Design Guide Notes & How to Order
Chemical Etching Design Guidelines
Please download this information sheet to learn about the chemical etching process and the various design guidelines that should be considered when designing the artwork for your chemical etching projects.
Brochures
Zelflex Framing System Brochure
DEK VectorGuard Brochure
Forms
Solder Paste Stencil Order Form
you can edit and save this form for future orders by opening it with Adobe Reader or a similar PDF viewer
Quality Policy
Terminology
Micro-tabs & Tabbed
Required to retain the part in the parent sheet during the etching process. The size of the tab depends on the material thickness, generally not less than 1.5 times of the material thickness. We have several tab designs and options to minimise any effect on the part. Small parts are often still "tabbed" into the parent sheet to reduce the risk of damage to parts. This allows for "twisting" out by the customer.
Twisting & Twisted
The motion required to break out the part from the parent sheet. Twisting causes the micro-tab to snap off.
Etched & Paint Filled
Paint filling is a process which can be performed after deep acid etching. It involves filling an etched area with paint to make the text or images more prominent.
There are a variety of colours available to suit your needs.
This photo shows a sign that has been only deep acid etched, next to a sign that was etched and then paint filled with black.
Surface Laser Marked vs Deep Acid Etching
Surface laser marking involves surface etching highly detailed text, logos or images onto stainless steel or aluminium.
Deep Acid etching involves a process which removes layers of stainless steel, copper or brass to leave text, logos or images either proud of the surface or etched into it.
Learn more about the differences between
Stainless Steel Finishes
2B Finish
Mirror Finish
Number 4 Finish
Stainless steel is available in a variety of finishes. Please contact us to find out if your desired finish is available in the thicknesses you require.
