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Formed Photo Etched Parts Design Guide

Forming and Special Processes for Manufacturing Precision Parts

Tech-Etch manufactures formed parts by combining photo etching or photo chemical milling, used for blanking, with inexpensive or universal tooling, used for forming. This method produces burr-free parts in intricate and complex designs and shapes. It also makes it possible to prove your design in preproduction quantities without having to commit to expensive, progressive die tooling. The following guidelines represent practical methods to assure proper function and the best cost.

• Prove your design in preproduction quantities.

• Burr-free parts in intricate and complex shapes.

• 1/2-depth etching for hand forming on applications like board level shielding.

• Heat treatment for enhanced spring qualities.

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HAND FORMING For bends that do not require structural strength and where a sharp internal radius is desired, such as board-level shielding applications, depth etched bend lines may be used for hand forming. The lines are produced by etching a groove along the bend line of the part. By eliminating the need for forming tools, the cost is lowered.
BEND RADII In the forming process, care is taken to design the proper bend radii, since larger radii can withstand a larger deflection without failure. Example B is designed to take a larger deflection than Example A.
TOLERANCES Preferred forming tolerances are as shown. (Consult factory if tighter tolerances are desired.)
HEAT TREATMENT Tech-Etch can heat-treat many materials, including Beryllium Copper, to achieve close dimensional control. Heat treatment enhances spring qualities by permitting greater deflection without compression set and without increasing the material's stiffness.