Photo Chemical Milling
Photo Chemical Milling produces part shapes by placing a mask on the
surface and dissolving material from unmasked areas.
A photo resistant coating is applied to make the material sensitive to
light. Your design is then transferred onto the sheet stock using an ultraviolet
light. The next step is etching, using an appropriate etching fluid. Once the
part is etched it is thoroughly cleaned.
Possible shapes
Thin-gage complex 2D parts. The more complex the design, the
more appropriate for photochemical milling.
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Example parts
Gaskets, grills, shielding enclosures, works of art.
Advantages of Photo Chemical Milling
High precision and detailed shapes in thin metal sheets. Free of burrs.
Specifications for Photo Chemical Milling
 Material - most
metals, typically of 0.001" to 0.050" thick
Alternative machines
- Laser Cut, Wire EDM.
Tooling - Photo
Chemical Milling requires only film transparency tooling.
Reducing costs - minimize thickness and part area.
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Notes
 Minimal distance between holes is
the greater of .005" and 0.9 of material thickness.
Edges will have a single or double arc profile due to the chemical erosion
process (more noticeable on thicker materials).
Processes: Turning
Milling
Laser Cutting
Water Jet Cutting
Wire EDM
Tapping
Bending
Turret Punching
Fine Blanking
Blanking
Steel Rule Die Cutting
Drawing
Injection Molding
Extrusion
Metal Casting
Thermoforming
Forging
Springs
Wire forming
Powder Coating
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