Etching the Impossible

Inconel 617, one the family of nickel-chromium-cobalt-molybdenum superalloys, has an exceptional combination of high-temperature strength and oxidation resistance. It also exhibits excellent resistance to a wide range of corrosive environments which to date have largely prevented the material being photo etched.

This is understandable when you consider that etching is a controlled corrosive process and Inconel has been developed with a high nickel and chromium content, specifically to resist corrosion.

In 2007, Precision Micro set up a dedicated Technical Team, specifically to address challenges such as this. By adopting a focused, “team” approach, this group of PhD / degree qualified engineers, metallurgists and chemists has developed a new process route with bespoke, safe chemistry that etches Inconel 617 successfully at commercially viable speeds.

“We are particularly proud of this achievement,” said Anthony Marrett, Managing Director. This has vindicated our decision to make such a large investment in our process technology and shows we have the people with the know how and aptitude to challenge perceived wisdom successfully”.

Processing thin sheet Inconel by conventional means (punching and slitting) has always given cause for concern as parts tend to come out wavy and the material has a tendency to roll at the edges after processing. Now, thanks to this breakthrough by the Precision Micro Technical Team, perfectly flat, precision parts can be produced from 0.006” Inconel sheet, economically and with outstanding repeatability.

The team is currently working with a number of other specific superalloy grades.