Automotive
Fotofab’s precise photochemical etching process creates extremely tight tolerances and configurations for thin metal parts used in automotive precision machining, including applications within electric vehicles.
We specialize in etching high-quality grade materials with a photographically prepared mask applied to the work surface. This process allows us to produce exact-to-print parts in less time and at more affordable costs than other processes like CNC machining and stamping.
Our rapid prototyping services enable automotive engineers to quickly iterate and test designs, accelerating the product development process. Ready to bring your automotive projects to life? Request a quote today.
Chemically Etched Components for the Automotive Industry
A single car has about 30,000 parts, counting every part down to the smallest screws. For over 50 years, Fotofab has been a trusted supplier for metal parts found in motor vehicles, including:
- Electronic connectors
- Valve filtration components
- Fuel cell screens, frames, and end caps
- Clutch springs and flat springs
- Contacts
- Spacer Washers
- Fuel injector filtration components
- Door sill plates
- Shims
- Encoder disks
- Heat exchanger plates
- Lead and covers
- Nameplates and logo tags
- Speaker grills
- Decorative panels
- Trunk sill plates
Electric Vehicle (EV) Etched Components
With more electric vehicle renditions rolling into the market, the photochemical etching process is beneficial for fabricating:
- On-board Charging (OBC) Components: We manufacture precise OBC components crucial for efficient and safe charging of electric vehicle batteries.
- Electric Power Control Unit (EPCU): Our expertise extends to manufacturing EPCUs, which play a vital role in managing and distributing power within electric vehicles.
- Inverters: We specialize in etching precise components for inverters, essential for converting DC power from the battery into AC power for driving the vehicle’s motors.
- Low Voltage DC-DC Converters (LDC): Fotofab’s capabilities include crafting LDC converters that regulate voltage levels within the vehicle’s electrical system, optimizing energy efficiency.
- Battery Enclosures and Frames: Our photochemical etching process enables the production of custom-designed enclosures and frames to securely house and protect electric vehicle batteries.
- Precision Metal Parts for the Overall Vehicle Control Unit (VCU): Fotofab provides intricate metal components for the VCU, the central controller responsible for coordinating various vehicle functions, including battery management.
With Fotofab’s precision etching capabilities, electric vehicle manufacturers can rely on us for the production of high-quality components essential for efficient and reliable battery systems.
Our Engineering Capabilities for the Automotive Industry
We understand the critical role that precision and reliability play in automotive engineering. That’s why we offer an array of general, value-added, and finishing options to give you ready-to-use components tailored specifically to meet the needs of the automotive sector.
Our automotive precision engineering capabilities include:
- Metal forming and bending: We shape metals to precise specifications, ensuring optimal functionality and performance in automotive components.
- Metal finishing: We provide a variety of surface finishes to enhance the durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal of automotive parts.
- Plating and Anodizing: Our plating and anodizing services add protective layers to automotive components, extending their lifespan and improving their performance
- Wire electrical discharge machining (Wired EDM): With wired EDM, we achieve intricate shapes and tight tolerances in automotive parts, ensuring precise fit and functionality.
- Diffusion bonding: Fotofab offers diffusion bonding services to join dissimilar metals, enabling the creation of complex automotive components with superior strength and integrity.
- Painting: We provide automotive-grade painting services to enhance the appearance and protection of components, meeting the industry’s stringent quality standards.
- Passivation & Electropolishing: We offer passivation and electropolishing services to improve the corrosion resistance and surface finish of automotive components.
- Soldering and welding: Fotofab specializes in soldering and welding techniques to assemble and join automotive parts with precision and durability.
- Custom packaging: We provide customized packaging solutions to protect and transport automotive components safely and securely.
- Rapid prototyping: Our rapid prototyping services allow automotive engineers to quickly iterate and test designs, accelerating the product development process.
- Laser cutting: With state-of-the-art laser cutting technology, we achieve clean, precise cuts in a variety of automotive materials, ensuring optimal fit and function.
Available Metals
Metals We Chemically Etch for Automotive Components
Modern vehicles have evolved into intelligent and more sophisticated machines, built from various components and materials that make them more efficient and safer. Fotofab creates a variety of metals for the automotive industry, including Aluminum, Stainless Steel, Steel-Carbon, Copper, Spring Steel, and Titanium.
Fotofab is committed to quality.
