The photochemical etching process can be used on a variety of metals, each offering its own benefits. The process used to make sheet metal components can be used for a variety of applications in a wide industry. These are the most commonly used metals in the process:
Aluminum alloys: As its name suggests, in aluminum alloys, aluminum is the dominant metal. Usually the alloying elements are zinc, magnesium, manganese and copper. Aluminum alloys have two classifications: cast and forged alloys. These categories are subdivided into subcategories such as heat transferable and non heat transferable. Due to their natural properties, aluminum alloys are commonly used to manufacture components that require light or corrosion resistance.
Copper alloys: With copper alloys, copper is the main constituent of metal. The most common types of copper alloys are bronze, which has a significant amount of tin, and brass, which has a significant amount of zinc. Copper alloys are ideal for a situation where metal can face corrosive materials as they have very high corrosion resistance.
Beryllium Copper: Beryllium copper is recognized by several names: spring copper, beryllium copper and beryllium bronze. It is a type of copper alloy in which 0.5 to 3 percent of the alloy is beryllium. Due to its inherent properties, it is ideal for machining due to its resistance to large amounts of recurrent stress. It is used in components that need to maintain their shape, such as springs. It also has some resistance against radio frequencies and is used to protect electronics.
Nickel alloys: Nickel has a shiny silver shine with a hint of gold. Some key features of nickel alloys include incredible corrosion resistance and the ability to withstand high temperatures. This in turn has led to the use of nickel in flat metals such as copper and iron, as well as use in some alloys that need to retain silver polishing. Nickel is one of the most widely used alloys in everyday life, including the medical, electronics and fashion industries.
Stainless Steel Alloy: Stainless steel is a considerable alloy and, again, one of the most common metals used in modern society. This metal is corrosion and rust resistant when exposed to water. However, this does not mean that it is completely appropriate as it is possible that stainless steel could be compromised in a variety of situations including environments with low oxygen, high salinity or poor circulation. Known as corrosion resistant steel, there are several qualities and finishes available to withstand the environment in which it will withstand. Stainless steel is the perfect choice in an application where you need the energy-efficient properties of steel as well as corrosion resistance.