Metal Etching/ Chemical Milling
Chemical Milling companies from IQS Directory
Chemical milling, also known as chemical etching, is the process of using chemicals on materials to etch, cut or engrave specific designs or patterns. Almost every type of metal can be processed with this technique, including steel, titanium, brass, nickel, copper and more. Commonly used to create parts such as stencils, plaques, printed plates, circuit boards, foil-stamping dies and more, chemical milling is a specialized process.
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KEMAC has over 15 years of experience performing photo chemical machining, etching and secondary operations. Our capabilities include quick turn prototyping, plating, forming, assembly, chemical milling, high volume production and much more. We are proud to specialize in working with a wide range of metals including stainless steel, copper alloys, aluminum, kovar, titanium, molybdenum and more.
VACCO Industries is an industry leader for chemical milling components and parts. We create custom metal products based on customer requirements with materials such as brass, copper or aluminum. Our customers turn to us for their photo etching because they trust our expertise. We also perform value added services like diffusion bonding, photo electroforming, adhesive bonding and pin holing.
ID3, Inc. is the place to go for unique chemical milling. We also offer etching in brass, copper and stainless steel. ID3 cares as much about your application as you do. We are committed to making our product the best that it can be. We do not just want to mark you product, we want to brand your product. We are a cut above our competition with competitive pricing and superior customer service.
Industrial Engraving Solutions strives to individualize and enhance the way industrial parts look. We were established to meet the ever-growing need to individualize, identify and enhance the look of industrial parts and products. Come to us for all of your chemical milling needs. For more information or to request a quote, call one of our customer service representatives or visit our website.
With over 50 years of experience Industrial Etching Inc. has accumulated a depth of knowledge in the printing business. We use thermal, flexo, digital, offset and screen printing techniques. We provide an existing inventory of tools and dies to our customers to produce irregular shaped products out of a variety of materials. Our services include chemical milling, painting, and metal finishing.
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Industry Information
Chemical Milling
Certain acids or chemicals react with metals to dissolve them, and thus lines and holes can be created in a piece of metal using the application of these specific acids or chemicals. In the process of chemical milling, the metal sheet to be etched is cleansed thoroughly before the masking layer is applied. Masking is often made up of tapes or paints, elastomers, plastics or by a photoresist in photo etching, and it is applied to the areas of the metal sheet which are not to come into contact with the etching acid. If tape is used, a pattern can be cut into the masking layers using a scribe and peel method. The metal part or sheet is then exposed to the chemical or reagent in order for corrosion to occur. When the reagent is applied, many factors are considered to determine how long to leave it for including: temperature, agitation, acid concentration and the desired depth of the cut or etch. After the desired result is achieved, the chemical is stripped off the part and it is polished.
Etched metals are usually thin mediums such as sheet metals or foils, although thicker metals such as coins and plaques can be etched as well. Chemical milling is a specialized process that can save manufacturers time and money if implemented by qualified personal. The process involved hardly any mechanical work, but it is necessary to understand the different chemical concentrations in relation to their reaction with certain metals. It has become increasingly popular as chemical technology has improved. Compared to mechanical milling which requires costly machinery and maintenance, as well as individual milling, chemical milling is a faster and more economical method of metal engraving. Larger OEMs and industrial machinists are turning to chemical and photo milling as it is also a viable alternative to stamping and laser or water-jet cutting for precision parts. Tooling is relatively cheap and the process can result in finished components in a matter of hours although many hobbyists, artists, and small manufacturers still prefer hand engraving over chemical or mechanical for a personal and more organic finish to their metal etchings and engravings.
