This nonelectrical process removes metal from selected or overall areas by controlled chemical action.
Masking tape can be used to protect areas not to be removed. The method is related to the process used for making
metal printing and engraving plates.
Chemical machining is also the process of removing large amounts of metal by means of chemical etching. All metal types and
shapes are candidates for chemical milling, especially contoured parts which are not easily machined.
The chemical machining offers considerable the following advantages compared to punching, laser-cutting and wire-erosion:
- high precision
- virtually all metals can be etched
- final product free of burrs
- complicated shapes are (re)producible
- no deformation of the material
- thick as well as thin material can be processed
- economical tooling and parts
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