Chem milling, also known as chemical milling, chemical etching, or chemical machining, is a subtractive manufacturing process that uses etchants to dissolve material from metal parts. The process involves masking or stenciling the parts with a resistant material, such as wax, tape, or photoresist, leaving only the desired areas exposed. The parts are then submerged in an etchant solution, which selectively dissolves the material, leaving behind a finished part with intricate features.
One of the key advantages of chem milling is its ability to produce parts with complex shapes and thin walls that would be difficult or impossible to achieve with traditional machining methods. The process is also very cost-effective, as it can produce parts quickly and with minimal waste. Additionally, chem milling can be used to remove burrs and other surface imperfections, resulting in high-quality finished parts.
Applications of chem milling