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5 Reasons Why Electronic Manufacturers Should Use Etching

Tag Archive: Laser cutting

  1. New Equipment: MAZAK OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER S7 & 66 Ton Aida NC1-6

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    At MET Manufacturing Group, we’re investing in equipment that strengthens our capabilities and keeps projects moving quickly and accurately. Our newest additions help us deliver cleaner cuts, tighter tolerances, and improved consistency across prototype and production work. 

    Mazak machine on a factory floor

    MET Manufacturing Group’s Commitment to Innovation

    MET Manufacturing Group began in 1988 as a photochemical etching company. Fabrication services were introduced later, expanding our ability to support customers with a broader range of precision metalworking capabilities. Today, continuous improvement remains a priority, reflected in our ISO 9001:2015 and RoHS-compliant quality systems.

    We focus on integrating technology that directly benefits our customers: faster turnaround times, improved consistency, and the ability to handle increasingly complex parts.

    Overview of the MAZAK OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER S7

    What is the Mazak OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER S7?

    The MAZAK OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER S7 is a high‑speed, high‑accuracy 2D laser cutting system designed for efficient sheet metal processing. This machine processes sheet metal efficiently with less heat damage, producing high-quality parts.

    Key Features

    – High‑speed cutting: The fiber laser delivers fast processing with minimal heat distortion.
    – Large sheet capacity: Handles sheets roughly 3 m x 1.5 m in size.
    – Precision tolerances: Ideal for intricate parts requiring consistent accuracy.

    Why It Matters

    Faster cutting speeds mean quicker project turnaround, especially for detailed parts. The machine’s accuracy reduces the likelihood of scrap or rework, which helps maintain predictable timelines and quality.

    machine operator working with material on press machine

    Exploring the 66‑Ton Aida NC1‑6 Press

    Introduction to the Aida NC1-6

    The 66‑ton Aida NC1‑6 mechanical press enhances our metal forming and stamping capabilities with adjustable tonnage, controlled stroke movement, and strong repeatability.

    Key Capabilities

    – Precision forming: Programmable controls support quick setup and consistent stamping.
    – Material versatility: Handles a range of metal types and thicknesses efficiently.

    Value‑Added Support

    This press pairs well with downstream processes such as stamping, heat treating, and plating, supporting a streamlined manufacturing workflow.

    Customer Impact

    Both machines strengthen our ability to support industries that require high accuracy—from aerospace to medical and defense manufacturing. Customers benefit from faster lead times, consistent quality, and expanded forming and cutting options.

    Why Choose MET Manufacturing Group? 

    Our team is dedicated to responsive communication, fast quoting, and reliable delivery. With enhanced laser cutting and metal forming capabilities, we can support a wide range of project needs.

    Next Steps: Partner with MET Manufacturing Group 

    Ready to elevate your next manufacturing project? Discover how MET’s new MAZAK OPTIPLEX NEXUS 3015 FIBER S7 and  66 ton Aida NC1-6 press can deliver precision, speed, and reliability tailored to your needs. 

    • Submit a request via our Quote Request Form 
    • Email us directly at sales@met-mfg.com 
    • Call (574) 293-3342 for personalized consultation 

    Don’t forget to visit the Fabrication Gallery to see examples of the precision manufacturing MET delivers every day. 

    Let’s Build Something Better Together! [Submit Your RFQ]

  2. 5 Reasons Why Electronic Manufacturers Should Use Etching

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    In today’s interconnected world, the demand for electronic devices and systems is rapidly increasing across all industry sectors. Consequently, electronic component manufacturers face the challenge of selecting the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes that guarantee optimal performance. Here are five reasons why MET Manufacturing Group believes electronic manufacturers should use etching:

    An array of Photochemical Etching Examples - Brass, Copper, Stainless Steel Etching for Electronic Manufacturers

    1. Material Versatility

    Etching is a versatile process that can work with almost any metal, making it an ideal choice for creating electrical components. Unlike traditional machining methods such as stamping and laser cutting, which may encounter challenges when dealing with hard, soft, or brittle metals, etching is not limited by the properties of the materials used.

    • Copper: Known for its excellent electrical conductivity, copper is widely used in electrical components. Post-process plating can improve its corrosion resistance.
    • Beryllium Copper (BeCu): This highly conductive copper alloy is durable and easy to form post-etching, making it ideal for electrical contacts.
    • Brass: A copper and zinc alloy known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance. It’s ideal for contacts, connectors, and busbars.
    • Phosphorous Bronze: This bronze alloy has superior spring qualities, high fatigue strength, excellent formability, and high corrosion resistance, making it great for battery contacts and springs.
    • Nickel Silver: Used in EMI/RFI shielding, this copper, nickel, and zinc alloy is known for its high corrosion resistance and solderability.
    • Steel: While not as conductive as other materials, tin plating can significantly enhance its conductivity and solderability. Cold-rolled steel is known for its strength and high formability.
    • Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion with excellent thermal conductivity, making it popular for precision metal shims, springs, and filters.

    Photochemical Etching - Braze Foil Etching for Electronic Manufacturers

    2. Zero Thermal Stress

    The high temperatures associated with traditional machining methods can cause material deformities due to thermal stress, impacting the performance of the metal component. Chemical etching eradicates the potential of parts being affected by thermal stress. The process dissolves the metal parts simultaneously rather than at localized points of contact, unlike laser cutting and wire EDM, which can introduce thermal stress along the edges.

    3. Zero Burrs or Micro Burring

    Traditional machining processes can leave burrs that negatively impact the performance of electrical components. For example, laser cutting can leave micro burrs on the metal’s surface, while stamping can leave partial burring. Even slight burring can cause issues such as electrical short circuits, interference interruptions, plating build-up at the component’s edges, decreased formability, inaccurate dimensional tolerances, and scratches on the surface that can affect mating components. Photochemical etching dissolves unwanted materials on a molecular level, resulting in smooth surfaces and a precision-etched profile, eliminating the need for secondary deburring operations.

    Photochemical Etching - Stainless Steel Rosette Springs Etching for Electronic Manufacturers

    4. Suitable for Thin Materials and Complex Designs

    As electronic devices become progressively smaller, there is a need for small-scale, lightweight components with complex designs. These microelectronic parts are usually machined from thinner metals and require tighter dimensional tolerances. Chemical etching is the optimum process for producing microelectronic components with complex patterns such as lead frames and filters. This process enables the simultaneous machining of features such as holes and slots, saving time and money compared to alternatives such as laser cutting, wire EDM, and stamping. Additionally, chemical etching offers the ability to partially etch a metal surface, creating fold lines valuable for components requiring forming.

    Photochemical Etching - Beryllium Copper Contacts. Etching for Electronic Manufacturers

    5. Easy to Modify Tooling and Rapid Prototyping

    The ability to test and modify designs cost-effectively is essential in the prototyping stage. Chemical etching makes it easy to revise electronic parts using low-cost digital photo-tooling. The process also allows for multiple-part designs that require the same material and thickness to be placed on the same tooling, reducing costs and lead times.

    Summary

    Chemical etching is a highly versatile and innovative process that electronic component manufacturers should consider for creating a wide range of electronics and microelectronic components. The process offers a variety of metal etching material capabilities, is resistant to thermal stress, remains burr-free, is suitable for thin materials and complex designs, and allows easy modification of tooling and fast prototyping. By taking advantage of these benefits, manufacturers can select the most efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes that guarantee optimal performance.