What is Titanium Etching

Titanium etching is a machining process that uses an oxidizing reagent to selectively dissolve away the metal. The process allows high volumes of intricate components to be etched in titanium at speed, without affecting the chemical and mechanical properties of the metal.
Titanium etching is an excellent process for components that require corrosion resistance in a variety of industries, such as aerospace, medical implantable devices, and automotive.
The effective etching reagent is hydrofluoric acid (HF). The optional nitric acid is used mainly to reduce hydrogen absorption and therefore hydrogen embrittlement.
Titanium etching works by "printing" a component design onto metal laminated with photoresist.
 Applications
1. Aerospace and Aviation: Titanium etching is widely utilized in aerospace and aviation industries for manufacturing components such as aircraft frames, engine parts, and turbine blades. It enables the production of lightweight, high-strength titanium structures with intricate geometries.
2. Medical Devices: The medical sector extensively employs titanium etching to manufacture surgical instruments, orthopedic implants, dental implants, and medical equipment. The process enables the creation of complex shapes, textures, and microstructures necessary for biomedical applications.
3. Electronics and Semiconductors: Titanium etching plays a crucial role in the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and semiconductor devices. It facilitates the precise patterning of titanium electrodes, interconnects, and microstructures in electronic components.


Products
1. Titanium Components: Titanium etching produces intricate shapes, holes, slots, and patterns on titanium sheets, foils, and plates, resulting in custom-designed components with exceptional mechanical properties.
2. Meshes and Filters: Titanium etching allows the creation of precision titanium meshes and filters used in applications such as filtration, separation, and biomedical devices. The precise control over pore size, shape, and density enhances performance and functionality.
 Achievable Precision
Titanium etching can achieve high precision and feature resolution, typically in the range of micrometers (μm) to sub-micrometers. The process enables the creation of fine details, intricate patterns, and microscale structures on titanium surfaces, offering precise control over dimensions and geometries.
 Considerations
1. Etching Mask: Selecting the appropriate etching mask or resist is crucial for achieving desired patterns and preventing unintended etching. Various photoresists, polymers, or metal masks can be used depending on the specific application requirements.
2. Etching Parameters: Optimizing etching parameters, such as etchant composition, temperature, etching time, and agitation, is essential for obtaining precise results and controlling etching rates. Careful process monitoring is necessary to maintain uniformity and consistency across large-scale production.
3. Material Compatibility: Titanium etching is highly compatible with pure titanium and many titanium alloys. However, certain alloy compositions and impurities may affect the etching behavior. It is essential to consider the material composition and consult with experts to ensure successful etching results.

Benefits Of The Titanium Etching Process

While the conventional, industry standard process of titanium etching can endure several serious drawbacks that make the process unreliable for large volume production. Tongjin Technology‘s titanium etching technique, enables them to overcome this problem:
Some of the benefits of our unique titanium etching process include:
Smooth edge profile and smooth surface etch profile
Tight tolerances possible ±10% of material thickness
1:1 aperture aspect ratio possible
Part size up to 280mm x 480mm
Serial production capacity
Safer chemistry reduces
personal and environmental risks
No surface burrs
Complex geometries
at no extra cost
Thicknesses from 0.010mm – 1.00mm
Fast turnaround
No heat-affected zones

Photo Chemical Etching of Titanium Parts

Titanium bipolar electrolyser plate
Folding Cell Phone Screen
Titanium bipolar electrolyser plate
Titanium bipolar electrolyser plate

Chemical etching process: 10 frequently asked questions

Want to ask a question about chemical etching or share a component drawing for technical review?


