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All ProductsELECTRICAL contacts, connectors, PARTS & COMPONENTS
ELECTRICAL contacts Manufacturer
Since 1968, Photofab have worked closely with leading electrical contacts and electronic connector manufacturers to adapt and perfect our processes, ensuring the highest standards in quality, precision, and consistency for the manufacture of electrical components. Supplying key industries like telecoms, medical, PCB & electronics manufacturers, automotive and aerospace.
Chemical Metal Etching is an ideal manufacturing process for the electrical and electronic industries, in addition to offering incredibly tight tolerances, metal etching carries the unique advantages of leaving the internal structure of the metal unchanged. In essence, the original conductivity, hardness, and grain structure remains unchanged throughout the entire process.
All of our processes follow the ISO9001, 14001 and 45001 quality standards and SC21 bronze award for continuous improvement, as well as offering full traceability. Our experience manufacturing electrical contacts and connectors, coupled with our vast range of industry leading equipment and trusted supplier and partner network makes Photofab the perfect choice for precision manufacturing, whatever your requirements.
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.
What is Chemical Metal Etching?
Chemical metal etching is a machining process which uses acids and other chemicals to dissolve exposed areas from a metal sheet to produce highly accurate components. A masking film is created from the design to protect the areas on both sides of the metal sheet, so only the exposed areas are etched. This process has incredible precision, removing anything from 10 microns (0.0004”) to over 0.5mm (0.020”) on both sides of the sheet simultaneously, creating a highly efficient and effective fabrication process. See our metal etching process sections for more information.
As the demand for smaller electronic devices increase, so does the need for precision components. Our technology, etching efficiencies and expertise ensure the manufacture of exceptionally accurate pieces which can easily and reliably be replicated within very short lead-times.
THE BENEFITS OF etching electrical and electronic parts
- Conductivity & resistivity remains unaltered throughout the process
- Precision tolerances from 10 microns (0.0004”)
- Half etched etching for forming components like RFI shielding units
- Burr-free finishes
- Mixed component designs on one sheet
- Fast and cost-effective digital tooling direct from CADs
- Identification marks added at no extra cost
- Prototyping and full-volume manufacture from the same tool
- Dedicated account manager
- Technical expertise
- In-house management of each process
- Rapid manufacturing service
Custom Electrical Contacts
Photofab can supply formed, heat treated and plated electrical contacts and connectors. We have an extensive stock of universal tooling to form components saving on any additional hard tooling costs. This allows new product development at relatively low-cost and very little commercial risk.
For prototype, low & high-volume electrical components with optimum precision, short lead-times and cost-effective production, trust Photofab to deliver. Read our case studies and see what our customers say about our service.
ETCHED METALS FOR ELECTRICAL & electronic components
Photofab offer an extensive range of metal types and thicknesses, all with full traceability. Various hardnesses are also offered to meet your requirements. Metal stocks are kept at levels that enable Photofab to offer rapid service to meet the needs of this fact paced industry.
The following list of metals is suitable for chemical etching in the electrical and electronic industries, and many are held in stock. If you don’t see what you need, please telephone us on 01480 226699 or contact us using the form below. Find out more on our chemical etching process.
Stainless Steels
Austenitic (301, 302, 304, 316, S526, S527), Martensitic (321, 410, 420), Precipitation Hardened (17/7), Heat Resisting (309, 310)
Other Steels
Mild Steel, Carbon Steel, Tool Steel, Spring Steel, Transil, Losil.
Nickel Alloys
Nichrome, Mu Metal, Nickel Copper (70/30), Inconel, Nickel Brazing Foil.
Nickel/Iron Alloys
Invar, Alloy 42, Kovar, Radio Metal.
Copper
Tough Pitch 101, Oxygen free – High Conductivity.
Copper Alloys
Brass, Phosphor Bronze, Beryllium Copper, Nickel Silver, Ferry Constantan.
Aluminium and Aluminium Alloys
Silver and Alloys
Silver, Silver Alloys, Silver/Copper, Silver/Palladium, Silver Brazing Alloys.
