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All SectorsCHEMICAL ETCHING in THE AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR
We are a specialist supplier to the automotive industry. Chemical etching is an ideal solution for the manufacture of certain specialist automotive parts. With over 55 years of experience manufacturing for the automotive industry, we understand what it takes – with part integrity being critical to ensure safety.
The range of products we produce for the automotive industry is vast, from shims and spacers in F1 engines, to tread plates and vehicles to speaker grilles on many well-known premium vehicles. We have also helped produce fuel cell plates to develop zero emission hydrogen vehicles.
We have worked with a number of high-profile manufacturers in their pursuits of automotive excellence. We understand the specific needs of the automotive industry, such as demand cycles changing – we are always reacting the fast-paced industry and reacting to demand leaving you with a constantly stable supply of exactly what you need. We can produce components in a range of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper alloys and nickel alloys. You can read our full range of materials on this page.
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.
Download our brochure to see what we bring to the automotive sector:
Engine Management
We can assist in producing parts for engine management and we work with some of the leading designers across the industry. The items we photo etch may not be the most technical elements of the engine design, but the critical benefits provided by photo etching enable other aspects of the design to function as intended. This includes damping shims for fuel injection, spacers and washers for Formula 1 cars, gaskets, flexures and so much more.
Fuel Cell Plates
We have worked with many leading car manufacturers in the quest for zero emissions through fuel cell plate technology, commonly used in hydrogen powered vehicles. Photo etching as a process provides the ability to combine fine features, controlled etched channels and high accuracy. We can assist in the development of bipolar fuel cell plates.
The development of fuel cell plates can be seen in various applications from cars and airplanes through to domestic boilers. They all have one thing in common – the quest for efficiency, and the hope of gaining competitive advantage over their competitors.
Speaker Grilles
We use cutting-edge chemical etching techniques to create custom speaker grilles specifically designed for the automotive industry. By expertly controlling chemical reactions and etching conditions, intricate designs and exact patterns are etched onto metal surfaces, guaranteeing superior sound transmission and high aesthetic appeal.
This pioneering method allows us to produce speaker grilles of exceptional quality, meeting the rigorous demands of automotive standards while enhancing the aesthetic and functional aspects of vehicle interiors.
Automotive R&D
We can assist in research and development in the automotive sector. We have worked work with small design houses through to many of the leading car manufacturers across the globe. How do manufactures make their vehicles stand out in a highly competitive marketplace? Design! Turning moving from A to B into a real experience. Designers need parts that allow them to bring their vision to life. Nobody is better suited to this than us, as we have experience in bringing designs into production from every stage – including from simple sketches!
Automotive Components
- Busbars
- Shims
- Gaskets
- Speaker Grilles
- Tread Plates
Fuel Injectors
Actuators
Contacts
Terminals
RFI Shielding
We take great care in the selection of the right metal for the component application. Wherever possible, we use a special photo-etching grade, which is more uniform in thickness and flatter than normal stock. Our engineers and metallurgists will be pleased to advise on the grade of metal suitable for your application.
An extensive range of metals in various degrees of hardness and thickness are held in stock ready to meet a Rapid Delivery service. Metal thickness of 0.005 to 1.5 mm is suitable for through etching, while any thickness of sheet material can be surface etched.
The following list of metals is suitable for chemical etching and forming, 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.
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.
DEDICATED engineering
We understand 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 we 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 we offer.
We continue 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 key difference
One of the key reasons we achieve high levels of 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 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 customer 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, we would love to hear from you.
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 allocated your own dedicated account manager who is always on hand to advise and take care of everything for you. Call us on 01480 226699 or contact us now to see how we can add an extra dimension to your manufacturing project. Keep up to date by following us on LinkedIn.
TAKE A LOOK AT OTHER
SECTORS we Supply
Automotive
We are a specialist supplier to the automotive industry. Chemical etching is an ideal solution for the manufacture of certain specialist automotive parts.
Electronics
Currently, 90% of industry uses electronics to advance the functionality of their products – showing the scale of demand for intricate electronics products.
Product Development
The UK is one of the world leaders in design and development. We are proud to support this sector, offering many options for designing and bringing a product into reality.
Optical
We are highly experienced within the optical sector. The most typical components we produce for optical use are encoder discs and actuators.
Communications
Chemical etching can be a crucial process in the manufacture of communications equipment.
Aerospace and Defence
We have an established background in meeting the needs of the Aerospace and Defence sectors. The chemical etching process is ideal for producing components that are used in critical applications.
Scientific
The scientific sector shares many similarities with that of the life sciences sector. They are both reliant on the constant innovation of technology to be able to power their research goals.
Medical
Chemical etching offers a cost-effective way to mass produce small, intricate components for use in devices such as ventilators, but also in many other medical devices.
Renewables & renewable energy
Chemical etching is a clean, environmentally friendly manufacturing process that produces minimal waste and has a low carbon footprint.
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