Photo Etching Comes of Age

Previous attempts to produce the component by fine blanking had met with limited success and Precision Micro were not only confident that they could manufacture a better quality, burr-free component by photo etching but that they could achieve the high levels of repeatability that would make the pieces cost competitive with stamped parts.

Precision Micro operates a CQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) programme throughout its operation and the power and intensity of this approach has taken the photo etching process to new levels… converting etching from somewhat of an art into a precise science.

At the start of the process, material specifications were tightened. A major investment enabled digital tooling and imaging to be carried out in a temperature and humidity controlled cleanroom environment but it was possibly through the complete integration of inspection that the greatest progress was made.

By utilising in-line, Automated Optical Inspection to measuring five dimensions on each sheet processed and linking this to real-time computerised SPC, any variance trends are identified at an early stage and corrective action taken as necessary. The process remains “capable” producing literally millions of the minute precision components

As a direct result of the CQI initiative, repeatability levels have soared, enabling six-sigma quality to be achieved and maintained.