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All SectorsRenewables & Renewable Energy
Renewables and the renewable energy sector are a thriving industry that will become hugely important in the coming years and Photofab already work with some of the biggest companies in the industry, enabling them to continue to innovate and produce renewable projects for a better future. We produce components to serve this vital sector and help renewable energy grow in the U.K. and abroad, as our expertise is increasingly sought out to deliver chemical etching to companies across Europe and worldwide.
Leaning on our expertise in the other sectors we’ve served over the years, we understand the renewable sector needs sustainable components that will perform for many years, and not fail in harsh conditions. This is because chemical etching eliminates the heat and stress introduced to the material that is inherent with hard tool processes. We are able to etch with extreme precision and tolerances of 0.025mm can be achieved, with thicknesses between 0.01-1.25mm. This all means that Photofab can be trusted to produce the right parts for renewable projects first time, every time.
Chemical etching is renowned for its consistency, quality, and cost effectiveness, delivering parts that crucially have a low coefficient of thermal expansion, ensuring parts do not fail in demanding environment, regardless of external temperature.
This makes etching ideal for the rapidly growing renewable sector where demand for such components is only expected to grow. Chemical etching also delivers a burr-free and stress-free finish, giving a level of product consistency that is impossible to get through other means, with no deviation in quality regardless of the size of the order. Chemical etching is increasingly sought after for its outstanding characteristics, such as excellent strength-to-weight ratios and corrosion resistance.
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.
Perfect for renewables
Chemical etching is a clean, environmentally friendly manufacturing process that produces minimal waste and has a low carbon footprint. This is particularly important in the renewables sector, where sustainability is a key driver. By choosing chemical etching with Photofab over other manufacturing processes, companies can reduce their environmental impact and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Investing in renewables
Photofab is continually investing in both its people and processes to ensure we remain at the forefront of the chemical etching industry. This means we are constantly innovating on the renewable components we produce. When you work with Photofab, you’re always getting the latest advances in the etching sector to produce your intricate components in the most cost-effective manner, and digital tooling makes design revisions simple to achieve and fast to implement.
Typical applications in the renewable energy sector
- Fuel cell and bipolar plates
- Heat exchanger components
- Shims and spacers
- Meshes, filters, screens, and grids
- Gaskets and seals
- Formed and flat springs
Committed to improvement
At Photofab, we appreciate that the sector faces continually changing requirements through research and development, or legislation in terms of innovation, quality, speed, etc. That is why we are always aiming to deliver on the cutting edge and deliver the latest standards. Get in touch with us about your needs in the sector to see what we can do for you.
The benefits of chemical etching for the Renewable Sector
- Burr-free & stress-free manufacturing method
- High temperature and corrosion resistance
- Single piece up to high volume
- Fully traceable and managed in-house
- Very high tolerance
- Environmentally friendly production method
- Variable bar heights
- High accuracy and consistency
- Cost effective tooling and manufacture
- Fast turnaround, from 24 hours for flat components
- ISO 9001, 14001, 18001 and SC21 accredited
- Dedicated Account Manager
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratios
- Over 50 years and 80,000 components produced
Photofab take great care in the selection of the right metal for the component application. Wherever possible, Photofab 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
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 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 partner for the production of components for use in the renewable energy sector, get in touch with us today. You’ll be allocated an Account Manager who is 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
SECTORS PHOTOFAB Supplies
Communications
Chemical etching can be a crucial process in the manufacture of communications equipment.
Automotive
We are a specialist supplier to the automotive industry. Chemical etching is an ideal solution for the manufacture of certain specialist automotive parts.
Renewables & renewable energy
Chemical etching is a clean, environmentally friendly manufacturing process that produces minimal waste and has a low carbon footprint.
Optical
We are highly experienced within the optical sector. The most typical components we produce for optical use are encoder discs and actuators.
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.
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.
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.
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