Chemical Etching Services in Singapore
Chemical etching, also known as chemical milling or industrial etching, is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses baths of temperature-regulated etching chemicals to remove material from a metal surface, creating an object with the desired shape. This process is commonly used in the manufacturing of precision parts and components for industrial purposes. Chemical etching is renowned for its ability to create parts that are highly complex and difficult to manufacture with traditional methods.
Why Get Chemical Etching Services From Us?
At Million.com.sg, we take great pride in our ability to craft a variety of top-quality chemically etched items or components to suit your unique needs. From sleek brass and steel plaques to durable sign boards, we use the latest chemical etching technology to produce intricate designs with unparalleled precision. Our name tags and labels are also made with the utmost care and attention to detail, ensuring that they are not only functional but also visually stunning.
In addition, we offer laser engraving services that allow for the precise engraving of suitable materials like metal, glass, leather, plastic, and wood surfaces. This provides you with marking options for QR codes, UID codes, serial numbers, logos, texts, and other identification or design needs. Moreover, we also specialise in offering high-quality custom sticker label printing services to meet your specific needs. Trust Million.com.sg to help you elevate your business or project with our high-quality chemical etching and other services in Singapore.
What is the Chemical Etching Process?
Chemical etching is a precise and versatile process used to selectively remove material from a metal surface using a chemical solution. Here’s a detailed look at each step involved in chemical etching.
1. Material Selection
The first step in the chemical etching process is to choose the right material. A wide range of metals can be chemically etched, including steel, stainless steel, copper and its alloys, nickel and its alloys, aluminium, and titanium. The metals can range in thickness from 0.010 mm to 1.5 mm and sheet sizes up to 600 mm x 1500 mm. The material selection will depend on your specific application requirements.
2. Pre-Clean
After the material is selected, it undergoes a rigorous cleaning process. This involves removing debris, waxes, and rolling oils that could interfere with the chemical etching process. The cleaning ensures that the metal surface is free from any contaminants that might affect the final result.
3. Lamination
Once cleaned, a light-sensitive photoresist is laminated onto the metal sheet. This step is crucial for the precision of the finished product. Poor adhesion could lead to blemishes or inaccuracies during chemical etching, as it might allow the etchant to come into contact with areas of the metal that should remain protected.
4. Printing
In the next step of the chemical etching process, a photo-tool mask containing the desired design is prepared, and the laminated sheet is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This transfers the component design onto the photoresist, which undergoes a chemical change upon exposure.
5. Developing
The sheet is then developed to remove the unexposed photoresist, revealing the raw metal where the etching will occur. The hardened areas of the resist will protect the metal during the chemical etching process.
6. Chemical Etching
Chemical etching agents, commonly using ferric chloride, are applied to the prepared metal sheet. Experts meticulously calculate the duration for which the sheet should be etched, considering factors like the kind of metal, its quality, thickness, and dimensions, as these elements influence the final outcome.
7. Stripping
After chemical etching, the remaining photoresist is stripped away to unveil the finely etched components. This reveals the intricate designs that have been chemically etched into the metal.
8. Visual and Dimensional Inspection
After the chemical etching process is over, each component is subjected to rigorous visual and dimensional inspection using advanced optical inspection equipment to ensure that it meets the desired specifications.
Benefits of Chemical Etching
The following are the several benefits of using chemical etching as a manufacturing process:
Precision Manufacturing
Chemical etching is capable of producing intricate designs and tight tolerances due to the ability to selectively remove material from the metal sheets. This makes it ideal for creating high-quality precision components that require accuracy and repeatability.
Cost-Effective
Chemical etching is a highly efficient manufacturing process that can produce large quantities of precision components quickly and cost-effectively, without the need for expensive tooling. It is the perfect choice for those looking to increase production volume while reducing manufacturing costs.
Versatility
Chemical etching’s versatility in working with a wide range of materials allows people to choose from a range of suitable materials for their specific application. This adaptability ensures there is no compromise on quality or accuracy, making it a popular choice for those looking to produce components that meet strict specifications and high-quality standards.
Which Materials Are Suitable for Chemical Etching?
At Million.com.sg, we offer chemical etching services on the following suitable materials:
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is incredibly durable and highly resistant to corrosion, making it an excellent choice for chemical etching where other materials might not hold up. In addition, it has a uniform and consistent surface finish, ensuring precise and accurate results every time. Its ability to maintain its properties over time ensures that the etched pattern remains visible and unchanged.
Aluminium
Aluminium’s lightweight yet strong nature makes it an excellent choice for manufacturing that requires a high strength-to-weight ratio, while its non-magnetic and non-combustible characteristics make it a safe and effective material for chemical etching processes. Furthermore, aluminium’s malleability enables intricate and complex designs to be smoothly and accurately etched onto its surface, making it a versatile material for use in various industries.
Brass
Brass is an excellent material for chemical etching due to its high ductility and impressive machinability. Its unique golden appearance gives it an aesthetic edge over other materials, making it a popular choice for upscale applications or industries. Given its durability and resilience against wear and tear, brass is a preferred option for creating long-lasting and intricate designs.
It is important to note that the choice of chemical used for etching must be carefully considered to ensure that it is compatible with the material being etched.
Contact us today to discuss your chemical etching needs and request a quote. Let us help bring your vision to life. With over 40 years of industry experience, Million.com.sg ensures you receive the highest quality chemical etching services in Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chemical Etching Services in Singapore
How do you ensure the quality and accuracy of the chemical etching process?
What measures do you have in place to prevent errors or defects in the chemical etching process?
Can I request a sample of your chemically etched products before placing an order?
Yes, at Million.com.sg, we provide samples of our chemically etched products upon request. We understand that our clients may want to verify the quality of our chemical etching process before placing an order, and we are happy to accommodate these requests. Our commitment to excellence ensures that our clients receive the results that they want.
What industry standards and regulations do you follow when performing chemical etching services?
When performing chemical etching services, we follow several industry standards and regulations to ensure the safety of our workers, protect the environment, and maintain compliance with government requirements. We comply with the Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA), Work Safety and Health Act, and SS 586 on Specification for Hazard Communication for Hazardous Chemicals and Dangerous Goods. We obtain necessary permits and licences, provide proper labelling of chemicals, and provide safety training for our workers. Additionally, we implement safe disposal practices for chemical waste. Our company prioritises compliance with regulations to ensure that we provide high-quality services to our clients while maintaining a safe and responsible operation.
Does Million.com.sg provide delivery services?
What is your return policy for products that undergo chemical etching?
Our company has a return policy for our products that undergo chemical etching, with the period of coverage specified on the issued printed invoice provided. In the unlikely event of a product defect, we will either replace the product or provide a refund of the purchase price. Please note that our warranty does not cover product damage caused by misuse, abuse, accident, neglect, or mishandling by the customer or others. If the purchaser registers the product online within 90 days following the purchase date, the warranty period will be extended by an additional 3 months.
How can I request a quote for chemical etching services, and what factors determine the cost of the process?
You can request a quote for our chemical etching services by simply filling out the service enquiry form provided. Indicate your name and contact details, the service you’re interested in availing and uploading a sample drawing of your desired product result. For further questions, you can reach out to us at cu*******@mi*****.sg or call us directly at +65-6292 0083. Please let us know how we can assist you.