Stainless Steel For Chemical Etching
Datum provides stainless steel for photo chemical machining (PCM) – also known as photoetching or chemical etching. Our specialist steel is engineered for chemical etching, allowing for high-detail and intricate designs without compromising strength or durability. Often used in industries like electronics, aerospace, and medical devices, this type of steel provides smooth, uniform surfaces and consistent material thickness, ensuring clean, sharp etching results. Its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties make it ideal for creating fine, intricate parts such as filters, screens, and micro-electronic components.
What is ‘Photoetching Quality’ material?
No - Standard Stainless Steel: Unsuitable for Photoetching
| DEFECT | ISSUE | RESULT |
|---|---|---|
| Coil set, wavy metal or dents | Photoresist coating | Loss of registration and detail |
| Thickness (gauge) variation | Optimum etching time unknown | Over or under etching |
| Too large grain size | Loss of resolution in etching features | Loss of accurate product |
| Surface scratches | Photoresist coating | Etch into scratch producing cosmetic defects on product |
| Inclusions | Pits, pimples – etch at different rates | Loss of resolution in product |
Yes - Datum Stainless Steel: Photoetching Quality
| QUALITY | DATUM STEEL | BENEFIT |
|---|---|---|
| Flatness | ✓ | Datum has the tightest flatness tolerances in the market for edge wave and centre buckle |
| Uniform thickness | ✓ | Datum provide material to +/- 2% thickness – the tightest in the market |
| Grain size | ✓ | Datum Phd is produced with a 7-10 microns grain size |
| Uniform surface finish | ✓ | Each individual sheet from Datum production is visually inspected for surface defects. |
| Inclusions | ✓ | Datum materials are produced with a homogenous grain structure and extremely low impurities |
DATUM PhD 304 STAINLESS STEEL
Datum PhD 304 Stainless Steel improved the quality of laser cut stencils and their resulting print performance in factories around the world. Since introducing this specialised SMT alloy, we have continued to improve stencil price and performance, introducing six new specialty SMT foil materials and a variety of frame and mounting technologies to the electronics assembly industry.
DATUM FG 304 STAINLESS STEEL (Fine Grain)
Datum FG 304 Stainless Steel is a precision cold rolled full hard stainless steel with fine grain structure and superior stress relief annealing properties that is specifically designed for high density patterns and to remain flat post processing when laser cut or etched.
Quality Control
Our Quality Control department performs robust quality checks. Datum is ISO 9001 certified.
Why Choose Datum?
Quality
Oil, grease and scratch free foils and components, produced to tight tolerances
Experience
With decades of experience, Datum leads the way in innovation and technology development
Efficiency
Rapid prototyping and production, short lead times and fast delivery
Precision
Our tolerance controls ensure you receive precision foils and components