Photochemical machining is a technology for production of precision parts (technical parts, as well as ornaments) from metal sheets through the selective removal of surplus metal, using chemicals. The process offers endless opportunities to designers and engineers, since complex shapes are as easily made as a simple hole. This technology is an alternative of stamping and laser cutting, though all these procedures have their own optimal field of application. Photochemical machining is well suited to work with thin metal sheets up to 1 mm thickness, or in special cases until about 2 mm. Computer generated artwork is used on every new part, so changes can be made quickly and accurately. Files containing the design can be sent by E-mail. Frequently a designer will need a panel with repeated small parts, with tight tolerances. PCM is the ideal way to produce such parts. The advantages of PCM are:
Typical products are:
Materials:
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