The chemical etching experts

Photofab are world leaders in the development of photochemical technology to produce intricately shaped components through metal etching. Established in 1968, we have built a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer our customers, ensuring they get the best possible solution. We are specialists in chemical etching – also known as chemical milling or photo etching. Photofab have over 50 years of experience chemically etching metals to create precise and intricate components.

For more information on how we can reduce your costs & improve lead time contact our dedicated account managers on 01480 226699 or email enquiries@photofab.co.uk.

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What are the benefits of Photofab’s chemical etching?

  • Fast prototyping
  • Rapid 24hr quoting
  • Short lead times
  • Product Realisation support team
  • Large stock of industry standard metals
  • Low-cost manufacturing process
  • Technically trained dedicated account managers
  • Low-cost digital tooling
  • Low-cost digital tooling design changes
  • Mixed sheet graphic tools for prototypes to full production
  • Vast range of metals can be etched
  • Etching to Micron accuracy
  • Extremely tight tolerances offered
  • Half Etched fold lines for tool-free forming
  • Half-etched forming to tight tolerances
  • Metal properties unaltered by the etching process
  • Logos can be etched into flat parts
  • Tabbed-in components offered or loose
  • No heat or force used in production that could distort parts
  • Burr & stress-free process
  • Blemish free finish
  • As low as 0.010mm sheet thickness up to 1.2mm
  • Heat treatment process available to harden metals
  • Full hard tool forming service available
  • Plating available
  • Access to a vast collection of uni form tooling (save thousands and quicken lead times)
  • Flat parts available in 24 hours
  • Standard rapid service parts ready in 3 working days
  • Sample packs available
  • Seam Welding and spot welding available
  • Quality accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SC21 Bronze
  • Full manufacturing service and supply chain management
chemical etching process

Chemical Milling / Chemical Etching

Since 1968, Photofab have specialised in precision chemical etching, building a reputation as the world leaders through exceptional customer service, lead-times and quality management of chemical etching and value-added services.

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Hard tooling and forming

Dedicated Sheet Metal Engineering

At Photofab we understand that engineering is an essential part of the production journey. That’s why we at Photofab have heavily invested in a dedicated secondary engineering unit, with the aim of this is to offer an even greater service and flexibility to our customers.

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CAD design for etching

Electronic File Handling

Digital files have now become an essential part of our tooling process – digital tooling gives a huge flexibility of design, while allowing our team to easily review and edit designs.

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Metal etching quality checks

Prototyping to High Volume

Photofab offers their services in every possible volume – we can prototype single pieces and scale all the way up to a high-volume production. We offer this flexibility in a range of our industry leading processes.

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Photofab chemical etching metal forming

Sheet Metal Forming & Tooling Manufacture

Our metal forming and tooling team have built a wealth of experience and expertise to compliment the established etching division and create a full manufacturing service.

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Volume chemical etched parts

Far East Supply Chain

Photofab offers the option of utilising their strong relationship with a quality manufacturing supply chain in the Far East.

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Metal Laser cutting

Laser Cutting

Our laser cutting service was created to offer customers precision cutting on materials thicker than 1.5mm whilst maintaining the same standards and quality control as our in-house etching services.

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Metal stamping

Metal Stamping

Metal stamping is best used for high volume applications, as the more volume is produced the better cost effective the initial outlay on the tooling is.

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Photofab chemical etching

Photo Etching

There is a phrase often associated with Photofab and photo etching, “If you can draw it, we can make it”. With nearly 50 years experience and a large pool of technical knowledge, we are specialists in photo etching of thin metal parts.

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Full service

Chemical etching & forming services

From technical advice and digital tooling, through to precision etching, forming, and finishing. This essential set of solutions has been a ‘game changer’ for our customers, not only alleviating supply headaches, but creating a far more efficient process. Our quality managed service ultimately delivers faster with tighter tolerances that ensures less waste and better profitability for our customers.

turnaround - Photofab

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DEDICATED Account Managers

We pride ourselves on the technical quality and high standards of customer service. Every order at Photofab is assigned to an Account Manager who will be on hand to assist until order completion. It’s this customer-focused service that has led to our high levels of customer retention.

Fabian-brochure-small

We proudly hold ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, showcasing our commitment to our service and rigorous quality control, without compromising our environmental standards, We have also been awarded the SC21 Bronze award for six years running, highlighting Photofab’s commitment to continuous improvement.

Account Management Teams

Latest News


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Experience Fast and Efficient Turnaround with Photofab

Time is of the essence when it comes to working with customers. Whether you are a business owner, a designer, or an individual looking to bring your creative ideas to life, having a reliable and efficient manufacturing partner is crucial. That’s where we come in.

With our unwavering commitment to quality, precision, and quick turnaround times, we are the go-to choice for all your chemical etching needs. The company’s rapid turnaround service has long been a key selling point for many years. Speed of production is a large part of our success story, whether the products are battery contacts, connectors, gaskets, complex diaphragms or more!

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Take a look at other

NEWS from Photofab


Apprenticeships

Embracing Apprenticeships in engineering

At Photofab, we’ve enjoyed a long history of apprenticeships and developed some incredible successes including our very own Managing Director Neil Shorten and Operations Director Paul Rea.

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Photofab promotions

Photofab employees leading by example

At Photofab, our most valued assets are our dedicated employees. We are thrilled to announce several recent promotions to Team Leader for members of the Photofab team

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Account Management Teams

The outstanding value of a dedicated Photofab Account Manager

The importance of Account Managers in a business is unprecedented. These people in particular play a crucial role at Photofab, serving as the primary point of contact for customers, building strong business relationships with them to form a trusting bond.

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To find out how we can help you

Get in touch today

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