Precision Parts and Components
ChemArt has always been a major contributor to the Photo Chemical Machining (PCM) industry since its creation in 1976. Its founder, Richard Beaupre, was the originator of aqueous dry film photo resist used in PCM imaging applications. Currently, all dry film photo resists used in PCM applications are based on his original research. Today, ChemArt utilizes that same critical understanding of the imaging process and entrepreneurial spirit to manufacture critical metal parts with the PCM process.
Since the PCM process "dissolves" the metal during formation edge burrs do not exist. Nor does it alter the edge characteristics, as is the case with laser cutting. Therefore, expensive de-burring processes are eliminated. Etching does dissolve the metal laterally as well as vertically, so an undercut of the mask or photo resist results. Since most PCM applications utilize etching from both sides of the metal surface, a slight metal "cusp" forms mid way down the cross-section of the metal part. This physical attribute is minimized by etching solution parameters and typically is not a major consideration.
Because the metal is dissolved during the PCM process, the original characteristics of the metal such as hardness, grain structure, magnetic properties and ductility are not changed during the process. The metal characteristics are the same from the beginning to end of the process.
When metal pieces are formed into shapes after the initial PCM process, form lines can be incorporated into the photo tool. The subsequent "half etch" areas are produced on one side of the metal and provide precise and easy forming into the final configuration. Using this half-etch concept, company logos and identification numbers can be permanently etched into the product for easy identification and marketing messaging.
Typical products created from the PCM process are delivered to a vast number of industries such as electronics, military and aerospace and include Lead Frames, Step Lids, Filters, Shims, Asset Tags and many more. Please see our Typical Products section for a full list of products and components and our Industries Served Section for a comprehensive list of all the markets Chemart serves.