Photo Chemical Milling Process Tour

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Chemical Milling Process- Process Tour

1.Design Advice

2.Receive Drawings

3.Film Plotting

4.Metal Selection

5.Metal Preparation

6.Resist Lamination

7.Photo Printing

8.Chemical Developing

9.Chemical Etching

10.Stripping

11.Inspection
& Packing

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*1. Design Advice*
	At all stages of the process, our engineers at Photofabrication will offer advice both to improve the product and reduce the costs. We are able to view all types of data; from sophisticated CAD files to "back of a fag packet" sketches. Our metallurgist will advise you on the most suitable metal to use for your application. A wide range of metals and thicknesses are held in stock.
*2 & 3. Receipt of Drawings and Film Plotting*
	The customer sends data to Photofabrication either in the form of a drawing or an electronic file. This is converted using CAD to allow for the etching compensation and "stepped and repeated" to fit as many components as possible onto the film. This is then high speed laser plotted to create the Graphic Tool. Two tools are prepared; one for each side of the metal, which allows etching from both sides. Variances between the two tools can facilitate "half-etching" from one side.
*4 & 5. Metal selection and Preparation*
	We carefully review the component usage to ensure that the correct metal has been selected both from a performance and cost perspective. Before coating the metal with photosensitive resist, the metal is thoroughly cleaned to remove all dirt, rust, greases and oils. This allows good adhesion to the photosensitive resist to be obtained.
*6. Resist Lamination*
	Photosensitive resists are UV light-sensitive polymers which are applied to the metal either as a liquid by dip coating or more usually as a dry film which is applied by hot roller lamination. The type of process used depends on the metal being used and the type of subsequent processing required. The coating is applied to both sides of the metal.
*7 & 8. Printing and Developing*
	The Graphic Tool carrying the component image is now laid over both sides of the metal which has been previously coated with the photosensitive resist. The combination of Graphic Tool and coated metal is then exposed to UV light to transfer the image onto the metal coating. The area which has been protected from the UV light by the Graphic Tool, remains soft and is then chemically developed away leaving the metal exposed ready for etching. The component image remains protected by the resist.
*9. Chemical Etching*
	The prepared metal sheets are now passed through the etching machine to remove the exposed metal. Virtually all metals can be etched, although some are etched more readily than others. As Photofabrication have 6 etching machines, the correct line can be used to obtain the best quality. To maintain a constant etch rate, lower environmental impact and improved economics, the etchant is regenerated.
*10 & 11. Stripping, Inspection and Packing*
	The final process of PCM is to strip off the resist from the etched component and ensure that the metal is clean. The components are checked electronically to ensure they conform to dimensional specifications and they are visually inspected for any surface defects. High quality finished products are then securely packed for overnight delivery.

If you think this process can benefit you, please contact us or telephone 01480 226699.