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Photochemical Etching

Photochemical Etching: Ideal for Fine Features & Thin Metals

Switzer was built on our expertise in photochemical etching. Ideal for many of our core industries, such as microwave components and industrial filtration, photochemical etching is extremely precise. We’ve spent decades perfecting our process, and our in-house engineers are ready to help optimize your designs.

Low Stress Process

Traditional manufacturing methods create heat and edge stress. Photochemical etching minimizes stress, resulting in stronger parts.

No Burrs

Because photochemical etching doesn’t use force, it eliminates the formation of burrs, creating an extremely precise result.

Prototype to Production

We have expertise across each phase of your project.

Lifecycle Support

We’ll stay with you through every component evolution.

The Chemical Etching Process Explained

Chemical etching produces precision metal components accurately and quickly. The process is scalable and is suited for prototyping through production volumes. Animation courtesy of the Photo Chemical Machining Institute.
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The Benefits

Photochemical machining is a clean, scalable option to attain unrivaled precision in your custom metal parts. Our process minimizes lead time and creates highly precise components without the hassles of traditional fabrication methods.

  • Reliability

    You need your parts to meet your requirements, and your customer needs them to perform as promised. Our PCM process creates no stresses, no burrs, no change to the metal molecularly or structurally.
  • Scalability

    PCM tooling is very cost-efficient, making design changes and prototyping simple. It also creates exceptional continuity of design, quality and service as you scale up through pre-production and high-volume production.
  • Customization

    From variable openings to beveled edges to exceedingly complex designs, photochemical etching creates precise customization that cannot be achieved through traditional manufacturing methods.
  • True Experts

    Switzer has been performing photochemical machining for almost 40 years – and we’ve mastered the process.. Our team brings a wealth of knowledge and experience so you can be confident you’re getting the best result.

Specifications

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Details For Each of the Listed Specifications
Minimum Material Thickness
.001”
Maximum Material Thickness
.040”
Maximum Panel Size
54” x 28”
Minimum Feature Size
110% of thickness, to .006”
Minimum Land Area/Web Size
60% of material thickness, to .002”
Minimum Etched Tolerance
as low as +/-10% of material thickness, to +/-.001”
Minimum Inside Corner Radii
= to material thickness
Minimum Outside Corner Radii
*75% of material thickness *Sharper corners can be attained as required

Available Metals For Etching

  • Steel & Stainless steel
  • Copper & Copper Alloys
  • Nickel & Nickel Alloys
  • Aluminum

Every Project Starts with a Conversation

Chances are, your needs are specific. And our expertise is extensive. We want to learn as many of those details before taking on your project. When we know precisely what you need, we can develop a streamlined plan to produce it – in fact, we may be able to deliver more than you think.

Bringing Your Design to Life

Let’s bring your design to life so you (and we) can properly vet it. Our process actually allows for several designs to be arrayed on a single sheet, giving you more prototyping options than before. Producing your component exactly the way you need it is our only goal – often, prototyping is the best way to get there.

Our Superior Process at Work

Our photochemical machining process opens up a world of possibilities for your components. Every phase of this multi-step process is exceedingly precise and subject to stringent quality control – including 1st article inspections to guarantee dimensions. Our production processes are capable of both high and low volumes, and our production times are typically measured in days, not weeks, so you get your parts sooner.
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On-Time Delivery Guaranteed

When it comes to precision parts, Switzer delivers. Specifically, we deliver in economical bundles or whatever packaging arrangements you request. We understand that accurate deliveries are critical to your performance metrics, so we make a simple promise: if your delivery is late, we pay the freight.

Start Your Project Consultation

When compared to stamping or forming manufacturing methods, our photochemical machining has efficiencies built into every step of the process to produce precise and complex metal bipolar plates and meshes with ease.

4020 Jeffrey Blvd. | BUFFALO, NY 14219
P: (716) 821-9393 / (800) 875-1093

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