Chem Etch Stencil Inspection
Quality control for chemically etched stencils: aperture tolerance, paste release characteristics, dimensional inspection and defect analysis.
What this service covers
Chem Etch Stencil Inspection is carried out by photo etching. A photographic resist is applied to the metal sheet, the pattern is transferred by exposure and development, and the unprotected metal is dissolved by a controlled etchant. The result is burr free detail, repeatable tolerances and no tooling cost for complex shapes, which makes it well suited to prototypes, short runs and intricate geometries that are difficult to machine.
Materials we etch
We etch brass, copper, aluminium, 304, 316 and 302 stainless steel, nickel, titanium and low carbon steel. For every material we select the etchant and process window that avoids distortion, hydrogen embrittlement and excessive undercut, so hole size, wall thickness and flatness stay within specification across the batch.
Industries served
Industrial equipment and instrumentation, automotive and rail, electronics and control panels, oil and gas filtration, architecture and interior decoration, medical and laboratory equipment, and identification and signage. Parts are commonly supplied as nameplates, data plates, screens, meshes, filters, gaskets, stencils, shims, washers and decorative panels.
Key technical parameters
Etched thickness typically ranges from 0.05 mm to 1.0 mm. Minimum feature width and minimum web depend on material and thickness, and we confirm manufacturability against your drawing before tooling. Tolerance on the etched profile is typically plus or minus 0.1 mm to 0.2 mm depending on part size and process. Parts are supplied deburred, cleaned, and passivated where the material and application require it.
How to request a quotation
Send the drawing in DXF, DWG, STEP or PDF format together with the material and grade, the thickness, the quantity and the required delivery date. We will confirm feasibility, propose the process and return a quotation. Sample lead time is typically 3 to 7 working days, and batch production timing depends on volume and current capacity. Drawings are treated as confidential and are not shared with third parties.
Read the frequently asked questions below for materials, tolerances, lead times and ordering.
Related resources
Chem Etch Stencil Inspection — FAQ
What is checked during chemical etch stencil inspection?
We verify aperture dimensions and position against the artwork, check the wall quality and the absence of residue or undercut, confirm the stencil thickness and the frame fit, and inspect the aperture edges for the sharpness that determines paste release. A dimensional report can be supplied with each batch.
How do you measure a chemically etched aperture?
Aperture dimensions are measured with optical or imaging measurement, and a sample of apertures is checked across the sheet rather than only at the centre, so that any etch-rate gradient across the panel is detected before the stencil reaches the line.
What defects indicate an etch problem?
The indicators are rounded or partially blocked apertures, undercut that widens the aperture beyond tolerance, a residual resist film, and streaking from inadequate agitation. Each of these affects paste release in a different way, and each is traceable to a specific process step.
Can you inspect a stencil that I already own?
Yes. We can inspect and report on customer-supplied stencils as a quality-assurance service, and recommend whether the stencil is fit for the current paste and print parameters.
How many stencils do you inspect per batch?
The sampling level is agreed with you and is normally tied to the criticality of the paste volume and the number of stencils in the batch. We can inspect 100% where the cost is justified.