Etching is a process where chemicals are used to remove a certain pre-determined shape from a surface. Etching can be used in many different applications, from window etchings to PCB etchings.
There are several types of etching services, including acid etching, laser etching, photo resist chemical milling and photo chemical milling.
Acid etching is the most common form of etching, where a material such as steel, aluminum, zinc, copper, brass or plastic is placed in a chemical solution. The chemicals may be mixed with acid to bring out the best results with regards to the type of material in question. The chemicals react with the surface of the metal through chemical action, which removes part or all of it. The surface is then rinsed with water to remove all of the chemical residues.
The laser etching method involves using a laser beam, which is focused on the surface to be etched. The heat from this laser then changes the properties that are within the material itself, which moves it away from the surface. The laser etchings are then removed with solvents, which is why the parts need to be sealed after the process.
Photo resist chemical milling involves using photo sensitive chemicals that are exposed to light to form the design required, which is then etched using chemicals. The advantage of this method is that special chemicals can be used to create the design, which also makes this method more environmentally friendly.
A chemical etching service is used for many different purposes, including creating window etchings, PCB etchings and photoetching. These services are generally offered by companies who have specialized in chemical etchings for a long time.
Photo chemical milling is one of the most common forms of etching, where light sensitive chemicals are used to reproduce images in almost unlimited quantities at any size. This method can also create very intricate designs, by building up multiple layers of resin and photo chemicals. It is generally done on a glass or acrylic surface, which is then sealed after the chemical etching has been finished.
This method is most commonly used by architects who want to create etched glass panels for their buildings. This can be done through a laser or photo chemical milling process, depending on what the architect requires.
Photo resist PCB etching is also one of the most common forms of etching services, where chemicals are used along with photo sensitive chemicals to reproduce images in almost unlimited quantities at any size. This method can also create very intricate designs, by building up multiple layers of resin and photo chemicals.
This process is most commonly used for printed circuit boards (PCB), which are often used in electrical devices such as cell phones, laptops and PDAs. Photo resist PCB etching is a photo chemical milling process where light sensitive chemicals are used along with photo sensitive chemicals to produce this effect. The most common form of etching for PCBs is photo laser etching, which uses a laser beam to reproduce the design onto a glass or acrylic surface.