{"id":7792,"date":"2018-01-26T11:35:47","date_gmt":"2018-01-26T16:35:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/metaletching.com\/?p=7792"},"modified":"2022-11-30T23:51:37","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T23:51:37","slug":"good-photochemical-etching-company","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/metaletching.com\/good-photochemical-etching-company\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Qualities Of A Good Photo Chemical Etching Company"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Manufacturers all have a common objective, to produce quality, functional components that satisfy industry demands. Industries such as electronics, medical, military, aerospace, R\/F microwave, automobile, and communications all require precision thin metal parts for some of their most common applications. Companies that provide photo etching services for prototypes to full production can fulfill these requirements. <\/p>\n
The photo chemical etching process<\/a> is one of the most cost-effective methods for high volume, burr-free, thin parts with low tolerances. Engineers work hard developing designs to meet industry demands and must do so quickly without compromising quality and functionality. It then becomes the role of the project manager or buyer to begin the search for the most reliable etching supplier to make their designs a reality.<\/p>\n The path from design\u2192 prototype\u2192 material selection\u2192 manufacturing process\u2192 finishing services\u2192 testing, and finally to the consumer or organization is well thought out. To make this process easier, there are 3 specific things to consider when choosing a photo etching company <\/strong>and what to expect when it comes to experience, quality, and capabilities.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Is experience everything? Not necessarily. However, a metal etching company must be doing something right if they have been around for decades. Most likely they have long-standing relationships with customers and suppliers. And, with time comes extensive knowledge of the different photo etched product applications and requirements.<\/p>\n An even better indicator is employee retention. If an etching supplier’s employees have been around a long time it is indicative of good company culture. Ask if the prospective chemical etching company cross-trains its employees. If so, it is very likely they have full scope and understanding of machining processes and quality which can help mitigate risk while at the same time increasing efficiency in the production line.<\/p>\n A good photo chemical etching company <\/a><\/strong>with experience must keep up with new technologies. Consequently, a PCM (photochemical machining) manufacturer will invest in new equipment to increase capabilities, quality, and productivity. They are also more likely to be educated in metallurgy, and how it applies to product functionality and conductivity for which specific applications are dependent.<\/p>\n From a financial perspective, a company with longevity understands how the fluctuating economy can affect manufacturing costs. Therefore, if necessary, it will engage in price negotiations with its suppliers to keep costs down while maintaining efficient inventory control procedures to support stable operations.<\/p>\n With increasing industry regulations added on an ongoing basis, it is necessary for photochemical machining companies to accommodate these changes for improved processes, part functionality, and customer trust. Therefore, companies that offer metal etch services must invest in the most technologically advanced equipment and purchase quality materials from trusted suppliers.<\/p>\n There are several compliance criteria photo etching companies must consider when purchasing metals. The government requires certain guidelines for businesses when purchasing raw materials.<\/p>\n By complying with these regulations, photo etching manufacturers are committed to protecting the defense industry and ensuring quality for their suppliers.<\/p>\n Another critical quality issue of equal importance to the defense industry is the ITAR<\/a> (International Traffic in Arms) compliance which requires manufacturers and suppliers of goods and services to register with the State Department’s DDTC (Directorate of Defense Trade Controls) to ensure products are within ITAR guidelines designed to protect U.S. national security.<\/p>\n The ITAR registration will further assure trust; therefore, choosing an American-made (US) manufacturer can guarantee and control the metal quality.<\/p>\n The most universally important quality compliance that a good photochemical machining manufacturer should have is an ISO<\/a> (International Standard for Organization) compliance certificate. With this, OEMs can be sure that metal photo etching companies adhere to a series of documents created to ensure materials, products, processes, and services comply with specific industry applications and purposes. Having the latest ISO standards<\/a><\/strong> proves that a PCM company continually reviews and updates its procedural and reporting methods to create manufacturing efficiency and accountability to customers.<\/p>\n The first qualifying aspect is whether or not machines can etch a part’s dimensions. The thickness, tolerances and metal type of a part are deciding factors when choosing a photo etching supplier.<\/p>\n Start by visiting a company’s website to view machining capability data information<\/a>.<\/strong> Here you will find technical details such as etched dimensional tolerances, holes\/slots diameter and width, center to center tolerances, and half-etch capabilities as well as the types of etchable metals.<\/p>\nIndustry Relevant Experience<\/h2>\n
High Product Quality<\/h2>\n
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Machining Capabilities<\/h2>\n