Custom Precision Metal Parts Manufactured with Reel-to-Reel Etching Technology

Description of Reel-to-Reel Etching:

What is Reel to Reel Etching?

Reel-to-reel etching, also called roll-to-roll continuous etching, is a high-efficiency process where metal coils are continuously fed through the etching line and collected onto another reel. This method is ideal for mass production of thin, intricate, and highly precise components, including lead frames, connectors, and fine meshes.

Materials of Reel-to-Reel Etching:

• Stainless Steel – Strong and corrosion-resistant, ideal for durable medical and industrial applications.
• Copper – Excellent conductivity and cost-effective, widely used in flexible circuits and interconnects.
• Aluminum – Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, preferred in aerospace and portable electronics.

How Does Reel-to-Reel Etching Work?

Reel-to-reel continuous etching is an advanced process optimized for high-volume manufacturing of precise metal components. Rather than handling separate sheets, a continuous metal coil passes through each production stage without interruption.

1. Unwinding – Metal strip is fed from a coil into the line.
2. Cleaning – Surface oils, oxides, and contaminants are removed.
3. Coating – A photoresist layer is applied uniformly.
4. Imaging – Patterns are transferred onto the strip via UV exposure.
5. Etching – Exposed metal areas are chemically dissolved to form designs.
6. Stripping – Remaining photoresist is cleaned off.
7. Rewinding – Finished strip is rolled up for inspection or assembly.

This process delivers fast production, uniform quality, and cost savings, making it ideal for applications in electronics, automotive parts, filtration, and medical devices.

Advantages of Reel-to-Reel Etching

• High Volume – Continuous processing supports fast, large-scale manufacturing.

• Cost-Efficient – Optimized workflow lowers production costs for mass output.

• Precision – Fine features are achieved with advanced etching techniques.

• Versatility – Compatible with diverse metals and application needs.

Applications of Reel-to-Reel Etching

• Flexible Electronics – Produces fine patterns on flexible substrates for lightweight, bendable circuits, sensors, and displays.

• Biomedical Devices – Enables precise patterning of biocompatible materials for wearable and implantable medical devices.

• Photovoltaics – Patterns thin-film solar cells to enhance light absorption and electrical performance.

• MEMS – Supports mass production of micro-electromechanical systems such as accelerometers and pressure sensors.

• RFID Tags – Creates high-precision antenna structures essential for RFID-based inventory and payment systems.

How to custom your metal parts by reel-to-reel etching from us?

1. Please send us your design.
We accept the following file formats:DWG, DXF, PDF, STP, Gerber, IGES, CorelDraw and Adobe Illustrator.

2. Samples making lead time:3-10days

3. Express:By DHL, FedEx, TNT, around 3-7days.