STAINLESS STEEL ETCHING

In the world of precision manufacturing, the challenge isn't just making a part—it’s making it perfect without compromising the material’s soul. At the intersection of chemistry and engineering lies Stainless Steel Etching, a cutting-edge process that allows us to craft intricate, high-performance components while preserving the legendary corrosion resistance and strength of the metal.

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How We Etch Stainless Steel: The Chemistry of Precision

 

Unlike traditional stamping or laser cutting, which rely on force or heat, our process uses Photochemical Machining (PCM). This method ensures that the metal’s molecular structure remains unchanged, resulting in parts that are entirely free of mechanical stress and burrs.

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The Step-by-Step Process:

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1. Lamination: We apply a light-sensitive material, called a photoresist, to a clean sheet of stainless steel.

2. Printing: Your specific design is printed onto this layer using high-resolution transparency.

3. Development: The sheet is exposed to UV light, hardening the resist in the areas we want to protect.

4. Etching: The steel is sprayed with ferric chloride, a safe and recyclable etchant. This selectively dissolves the unprotected metal with micron-level accuracy.

5. Stripping: The photoresist is removed, revealing a pristine, finished component.

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Versatile Manufacturing that Fosters Innovation

 

Our etching process isn't just a service; it’s a tool for designers to push boundaries. Because we don't use hard tooling or heavy dies, we can move from a digital concept to a physical prototype in a fraction of the time and cost.

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• Complex Geometries: Whether it’s a delicate mesh or a robust structural component, we can etch designs too complex for traditional machining.

• Zero Thermal Distortion: Since no heat is involved, there is no risk of warping or losing the material's temper.

• Preserved Integrity: Components retain their full corrosion resistance, ensuring long-lasting durability even in the harshest industrial or marine environments.

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Our expertise covers the full spectrum of metallurgy. We understand that different applications require different chemical signatures. We are proficient in etching:

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• Austenitic: 300 series (e.g., 304, 316L) – High corrosion resistance.

• Ferritic / Martensitic: 400 series – Magnetic and heat-treatable.

• Duplex: Combined strength and high pitting resistance.

• Precipitation Hardened: Specialist grades like 17-4 PH.

• Specialist Strips: Sandvik Chromflex strip steels and customer-supplied alloys.

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Precision Applications Across Industries

 

From the microscopic world of medical implants to the high-stakes environment of aerospace engineering, our stainless steel etching service delivers the reliability your mission-critical applications demand.

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• Medical: Surgical instruments, stents, and diagnostic components.

• Aerospace & Automotive: Fuel cell plates, gaskets, and decorative interior trim.

• Electronics: Lead frames, EMI/RFI shielding, and connector pins.

 

Partner with the Experts

 

Are you ready to bring your most ambitious designs to life? Our team is standing by to help you choose the right grade and optimize your design for the etching process.

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