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:
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.
Low Profile Shields are an essential component used in the design and development of electronic products to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI). These shields are typically made of thin metal sheets that are precisely etched to create a highly-accurate pattern that can effectively block interference. Etching technology plays a vital role in the fabrication of these low profile shields by allowing for precise pattern transfer onto the surface of the metal sheets.
Etching technology offers several advantages in the production of Low Profile Shields. One of the key benefits is the ability to produce highly accurate patterns with tight tolerances. This is essential to ensure the shields provide the necessary protection against EMI and RFI interference. With etching technology, designers can create precise patterns with high accuracy and repeatability, ensuring consistent performance across all shields.
Another advantage of etching technology for Low Profile Shields is its ability to handle a wide range of materials. These shields are typically made of thin metal sheets such as copper, brass, or nickel silver, and each material has unique properties. Etching technology can handle these different materials with ease, allowing for the production of customized components based on specific requirements.
The etching process for Low Profile Shields involves several steps. The first step is the creation of a custom design using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The design is then transferred onto a special etching film, which is used to transfer the pattern onto the surface of the metal sheet. The sheet is then coated with a layer of photoresist material, and the etching film is placed onto the surface of the sheet. The sheet is then exposed to ultraviolet light, which hardens the photoresist layer in the areas not covered by the etching film. The etching film is then removed, and the sheet is etched using a chemical solution to remove the unwanted metal, leaving behind the desired pattern.
In summary, etching technology plays a critical role in the production of Low Profile Shields for use in the electronics industry. Its ability to produce highly accurate patterns with tight tolerances, handle a wide range of materials, and produce high-precision circuit patterns makes it an ideal manufacturing process for this application.
