Reel-to-Reel Etching Copper Alloy VCM Spring For Cellphone Camera

Description of Reel-to-Reel Etching VCM Spring:

What is Roll to Roll Continuous Etching?

Roll to roll continuous etching, also called reel-to-reel 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.

What's VCM Spring?

VCM stands for Voice Coil Motor, which serves as the automatic focusing mechanism in cellphone cameras. The core component of a VCM is the spring, which both supports the lenses and drives them back and forth to achieve precise focus. Each cellphone camera contains two VCM springs. By responding to magnetic and electric forces, these springs move the lenses to perform autofocus. To ensure accurate focusing, the thickness and width of the VCM springs must meet strict tolerances. VCM springs are typically made from various grades of copper alloys, chosen according to specific product requirements, and can be extremely thin. At present, high-precision photochemical etching is the primary method used to manufacture these springs.

Specifications of Reel-to-Reel Etching VCM Spring:

Materials: BF158, C19900, or customized

Material Thickness: 0.02 mm – 0.08 mm

Dimensional Tolerance Capability: ±0.005 mm for spring width (for materials thinner than 0.06 mm)

Production Capabilities: Our company works with trusted suppliers to source high-quality raw materials for VCM springs. We combine advanced technologies with innovative approaches, supported by a team of experienced engineers. In addition, we utilize state-of-the-art production equipment, including precise reel-to-reel etching machines and automatic reel-to-reel exposure systems, to ensure exceptional accuracy and consistency in every spring.

Applications: Camera Modules for Smart phone, Laptop, Tablet.

How Does Reel-to-Reel Etching VCM Spring Work?

Reel-to-Reel (R2R) Etching is an efficient, high-volume manufacturing technique for producing precision metal components. Unlike batch processing of individual sheets, a continuous metal coil moves seamlessly through all production stages.

Process Overview:

• Unwinding: The metal coil is fed into the production line.

• Cleaning: Surface oils, oxides, and contaminants are removed.

• Coating: A uniform photoresist layer is applied to the metal.

• Imaging: Patterns are transferred onto the metal using UV exposure.

• Etching: Exposed metal areas are chemically dissolved.

• Stripping: Remaining photoresist is removed.

• Rewinding: The finished metal strip is rolled for inspection or further assembly.

This streamlined approach delivers high throughput, precise dimensional control, and consistent quality while lowering production costs. It is particularly well-suited for applications in electronics, automotive, filtration, and medical device industries.

Advantages of Reel-to-Reel Etching VCM Spring

• High Efficiency: Continuous processing enables fast etching of large metal volumes.

• Consistent Quality: Uniform coating and precise etching ensure low defects and high repeatability.

• Cost-Effective: Less handling, lower labor, and faster cycles reduce production costs.

• Design Flexibility: Supports fine patterns, micro-slits, and complex geometries on thin metals.

• Scalable: Perfect for high-volume electronics, automotive, filters, and medical devices.

• Minimal Waste: Continuous processing maximizes material utilization and reduces scrap.

How to custom your VCM Spring 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.