What Is Chemical Etching from YanMing Factory?

Working Principle

YanMing Chemical etching is a technique that removes specific areas from a material's surface through chemical reactions. Its fundamental principle relies on the reaction between a chemical solution and the material. Below is a detailed explanation of how it works and related information:

Basic Principle

Chemical etching typically involves the use of a specific chemical solution (etchant) that reacts with the material's surface, dissolving or corroding unwanted portions to form the desired pattern or shape. During the process, a protective layer (such as a photoresist) is first applied to the material surface. Through exposure and development steps, the areas to be etched are exposed. The material is then immersed in the etchant, which reacts with the exposed regions, gradually corroding them. The areas covered by the protective layer remain unaffected. Finally, the protective layer is removed to reveal the finished etched product.

Applications

Chemical etching is widely used in various fields, including electronics, architecture, medicine, environmental protection, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, and energy. For instance:

In the electronics industry, it is used to create circuit patterns for integrated circuits.

In aerospace, it is employed to produce components such as engine blades and casings.

In the signage industry, it is utilized for manufacturing lightweight instrument panels, nameplates, and similar items.

Advantages

1、High processing precision and excellent surface flatness.

2、Uses film phototypesetting instead of molds, saving on mold development costs.

3、Compatible with a wide range of metals, such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, and alloys.

4、Fast processing speed: 3–5 days for prototyping and 5–7 days for mass production.

✅ Key Control Points

Pre-treatment: Oil stains and oxide layers can lead to Chemical Etching failure, so surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned until they become hydrophilic.

Etching Process: Excessive temperature or prolonged etching time may cause pattern edge collapse. Dynamic adjustment of spray pressure is often employed to mitigate this.

Post-treatment: Residual etchant may cause secondary corrosion, so multiple rinsing and neutralization steps are required.