Conductivity & resistivity of common metals
| Material | Resistivity p(Ω•m) at 20°C | Conductivity σ(S/m) at 20°C |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 1.59×10-8 | 6.30×107 |
| Copper | 1.68×10-8 | 5.98×107 |
| Annealed Copper | 1.72×10-8 | 5.80×107 |
| Gold | 2.44×10-8 | 4.52×107 |
| Aluminium | 2.82×10-8 | 3.5×107 |
| Calcium | 3.36×10-8 | 2.82×107 |
| Beryllium | 4.00×10-8 | 2.500×107 |
| Molybdenum | 5.225×10-8 | 1.914×107 |
| Zinc | 5.945×10-8 | 1.682×107 |
| Cobalt | 6.25×10-8 | 1.60×107 |
| Cadmium | 6.84×10-8 | 1.467 |
| Nickel (electrolytic) | 6.84×10-8 | 1.46×107 |
| Platinum | 1.06×10-7 | 9.44×106 |
| Tin | 1.15×10-7 | 8.7×106 |
| Chromium | 1.96×10-7 | 5.10×106 |
| Zirconium | 4.105×10-7 | 2.44×106 |
DEDICATED engineering
Photofab understands the importance of skilled engineering when designing components and putting them into production. Therefore, we have heavily invested in a dedicated secondary engineering unit, the aim of this is to offer an even greater service and flexibility to our customers.
Originally set up to provide an in-house solution to support the etching division, it has proven so popular with our customers that Photofab are now offering toolroom, forming and finishing as stand-alone services. This means our customers now have access to a new level of flexibility – enjoying the convenience of full-service manufacture or pick and choose services to suit them. It truly is a complete service from Photofab.
Photofab continues to offer cutting-edge services and outstanding lead times, and we can do so because of continuous investment in our people and our processes, leading to class-leading output and lead times – including our rapid 24 hour turnaround service.
The benefits of
working with us
We are world leaders in the development of photochemical technology to produce intricately shaped components. We have produced over 80,000 different components over the years and are highly regarded for our chemical etching process. Our engineers offer many services that you can find here, and will offer advice to improve the product and reduce the costs.
24-hour quotation service
Dedicated account managers
Rapid manufacturing service
Cost saving stock of uni-tooling
Etched fold lines for tool-free forming
Full manufacturing service and supply chain management
Access to manufacturing and technical advice and expertise
Quality accredited to ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and SC21 Bronze
The Photofab difference
One of the key reasons Photofab enjoy its customer retention and longevity is the team of dedicated account managers. This ‘single point of contact’ throughout the whole process, ensures a personal service, and pride in the quality and reliability of the entire Photofab service.
Customers rely on their dedicated contacts’ understanding and in-depth knowledge of their specific requirements and know the highest standards will always be met using the most efficient and cost-effective methods.
This consistent service is the foundation of our customer loyalty and is maintained throughout every department and every stage of production. Put us to the test for your next project and call one of our account managers on 01480 226699 or use our customer enquiry form.
start your production journey today
If you are looking to find a complete service include dedicated engineering to design and implement your solution, get in touch with us. You’ll be given an account manager who is always on hand to advise and take care of everything for you. Call Photofab on 01480 226699 or contact us now to see how Photofab can add an extra dimension to your manufacturing project. Keep up to date by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
TAKE A LOOK AT OTHER
PRODUCTS FROM PHOTOFAB
Masks and Stencils
We have been producing masks and stencils for industrial use for many years, backed by over 55 years of metalworking experience.
Electrical Contacts & Connectors
Chemical Metal Etching is an ideal manufacturing process for electrical and electronic components requiring incredibly tight tolerances.
Metal Laminations
Photofab use their industry-leading chemical etching along with a range of post processes to supply metal laminations of the highest quality.
Gaskets & Seals
We can produce metal gaskets and seals, and regularly supply high precision custom gaskets and seals for use in multiple industries.
Encoder Discs and Actuators
We understand the need for high accuracy, fine apertures, no burrs and additional coatings.
Speaker Grilles
At our state-of-the-art facility, we employ cutting-edge chemical etching techniques to create custom speaker grilles for many different industries and applications, including automotive, stereos and other sound devices.
Metal Shims and Spacers
Our shims are often used to absorb tolerances between two components, reducing incompatibilities. The whole manufacturing process is managed in-house by one of our experienced and technically trained account managers.
Filters, Meshes, Screens & Grids
We have a wide experience in the manufacture of metal meshes, filters, screens and grids.
Metal Fuel Cell Plates
Our automotive unit work with many leading car manufacturers in the quest for zero emissions through fuel cell plate technology, helping to support innovations in PEM hydrogen fuel cells.
EMI / RFI Shielding Products
We can supply EMI / RFI Shielding cans and solutions using various intelligent design techniques.
Formed Components
We can be your all-in-one supplier of metal parts. In addition to manufacturing your parts we are able to offer a variety of forming solutions to suit your individual needs.
To find out how we can help you
Get in touch today
