When it comes to precision metal parts, quality is everything. Every piece you produce must meet your customer’s specifications and perform as intended. And no one understands this better than the team at E-Fab.
Leaders in photochemical etching services, we use industry-leading equipment to design and deliver high-precision metal parts for the telecommunications, defense, medical, and electronics industries.
But with a multi-step process involving chemical reactions and precise control of parameters, every aspect of photochemical etching must be carefully considered to create high-quality parts and prevent costly rework. That’s why quality control is critical in ensuring the parts produced meet the required specifications, are defect-free and perform as intended.
As one of the leading photochemical etching companies, we boast a 40-plus-year reputation for accurate, reliable, and durable parts. Our success starts with our dedication to quality assurance and ensuring every product is ready for use.
What is quality control in photochemical etching?
Quality control refers to maintaining standards in manufactured products by testing a sample of the output against the specification.
In photochemical etching, quality control goes beyond just the end product. It involves carefully monitoring the entire photochemical etching process to ensure the parts meet the required standards and specifications.
Quality control in photochemical etching is a multi-step process that includes inspection, testing, documentation, and corrective actions – all working together to identify and address any issues to ensure the highest quality final product is produced.
E-Fab’s top commitment is to deliver precision metal parts ready to use in mission-critical applications. Our team of Quality Assurance professionals analyzes the parts we send out to ensure each meets technical specifications and precise requirements.
With safety, satisfaction and business success reliant on the quality of parts delivered, we utilize the latest technology to monitor the entire etching process and check parts down to the micron. This includes an OGP® SmartScope with a 12:1 AccuCentric Zoom Lens, Keyence optical measurement system, and advanced software for detailed inspection.
Why is quality control important in photochemical etching?
When you’re working with precision parts, the importance of quality control in photochemical etching comes down to customer satisfaction and business success.
To deliver high-quality, precision metal components with chemical machining, quality control is essential for several reasons, including:
Preventing defects and errors
Photochemical etching is a complex process that involves chemical reactions and precise control of parameters. Any variation or deviation in the chemical etching process can lead to defects or errors in the parts, such as rough edges, burrs, or undercuts. Quality control helps to identify and eliminate these defects, ensuring that the parts meet the required standards and specifications.
Reducing waste and costs
Poor quality control can lead to rework, scrap, or rejected parts, which can increase waste and costs for the manufacturer. By implementing quality control measures, such as inspection and testing, manufacturers can reduce the likelihood of defects and errors, minimizing waste and costs associated with rework or scrap.
Maintaining customer satisfaction
Customers expect high-quality parts that meet their specifications and perform as intended. Poor quality parts can lead to customer dissatisfaction, lost business, and reputational damage. Quality control in photochemical etching helps ensure that the parts meet the customer’s expectations, which can build trust and loyalty.
Complying with industry standards and regulations
Many industries have strict quality standards and regulations that manufacturers must comply with. Quality control throughout the photochemical machining process helps to ensure that the parts meet these standards and regulations, which can prevent legal or regulatory issues.
How does e-FAB ensure quality control in photochemical etching?
Precise photochemical machining relies on strict quality control, and no one is stricter. We’re committed to quality and customer satisfaction, so our team of Quality Assurance professionals analyzes the parts we send out to ensure each meets technical specifications and precise requirements.
To ensure we deliver quality and precision every time, we follow strict quality control procedures throughout the photochemical etching process, including:
Material selection and preparation – Producing technically accurate, reliable parts for use across many industries takes expertise in materials and processes. Our team of engineers and manufacturers have decades of experience in chemical etching so we know exactly how to choose and prepare the right material to withstand the highest tolerances and offer the greatest efficiency.
Design and engineering review – Throughout our design and engineering phases, careful analysis and inspection are undertaken to ensure quality and precision while finding subtle ways to improve a component’s performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.
And our quality control measures don’t stop there with statistical process control, visual inspection, and non-destructive testing also used during chemical etching to ensure a precise and performance-ready end product.
E-Fab utilises the latest technology in chemical etching to check parts down to the micron, including an OGP® SmartScope with a 12:1 AccuCentric Zoom Lens, Keyence optical measurement system, and advanced software for detailed inspection.
Your partner for precision metal parts
If you’re looking for a reliable chemical etching partner, the E-Fab team is here to help. As one of the leading photochemical etching companies, our precise photochemical machining process and expert staff ensure that every component we fabricate is of the highest quality.
When you work with E-Fab, you benefit from our chemical milling knowledge, innovative chemical etching process and experienced quality assurance team boasting over 100 combined years of experience analyzing and refining parts used in mission-critical applications.
For customers, it means:
Lower Costs – Our careful analysis and inspection mean fewer returns, better results, and quicker turnaround times.
Quicker Implementation – Because every metal etching part is ready when it gets to you, you can confidently move into production faster.
Faster Prototyping – Early investigations into the strengths and weaknesses of parts mean that we can bring ideas to reality faster and more efficiently.
And, most importantly, you get our top commitment: to deliver precision thin metal parts ready to use in mission-critical applications.
Learn more about our photochemical etching services or request a quote.
