Metals suitable for Photo Chemical Machining

The foundation of the component is the metal. Photofabrication take great care in the selection of the right metal for the component application. Wherever possible, Photofab use a special photo-etching grade, which is more uniform in thickness and flatter than normal stock. Engineers and metallurgists will be pleased to advise on the grade of metal suitable for your application. An extensive range of metals in various degrees of hardness and thickness is held in stock ready to meet a Rapid Delivery service. Metal thickness of 0.012 to 2 mm is suitable for through etching, while any thickness of sheet material can surface etched.

The following list is metals suitable for etching, many of which are in stock:

Stainless Steels
Austenitic (301, 302, 304, 316), Ferritic (403), Martensitic (410, 420), Precipitation Hardened (17/7), Heat Resisting (309, 310)

Nickel Alloys
Nichrome, Hymu, Mu Metal, Nickel Copper (70/30), Inconel, Nickel Brazing Foil

Nickel/Iron Alloys
Invar, Alloy 42, Kovar, Radio Metal.

Copper
Tough Pitch 101, Oxygen free - High Conductivity,

Copper Alloys
Brass, Phosphor Bronze, Beryllium Copper, Nickel Silver, Ferry Constantan.

Steels
Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Tool Steel, Spring Steel, Iron Silicon, Transil, Losil.

Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys

Silver and Alloys
Silver, Silver Alloys, Silver/Copper, Silver/Palladium, Silver Brazing Alloys

Molybdenum

Gold and Gold Alloys

To check the stock of particular metals, or advice on metal suitability, contact us or telephone on 01480 475831.