Metal stamping is a cold-forming manufacturing process that uses presses and custom progressive dies to transform sheet metal parts into desired shapes.
However, the biggest concern arises when manufacturers are demanded to produce thin-gauge stainless steel parts that have relatively small dimensions that make the stamping process complicated due to the demand of fragile punches, tiny die cavities in the tools and high maintenance costs. What is more, such parts are prone to breaking easily.
In such a case photochemical etching could solve the matter since it’s known as a low-cost method of producing metal parts in medium quantities that could be applied before adjusting a production tool.
What are the advantages of this process?
· It’s a repetitive process suitable for complex parts in different sizes
· Design adjustments can be attained fastly
· Guarantees lower costs due to lower tooling set-up costs compared to conventional stamping
· It’s a burr-free and stress-free process
· Large amount of small-diameter holes and featured can be made at once
· Even tempered metal could be machined
Here is a list of common applications that are difficult to be fabricated applying other techniques and that can benefit from photochemical etching:
· Unordinary filters and sieves with incredibly high open areas and tiny, precise holes
· Intricately shaped flat springs made of durable, thin material
· Heat exchangers or fuel cell plates made of laminated plates with half-etched opening for spray nozzles
The application of this fabrication method is not industry-specific and can be widely applied. With this process, part complexity does not lead to an increase in component’s cost, guaranteeing you the flexibility to produce highly intricate configurations reliably and cost-effectively. Digital imaging makes it simple to accommodate design changes, which makes our photochemical machining technology excellent for prototyping.
→ The technique is appropriate for medium and high-volume production thanks to its flexibility, reproducibility, and precision. Check our on-demand metal manufacturing processes and get an instant quote now!
