Why chemically etch screens?

  • Chemical etching also provides consistent hole opens throughout the part.
  • Compared to using a mesh (woven) screen, Fotofab’s process provides a flat pattern where particles are less likely to become trapped in the weaving.
  • A flat pattern also provides consistent hole openings whereas woven screens can stretch and become distorted.
  • Fotofab screens can be designed in a variety of shapes, percentage open-area, and in a variety of metals. Brittle metals and thin foils are much easier to etch than stamp, or machine in other traditional forms of manufacturing.
  • A new part can be tooled up within a couple of hours and parts can be manufactured the same day. Artwork, or photo tool, is one of the first steps needed to chemically etch your screen application.
  • The photo tool, which usually costs about $300, involves setting up the necessary artwork used to mask off certain areas of the metal allowing the features of your metal part to be precisely etched.

For more information on photo tools, chemical machining and the Fotofab process check out the etching page of our website or download our PCM Whitepaper. To read more on-screen hole patterns and designs, please request a screen design guide.


Contact Our Precision Etching Experts Today

Fotofab is ISO & AS9100D Certified, ITAR Registered, and RoHS compliant.
Get in touch if you have questions or are ready to start your custom project.

    Sign Up for Our Newsletter