Aluminum Chemical Etching For EMI shielding cans

Aluminum is extracted from ores such as bauxite using the Hall-Heroult method. While mining and refining this metal can be difficult, it is easily manufactured and 100% recyclable without any loss of its natural qualities. Extreme malleability, corrosion resistance, ductility, strength and thermal and electrical conductivity make aluminum sheets, plates, strips and foils prime candidates for etching and engraving processes.

While hobbyists and artists frequently utilize aluminum etching, industrial and commercial manufacturing also incorporate this medium in a variety of applications. Transportation, aerospace, construction, electrical and medical industries all integrate aluminum etching in metal components. Products such as castings, tubes, construction hardware, cooking utensils, watches and heat sinks frequently include etched aluminum components.

Traditional etching only partially removes the photoresist which, in turn, prevents some of the metal from being machined. This photoresist damages the etch and results in less-than-ideal products. Modern chemical etching processes for aluminum have now eliminated this potential problem.

When aluminum interacts with chemical etchants, it produces heat energy (becomes exothermic).Strict process control is the secret to chemical etching success. Focusing on the chemistry of the etchant, temperature control, and metal cleaning and preparation are the keys to success in etching aluminum. Chemical etching offers a cost-effective, highly accurate, and quick manufacturing alternative to conventional sheet metalworking methods, such as stamping, lasering, and waterjet cutting. This cost-effectiveness is due to easily repeatable and inexpensive digital tooling. In addition, applications involving severe environments, such as those found in aircraft and using aluminum's material characteristics, are well suited for chemical etching.