An alternative to conventional machining
Photo-chemical machining, using acid to remove metal is a technique believed to have been pioneered by the Egyptians 4000 years ago. Today, the combination of modern computer-aided design and a photo-sensitive mask enables Attewell to produce highly-accurate and intricate components used in a very wide range of systems applications. The technique is particularly attractive for use in electronics, filtration and aerospace and defence.
Minute holes and radii, at a pitch that would make conventional processes uneconomic, can be produced without inducing burrs or stresses in the material. In addition, to gain maximum yield from a standard sheet 450mm x 300mm (18” x 12”) and depending on size, a large number of components can be produced simultaneously. The best use of the material can also be obtained by intelligent ‘nesting’ of similar parts.
Tooling costs are low, resulting in cost-effective solutions for prototype development of thin sheet details. A wide range of metals can be etched from stainless steel to brass 0.127mm (0.005”) to 1.6mm (0.063”) thick.
Attewell has the capability and facilities to carry out the forming of a number of etched products.
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