How does photochemical etching work?
The eight steps from artwork to finished part, the chemistry that does the cutting, and what each machine in the line is for.
Read the guideHome/Guides
Etching guides & resources
Straight, practical answers about photochemical etching — written by the engineers who build the machines, not a marketing department. Start with the question you came in with.
How much does an etching machine cost?
Why prices swing so widely, the five things that drive the number, the three buying tiers, and how to get an accurate quote fast.
Read the guideFerric chloride vs cupric chloride
The two workhorse etchants compared — metals, etch rate, regeneration, waste and control — with a clear rule for choosing.
Read the guideHow precise is photochemical etching?
The ±10%-of-thickness rule, why feature size tracks thickness, a tolerance table by gauge, and how the machine holds it tighter.
Read the guideLooking for something quicker? The etching machine FAQ covers the short questions, the machines page lists the full range, and our engineers are happy to talk through your parts on the contact page.