PCM or Photo Chemical Machining Process is one of the paramount manufacturing processes for the precision on sheet metal components. The process of Photo Chemical Machining is also known to be as Photo Etching or Photo Milling. Etchants and Photoresists are used to fabricate the sheet metal components which erodes away the selected parts. The technique of Photo-etching has the ability to produce highly complex parts with extremely fine detailing, economically and accurately.
This process offers to be an alternative to punching, laser or water jet cutting, stamping, or wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) for parts with thin gauge precisions. This tooling process is very effective as it is affordable and rapidly absorbed. Since it is quickly absorbed, this makes it perfect for prototyping and a lot easier for any last minutes changes during mass production. It does not create any whirrs or cutting edges and maintains dimensional tolerances.
The advantages of the PCM Process
PCM is a methodical step by step process, which is loaded with advantages, and the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
Speed
Today, time is money for every individual. Time is very precious. And, precisely the point, time is saved when the process of photoetching is in use. When delivering in parts, one to three weeks is enough to complete an order, which may not be the case when using any other method for the same purpose.
Low costing of the tools
In any production unit, the overall cost automatically increases is the cost of the production tools is relatively higher. But in this particular process, since the cost of the tools is way less than the tools in any other methods, therefore the overall cost of the whole production is comparatively less, than in any other methods.
Complex parts can now be easily and readily produced
A process such as the PCM Process enables the production of metal precision parts which can prove to be very complex to produce when other processes are considered.
The possibility to conduct modifications
Processes such as the PCM Process allows modifications to the design through the CAD/CAM Software. The software and the computers allow the alterations at a very minimal cost. And, all the modifications can be built in no time or within the record time since prototypes can readily be built.
The production can be in masses
With the PCM process, the part patterns that require high tolerances is easily replicated on a larger scale that too, at a lower costing. And, the part which is more beneficial, that it does not compromise on the stipulated time.
The Elimination of the Burring
With this process of Photo Chemical Machining, burring is eliminated completely, as the process is done without conducting surface burring.
The ease with which thin metal parts are fabricated
The process allows working with ease on any metal or their alloys without any complications.
No chances of deformation
Since there are no hard tools used, the untouched parts remain intact, without causing any deformations. This may not be the case when other methods are involved.
If you need metal etching then Photo Chemical Machining is the process to choose for all the good reasons.