About Metal Etching

Photo Chemical Machining (PCM) is a process, enabled by a photo-imageable resist film, that cuts and/or engraves the entire metal panel (both front and back surfaces) simultaneously. This capability, unique to the PCM process, means there is no additional cost associated with complex profiles, with front or back surface engraving, and dense perforation patterns.

PCM is a cold process that cuts and engraves cleanly while perfectly preserving the metallurgical properties of the metal from edge to edge. Compared with CNC processes like laser cutting, abrasive jet, machining or stamping, the PCM process creates parts without stress, edge roughness, heat induced distortion, or discoloration.

It is this very “gentleness” of the process that makes it superior to other cutting methods for precise, complex part geometries cut from thin metals.