
Photo Etching
Precision Micro's manufacturing engineers have developed photo etching, sometimes known as chemical etching or metal etching, into a repeatable science, consistently 'redefining the possible' to provide a true competitive advantage for customers in a wide range of industries.
Features & Benefits
Burr and Stress Free
Photo Etching is a cold chemical process that corrosively removes unwanted material. The process does not induce stress or deformation, unlike presswork where parts are subjected to substantial mechanical forces and stresses. Photo etched components are burr free while temper and magnetic properties remain unchanged.
Fast and Economical
Using digital tooling we can produce samples and prototype parts in hours and fulfil volume requirements in days, helping reduce 'time to market'. Tooling costs are minimal, allowing customers to modify and optimise their designs without significant cost penalty and with minimal up-front investment required. Photo etching is ideal for those wishing to adopt a low risk strategy to product development.
Material Diversity
Virtually all metals can be etched, including stainless steel and 'corrosion resistant' advanced engineering alloys. Even metals that are hard or brittle can be etched. Photo Etching is ideal for machining thin metals and foils.
Micro Precision
Minute and highly complex etched shapes are possible to tolerances in the 1/100mm range
Ease of Use
Techniques such as half-etched bend lines facilitate complex hand forming of parts, saving the cost of hard tooling. Integrated marking reduces handling and cost.
High Complexity and Accuracy
Because of the nature of the chemical etching process, complex designs cost no more to produce than simple ones. The technology is geared to producing components to the tightest tolerances in the fastest possible time scales and at competitive rates.
Flexible
Metal etching is a highly flexible manufacturing technology. Whether you require a single part or millions of parts, this process is able to provide a cost effective solution to meet your needs. With high speed turn round, low to medium volume runs and dedicated volume production, Precision Micro is geared to meet almost every etching need.
Photo etching is the recommended, and in many instances the superior alternative to precision presswork & laser cutting. Click here to view the process comparison video and find out why.
Why choose Precision Micro?
Precision Micro is unique in both its process capabilities and its approach to business.
More than just Europe's No 1 contract photo etching company, the entire Precision Micro operation is infused with a "can-do" mentality that sets it aside from the rest. Renown for their problem solving capabilities, Precision Micro engineers continuously push the boundaries of the manufacturing processes we employ in order to better serve our customers.
Experience and expertise
Precision Micro's experience and levels of expertise are unmatched in the industry.
Attitude
Our willingness to accept challenges that other suppliers may shy away from.
Innovation
In a world where technology is ever smaller, faster and and more complex Precision Micro provides the enabling technology to bring cutting edge designs to reality.
Capability
Our ability to extend and hone our manufacturing technologies and use them, both individually and in combination to meet customer requirements more efficiently and economically.
Size
Stability and flexibility stem from size; having the resource to dedicate and the capacity to meet customer needs rapidly and effectively.