Q1. What is the chemical etching process?
The chemical etching process is a sheet metal machining process that is used to manufacture complex components with high levels of accuracy.Comprising nine steps, it works by printing the component design onto a photoresist mask which is laminated onto the metal.
The areas of photoresist which have not been printed are developed, exposing the metal, which is subsequently etched away.
Q2. What metals can be chemically etched?
Almost any metal and metal alloy can undergo chemical etching. This includes steel and stainless steels, nickel, copper, aluminium.
What makes photochemical etching so effective is that it works well on hard-to-machine metals, including highly corrosive-resistant metals such as titanium and its alloys.
Q3. What chemical is used in etching?
Most metals are etched using ferric chloride, a safe to use, recyclable etchant. Ferric chloride can be regenerated and reused.
Other proprietary etchants such as nitric acid, are used for specialist metals and alloys.
Q4. What sheet sizes and thicknesses can be etched?
Sheet metals between 0.010mm and 1.5 mm thick can be etched. The thicker the sheet the longer it takes to etch, meaning metals above 1.5mm are uneconomical to process.
Q5. How accurate is chemical etching?
Excellent accuracy can be achieved with photochemical etching. Standard minimum etching tolerances are ±10% of the metal thickness being etched, to a minimum of ±0.025 mm.
With development, greater accuracy can be achieved so it is encouraged that customers partner with TONGJIN Etching early in the design phase so an appropriate etching method can be developed.
Q6. What are the benefits of chemical etching?
Chemical etching is highly advantageous and offers many benefits. This process does not use mechanical force, unlike stamping which subjects sheet metals to extreme pressures. Nor does it put thermal stress on the cutting edge, unlike laser cutting.
Alongside this, chemically etched parts remain flat, burr- and stress-free, leaving the material properties unaffected.
Chemical etching can also produce very accurate engraved features at the same time the material is being profiled, such as fluidic channels, logos or part numbers. These features come at no additional cost.
Q7: What level of detail can chemical etching achieve?
The minimum standard etched opening achievable is 0.1 mm, but with development, etching can achieve even finer features.
Q8. How much does chemical etching cost?
Chemical etching uses digital tooling which is inexpensive, very easy to adapt and does not wear out, unlike presswork tooling.
Material thickness and component size are key cost drivers as you pay by the sheet, not by the part – the more parts per sheet, the lower the unit price. Thicker sheets take longer to etch and this is reflected in the cost of the component.
Q9. What are the maximum quantities chemical etching can produce?
There is no maximum quantity that chemical etching can produce.  Low-cost digital tooling ensures prototype quantities can be supplied quickly and economically.
As one of the largest sheet metal etching companies in the world, TONGJIN Etching supplies its customers with component quantities measured in the millions.
Q10. How long does chemical etching take?     
Chemical etching lead times are measured in days, not weeks or months, unlike traditional metal machining technologies.
Subject to quantities required and capacity, standard components which require no additional post-processing can be supplied in less than two working weeks. Urgent demands can be supplied even quicker.

Customer Reviews

I am extremely impressed with the precision...
Swapnil from United StatesWednesday, Jan 26, 2019
"I am extremely impressed with the precision and quality of the chemical etching performed by your team. The intricate designs on our metal components were etched flawlessly, exceeding our expectations. Thank you for delivering such a high-quality product."
Your chemical etching service has significantly improved the durability...
Sarah from United KingdomWednesday, Jan 20, 2020
"Your chemical etching service has significantly improved the durability and functionality of our products. The etched patterns not only enhance the aesthetics but also provide excellent grip and tactile feel. Our customers are thrilled with the results, and we couldn't be happier with your exceptional craftsmanship."
We have been relying on your chemical etching expertise for several projects...
Eduardo from ItalyWednesday, Mar 16, 2022
"We have been relying on your chemical etching expertise for several projects, and each time, you have consistently delivered outstanding results. Your attention to detail, quick turnaround time, and excellent customer service make you our preferred choice. Your commitment to excellence is commendable."
has given our brand a unique edge in the market...
Taner from TurkeyFriday, April 26, 2023
"The chemical etching performed by your team has given our brand a unique edge in the market. The intricate logos and designs etched onto our products have attracted significant attention and set us apart from our competitors. We appreciate your professionalism and skill."

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