micrometal etching process: If you can sketch it, we can etch it.
One of the main advantages of photo-chemical etching is the almost unlimited freedom of design.
A wide variety of structures can be realised through photo-chemical etching. Because of our specially developed mask technology, we are able to control the etching process in the third dimension in a defined way. Because of this, specific breakthrough geometries can be produced three-dimensionally. This allows micrometal to produce complex geometries for lancets, scalpels, and blades at volume.
This can be the decisive advantage for your application.
The "painfree" solution
Combination of tip and sharp edge Extrem sharp needle tip (< 1 µm)
The combination of precise tip and extremely sharp edge and other design options enables you to define completely new designs to solve new application or optimize existing ones.
Your advantages:
New design, new applications
The use of extremely thin and hard materials, which are difficult to grind, is possible, giving you completely new design and application advantages.
Sharpness, low penetration force
Sharp needle tips with a very narrow tip radius create the conditions for the lowest possible penetration force, which significantly reduces the sensation of pain.
The "filtered" solution
Smallest holes, thinnest webs, greatest stability
Filters are perfectly suited to the photo-chemical etching process as they combine high stability with precision and the finest of passages. Design freedom creates additional features that make your product unique.
Your advantages:
- The cone-shaped opening of the holes guarantees optimum “back-flushability”.
- The surface is burr-free, which makes the filters very easy to clean.
- The filters are characterized by extreme stability. Pressures up to 250 bar are accommodated without any problems.
- The design of the hole geometry allows very high design freedom.
The "see-through" solution
Maximum transmission on a defined surface
While fine screens have a maximum transmission of 30-40%, we achieve values of 90% with our photo chemical etching process. Our sophisticated technological know-how enables us to create extremely thin webs (approx. 40% of material thickness) in order to maximize the passages on the surface.
Your advantages:
- Thermal and mechanical stresses are avoided due to the material-friendly machining process. This ensures optimized stability and safety for your application.
- Product design can perfectly match your vision, thus we realise the requirements for your specific application.
- Photo-chemically produced products are absolutely burr-free, which means optimised post-processing and thus higher production and product safety.
The "sharp and smooth" solution
micrometal masters a patented process for producing rounded edges in a two-stage process. This opens up new application possibilities. For example, a needle with a filigree tip combined with smooth and sharp areas is possible.
Your advantages:
- Sharp edges optimize the cutting function, while the smooth side provides the gliding function, which can avoid skin irritations ( e.g. shaving foils).
- Reworking of parts is not necessary. This saves further costs and effort.
The "channelled" solution
Filigree channel structures
Filigree channel structures for the flow of materials such as gases or fluids can be produced. In the picture opposite, 325 µm deep channels were created in 400 µm thick material. Heating conductors can also be created in a similar way. In a very small space and with a minimal cross-section, high heat generation is possible with high resistance.
Your advantages:
- Creation of complex designs for your project
- Cost-effective tool production, which is not subject to wear and tear and can therefore be used indefinitely.
- Processing of thick starting materials which are then thinned out
The "economical" solution
Predetermined breaking points, suspensions, reference points
We think one step further. Due to the possibility of purchasing products as strip goods, the next processing steps for components can be defined at an early stage, which means they can take place cost-effectively and efficiently.
Your advantages:
- Suspensions can be defined so that the parts can be removed easily, safely and quickly and fed to the subsequent production step.
- Parts are given defined predetermined breaking points, which are used for subsequent separation in order to optimise further processing.
- With additional markings, numbering or coding, our etched products can be automatically processed further without interference. Using markers or codes, the sensors in your system can automatically and reliably recognise, count, and selectively pick up the parts that are fed in.
Adjust once and never readjust again? The high repeatable accuracy of our production system makes this a reality.