Etching process

Etching process

Laminating the resin sheet to the metal sheet in the next process. Degrease and clean the surface to increase adhesion strength.

STEP 01

Creation of etching plates

Based on drawings and data, the original plate is created in CAD. The master plate consists of a solid black (light-shielding) part and a transparent (light-transparent) part, and is patterned in the form of a negative plate of the desired shape.

STEP 02

Degreasing and cleaning of metal sheet materials

Laminating the resin sheet to the metal sheet in the next process. Degrease and clean the surface to increase adhesion strength.

STEP 03

Laminate

Attach photoresist to metal sheet.
*Photoresist: Photosensitive resin that reacts to light and cures.

STEP 04

Exposure

An etching plate is used for exposure to light.
The etching plate has a light-shielding part and a translucent part in a pattern.
The resist exposed to light from the translucent part cures and forms a pattern as shown on the original plate.

STEP 05

Developing

A special developing solution is sprayed on the exposed material.
The resist in the uncured areas dissolves, leaving a bare etching sheet of metal over the desired pattern.

STEP 06

Etching

An etching solution that corrodes and dissolves metal is sprayed.
The metal in the area not protected by the resist on the etching sheet dissolves and disappears, completing the desired shape.

STEP 07

Separation

A special stripping solution is sprayed to dissolve the photoresist.
The resist is removed from the etched sheet and the desired metal product is produced.

STEP 08

Individualization

The product is made into individual pieces after it is impositioned on the sheet.
In etching, multiple pieces are attached to the sheet with joints like a plastic model for work efficiency.