{"id":11538,"date":"2021-07-27T20:37:40","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T20:37:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metaletching.com\/?p=11538"},"modified":"2024-02-27T20:54:29","modified_gmt":"2024-02-27T20:54:29","slug":"industrial-parts-that-benefit-from-chemical-etching","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metaletching.com\/industrial-parts-that-benefit-from-chemical-etching\/","title":{"rendered":"Industrial Parts that Benefit from Chemical Etching"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t

Chemical etching is a sheet metal fabrication process that provides many benefits for industries seeking thin metal parts with low tolerances and precision<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The process<\/a> works by using a photoresist material (similar to a film) applied to a metal plate. A UV light is then used to harden certain areas of the material. The plate is then immersed in a chemical etchant<\/a> (or etch solution) which eats away at the parts of the plate that were not hardened by the light. The results are smooth and clean, burr-free surfaces.<\/a><\/p>\n

There are other types of sheet metal fabrication processes for thin metal parts, including laser-cutting, wire EDM, stamping, CNC punching, and water jet cutting. Although all these processes can cut metal, not all provide the same etching benefits<\/a> depending on the metal thickness, tolerances, part design, features, and production volume<\/p>\n

It can be confusing and overwhelming for design engineers to decide which process is best for their part. This article will help take some of the guesswork out of your decision by looking at which industry components can achieve the best quality with photo etching and often with the lowest costs and lead times.<\/p>\n

\n\t\tPhoto Etched Automotive Parts\n\t<\/h2>\n\t

Carmakers are transitioning to metals like aluminum, which has a low weight to high strength ratio, to maximize efficiency and safety. Aluminum is also highly corrosive and temperature resistant, making it an excellent choice for automotive parts exposed to extreme temperatures and corrosive fluids.<\/p>\n

Etching with aluminum<\/a> is becoming more frequent for parts in automotive manufacturing<\/a> such as shims<\/a>, gaskets, washers, and electronic parts. Aluminum electronic contacts, connectors, and flat springs can also replace copper as automakers become more sustainable to lower carbon emissions. Aluminum is recyclable, cheaper than copper, yet highly conductive.<\/p>\n

\"Photo<\/p>\n

Conversely, with photo etching, there is no point of contact with a heat source, and the temperature is easily controlled, so the machine and metal remain unaffected.<\/p>\n

The stamping process is another popular machining method to produce automotive parts. It is cost-effective when using steel and large volume production, but aluminum can present some challenges.<\/p>\n

Unlike steel, aluminum can spring back into the workpiece because it is a softer material than steel. Galling, friction between the metal sheet and hard tooling, is often a problem that can create burring and require a secondary elimination process.<\/p>\n

Electric Vehicle technology is growing, and automakers are making the transition steadily. These fuel-efficient energy systems use fuel cells and bipolar plates<\/a> in their vehicles to manage cooling and heating in thermal systems. Traditionally, these plates are made of steel for their strength and anti-corrosive properties.<\/p>\n

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Stainless steel etching<\/a> is typical among these components because it is easy and cost-effective to machine the numerous grooves and unique channels necessary for fluid and heat exchange.<\/p>\n

Using a single workpiece as in the laser cutting method or CNC would take too long to create these channels and result in longer lead times, with increased costs. Since plates usually have microchannels on both sides, they are faster to produce and more economical with etching because they are machined simultaneously in one operation.<\/p>\n\t\t

Check out: Heat Exchanger Plate Case Study<\/a><\/h3>\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t

Benefits of Photo Etching Automotive Parts<\/h4>\n\t\t\t