Guidelines
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Guidelines
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General Etching Guidelines The etching process offers designers many advantages but it also has its own limitations and in order to understand this the following are general guidelines that should be taken into consideration when using etching as a method of manufacture. Hole Size v Metal Thickness A general rule is that a hole or slot produced in an etched component cannot be smaller than 1.2 x the material thickness where a straight edge profile is required Radius on Corners The minimum inside radius of a component will normal be equal to the material thickness whilst as a general rule the outside radius can be equal to 0.75x of the metal thickness if required to be kept to a minimum.
Tolerances
Metals Metals are sourced in two primary grades, the first being tension levelled photo etch quality strip, and the second being high quality commercial strip. We select our suppliers very carefully in order that the metal with use is both aesthetically and also technically suited for etching. Metal can be sourced in a range of thicknesses fro 0.025mm up to 1.5mm thick.
Design We can receive data in both hard copy and also computer format. Most commonly used electronic formats are as follows CAD Gerber, DWG, and DXF Graphics Coreldraw, EPS In our graphics department we have the ability to convert all data formats in order to produce low cost phototooling on short lead times. Designs can either be imported in generic formats or we can draught a design from customers own hard copy drawings.
General Other points to consider are the form in which components are to be supplied to the end user. Are parts required to be supplied discrete or can they be supplied in a sheet form with the parts tabbed into a master sheet.
Please note that the forgoing are only general guidelines and that for specific information regarding a particular application we recommend the submission of full drawing details |
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