses specialized etchants to selectively corrode the metal surface, achieving precise etched patterns and features.
- Accuracy and Complexity: Etching offers advantages in terms of precision and complexity. By controlling the composition, concentration, temperature, and etching time of the etchant, extremely fine etching can be achieved with accuracy down to sub-micron levels. Additionally, etching allows for the creation of intricate geometries, microstructures, and patterns that may be difficult to achieve using traditional mechanical methods.
- Processing Speed and Cost: Etching generally offers faster processing speeds, particularly in large-scale production. In comparison, traditional mechanical fabrication methods may require more time and cost to achieve the same level of precision and complexity.
- Materials Compatibility: Etching techniques are applicable to a range of metal materials, such as copper, aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium. Traditional sheet metal fabrication methods may have limitations when it comes to certain materials or thicker metal sheets.
- Design Flexibility: Etching provides greater design flexibility. By incorporating techniques like photolithography or screen printing during the etching process, complex patterns and structural designs can be achieved. This makes etching suitable for applications in microelectronics, optical devices, microfluidic devices, and more.
Here are some key aspects of Custom Metal Shims that you may want to consider:
- Advantages of Custom Metal Shims:
- Custom Metal Shims can be manufactured to exact specifications, ensuring a perfect fit for the intended application.
- Etched Custom Metal Shims have precise tolerances and are burr-free, which makes them ideal for use in high-precision applications.
- Custom Metal Shims can be made in a variety of shapes and sizes, making them versatile for different applications.
- Custom Metal Shims are durable and long-lasting, providing a reliable solution for many different industries.
- Manufacturing Custom Metal Shims using chemical metal etching:
- Chemical metal etching allows for the production of Custom Metal Shims with precise tolerances and smooth edges.
- The process is highly repeatable, meaning that large quantities of Custom Metal Shims can be produced with consistent quality.
- Chemical metal etching is a cost-effective manufacturing method, especially for small or complex parts.
- The process is environmentally friendly, as it does not produce any hazardous waste or byproducts.
- Metal requirements for Custom Metal Shims:
- The choice of metal for Custom Metal Shims will depend on the specific application and the properties required for the shim.
- Stainless steel is a popular choice due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and heat resistance.
- Brass and copper are often used for electrical conductivity and decorative purposes.
- Aluminum is lightweight and has good corrosion resistance, making it a popular choice for aerospace and automotive applications.
- Applications of Custom Metal Shims in various industries:
- Aerospace: Custom Metal Shims are used to adjust the spacing between components and ensure precise alignments.
- Automotive: Custom Metal Shims are used in brake systems, suspension systems, and engine components to adjust clearances and tolerances.
- Electronics: Custom Metal Shims are used in circuit board assemblies to adjust the height and spacing of components.
- Medical: Custom Metal Shims are used in surgical instruments and implants to adjust positioning and spacing.
- Tolerance values for Custom Metal Shims using chemical metal etching:
- The tolerance values for Custom Metal Shims will depend on the specific requirements of the application.
- Etched Custom Metal Shims can be produced with tight tolerances, typically within +/- 0.001 inch.
In conclusion, Custom Metal Shims are an important component in many different industries, and chemical metal etching provides a precise and cost-effective manufacturing method for producing Custom Metal Shims with exacting specifications. Whether you require small or large quantities of Custom Metal Shims, our team at Dragon Etching can work with you to design and produce high-quality parts that meet your needs. Contact us today to learn more!