Stencils
Etched stencils enable precise openings, clean edges, and stable printing processes.
Etched Stencils
The Micro Component Group manufactures stencils for all tensioning frames. These are then integrated into the frame, e.g., LPKF (Zelflex), ASM-DEK (VectorGuard), LTC (Quattro-Flex), Tecan (Genesis).
We offer two different stencil surface treatments: Microshield and NI/PTFE (Teflon). These provide better material release, less cleaning effort, and a reduction in the risk of bridging.
Your advantages
- Burr-free, no sharp edges
- Openings with rounded corners
- We can etch different thicknesses on the same stencil, including on both sides.
- Stress relief – facilitates assembly, and significantly extends the service life of stencils and tensioning frames.
Step Stencils
The Micro Component Group is capable of producing openings for components with a pitch of up to 0.25 mm.
We manufacture in standard thicknesses: 0.08, 0.10, 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, 0.15, 0.18, 0.20, and 0.25 mm. Other thicknesses on request.
We possess extensive technical expertise and many years of experience in the industry.
– Secure and dust-free storage
– Transparent stencil folder
– Easy to identify
– Simple handling
– Large storage capacity
– Optimal archiving and small footprint
– Excellent price-performance ratio
Photochemical etching process for precision metal parts
Photochemical etching produces highly precise metal components with the finest structures and complex geometries. The technology works with extremely tight tolerances, very thin metal sheets, and burr-free results. This enables components that are often not possible with other processes. The finest structures are etched directly from thin sheet metal. The process is characterised by excellent repeatability, high precision, and industrial scalability.
In photochemical etching, metal is structured using a precise lithography and etching process.
The finest contours are created directly from thin sheet metal. The process enables complex geometries without mechanically stressing the material.
The result is stress-free, burr-free components with very high dimensional accuracy.
Our etching process offers virtually unlimited design freedom.
Photo-etching can be used to create a wide range of structures – for example:
• Filtered structures
• See-through structures
• Sharp and smooth edges
• Channelled geometries
With specially developed mask technology, the etching progress can also be controlled in the third dimension.
This creates defined breakthrough geometries and complex components – for example, for lancets, scalpels, or blades in high-volume production.
Photochemical etching enables maximum precision while maintaining high production capacity.
Typical features of the technology:
• Extremely tight tolerances in the hundredths of a millimetre range
• Finest structures and thinnest metals
• High repeatability of results
• Industrial high-volume production possible
The combination of precise lithography and industrial production technology ensures stable processes and cost-effective manufacturing.
In reel-to-reel etching, metal parts are manufactured continuously in an endless strip.
The components are then available as metal strips wound onto reels and can be further processed automatically.
Typical characteristics:
• Metal strip thicknesses of approx. 25 µm to 400 µm
• Easy integration into automated manufacturing processes
• Defined markings or codings possible
The components can be singulated at the customer’s site or fed directly into the next process step.
Photochemical etching can be used to process various metals and alloys.
Standard materials:
• Stainless steel
• Copper
• Nickel
• And its alloys
Additional materials (depending on location):
• Aluminium
• Titanium
• Molybdenum
• Precious metals such as gold or silver
Typical process parameters:
• Material thickness: approx. 0.003 mm to 1.5 mm
• Minimum tolerances: down to ± 0.007 mm
• Minimum web width: approx. 0.5 × material thickness
These values are guidelines and may vary depending on the application.
Our standards are industry-leading
We operate in the world of tightest tolerances, hundredths of a millimeter, finest structures, thinnest metals, and most complex geometries. We etch custom metal components in industrial large series while adhering to the tightest tolerances.
We strive for the highest customer satisfaction through excellent quality. To ensure this, our processes are continuously monitored and further developed through strict quality controls.
Together
to the right solution
The metal specialists of the Wickeder Group combine their strengths to offer you the best in metal. A wide range of standard and customized solutions is available on three continents: Europe, America, and Asia. Through the product and service-oriented business model, the highest quality standards, necessary flexibility, and fast response times are consistently maintained.
Micro Component
Here you will find an overview of additional product solutions relating to etching, laser cutting, or electroforming:
Your contact with us
Do you require further information on the manufacture of stencils or have a specific task? Then we look forward to receiving your inquiry.