Enquire nowThe chemical etching experts
We are world leaders in the development of photochemical technology to produce intricately shaped components through metal etching. Established in 1968, we have built a wealth of knowledge and experience to offer our customers, ensuring they get the best possible solution. We are specialists in chemical etching – also known as chemical milling or photo etching. We have over 55 years of experience chemically etching metals to create precise and intricate components.
For more information on how we can reduce your costs & improve lead time contact our dedicated account managers on 01480 226699 or email enquiries@photofab.co.uk.
Chemical Etching
What are the benefits of our chemical etching service?
- Fast prototyping
- Rapid 24hr quoting
- Short lead times
- Product Realisation support team
- Large stock of industry standard metals
- Low-cost manufacturing process
- Technically trained dedicated account managers
- Low-cost digital tooling
- Low-cost digital tooling design changes
- Mixed sheet graphic tools for prototypes to full production
- Vast range of metals can be etched
- Etching to Micron accuracy
- Extremely tight tolerances offered
- Half Etched fold lines for tool-free forming
- Half-etched forming to tight tolerances
- Metal properties unaltered by the etching process
- Logos can be etched into flat parts
- Tabbed-in components offered or loose
- No heat or force used in production that could distort parts
- Burr & stress-free process
- Blemish free finish
- As low as 0.010mm sheet thickness up to 1.2mm
- Heat treatment process available to harden metals
- Full hard tool forming service available
- Plating available
- Access to a vast collection of uni form tooling (save thousands and quicken lead times)
- Flat parts available in 24 hours
- Standard rapid service parts ready in 3 working days
- Sample packs available
- Seam Welding and spot welding available
- Quality accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SC21 Bronze
- Full manufacturing service and supply chain management
Chemical Milling / Chemical Etching
Since 1968, we have specialised in precision chemical etching, building a reputation as the world leaders through exceptional customer service, lead-times and quality management of chemical etching and value-added services.
Export
We understand the importance of reliable, high-quality manufacturing for businesses around the world. With an over 55-year legacy in supplying chemically etched components worldwide, our unique combination of versatility and unparalleled service makes us the ideal choice as your export partner. We believe in the power of international collaboration.
Dedicated Sheet Metal Engineering
We understand that engineering is an essential part of the production journey. That’s why we have heavily invested in a dedicated secondary engineering unit, with the aim of this is to offer an even greater service and flexibility to our customers.
Electronic File Handling
Digital files have now become an essential part of our tooling process – digital tooling gives a huge flexibility of design, while allowing our team to easily review and edit designs.
Metal Plating & Finishing
Photofab can offer a class-leading metal plating service, in a huge range of finishes. Metal plating is an important service that allows you to add certain properties, or a decorative finish, to your pieces. With a 24-hour turnaround time, Photofab is the perfect candidate to quickly fulfil the metal plating needs of your application.
Prototyping to High Volume
We offer our services in every possible volume – we can prototype single pieces and scale all the way up to a high-volume production. We offer this flexibility in a range of our industry leading processes.
Sheet Metal Forming & Tooling Manufacture
Our metal forming and tooling team have built a wealth of experience and expertise to compliment the established etching division and create a full manufacturing service.
Far East Supply Chain
We offer the option of utilising their strong relationship with a quality manufacturing supply chain in the Far East.
Laser Cutting
Our laser cutting service was created to offer customers precision cutting on materials thicker than 1.5mm whilst maintaining the same standards and quality control as our in-house etching services.
Metal Stamping
Metal stamping is best used for high volume applications, as the more volume is produced the better cost effective the initial outlay on the tooling is.
Photo Etching
There is a phrase often associated with our photo etching capabilities, “If you can draw it, we can make it”. With over 55 years experience and a large pool of technical knowledge, we are specialists in photo etching of thin metal parts.
Full service
Chemical etching & forming services
From technical advice and digital tooling, through to precision etching, forming, and finishing. This essential set of solutions has been a ‘game changer’ for our customers, not only alleviating supply headaches, but creating a far more efficient process. Our quality managed service ultimately delivers faster with tighter tolerances that ensures less waste and better profitability for our customers.
DEDICATED Account Managers
We pride ourselves on the technical quality and high standards of customer service. Every order is assigned to an Account Manager who will be on hand to assist until order completion. It’s this customer-focused service that has led to our high levels of customer retention.
We proudly hold ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, showcasing our commitment to our service and rigorous quality control, without compromising our environmental standards, We have also been awarded the SC21 Bronze award for six years running, highlighting our commitment to continuous improvement.
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Dan Simpson scores winning goal for Fabian’s Football Adventure
We are happy to announce the conclusion of our exciting Fabian’s Football Adventure treasure hunt, which coincided with the recent Euro 2024 tournament. This interactive campaign had our website visitors scouring for hidden Fabians, and we are delighted to share the results with you all.
Our grand prize winner is Dan Simpson from Sewtec Automation. Dan has been a valued contact of ours for several years, and his persistence in our treasure hunts has finally paid off!
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We have a long-standing history of meeting the needs of respected companies in the aerospace and space industries. Our expertise lies in the precise chemical etching process, which we use to create essential components for aerospace and space exploration projects.
To find out how we can help you
Get in touch today
