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Metal etching is the production of a depressed design on a metal plate by cutting lines through a protective coating and then applying corrosive acid that removes the metal under the lines.
Etching is used to create metal industrial parts, which may have many small grooves or holes. It is also used as a decorative finish on many metals. It allows a metal to meet weight demands, as well, by dissolving an appropriate layer of the surface.
Etched products are used when durability and long life are required and, like engraved components, the etchings can be colour-filled to bring clarity to lettering and other fine detail
A broad range of metals can be used during the acid-based processes, such as stainless steel, copper, brass, nickel and silver alloy. Other metals can be etched using gas or electric-based processes. Photo chemical etching, which is the most common etching method, is a low-cost process that provides high quality, fast turnaround and precision accuracy unavailable in other etching processes. This process also allows flexibility in the design of parts, as changes can be made quickly, simply and cost-effectively.
Examples of etched metal products in the medical field are stents, cathodes and implants. Brake rotors and fuel cell plates are made for the automotive industry. The sign and plaque industry heavily relies on the use of etched metals. Jewelry production and other artistic portions of industry use metal etching to create fine lines for intricate details. Photochemical etching produces business cards, logo name plates, panel covers and promotional items for the commercial sector. Metal etching is also used to create longer lasting stencils for the woodworking and art fields.
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