Titanium etching offers benefits to aerospace markets

Citation

(2008), "Titanium etching offers benefits to aerospace markets", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 80 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2008.12780aad.004

Titanium etching offers benefits to aerospace markets

Titanium etching offers benefits to aerospace markets

Original equipment manufacturers, designers and engineers across Europe can now utilise the cost-effective and flexible photo-chemical machining (PCM) process for the production of even more metal components. New processes, now available from Tecan include titanium, lead, and polyimide etching, as well as diffusion bonding. Applications include some of the most demanding areas in the world – from aerospace to defence, medical and bio- technology.

Tecan's PCM process is said to be refined to the highest levels – delivering burr and stress free custom metal parts. Low-tooling costs and rapid turnround are particularly beneficial elements of this proven process. Complex designs are reported to be as easy to tool as straight-forward requirements and in all cases tooling modifications are a simple computer-aided design (CAD) to plot process. The technology lends itself to the fast and efficient production of prototypes and allows for down-the-line design iterations to be cost-efficiently incorporated and with minimal delay.

In addition to established materials, including stainless steel, brass and copper, the company now offers titanium etched parts, such as meshes and grids, which are typically employed in fuel-cell anodes/cathodes, implantable medical devices and military equipment. Polyimide offers beneficial chemical, electrical and mechanical properties and this can now be etched to produce flat parts such as meshes, washers, shims, gaskets and screens. Niche areas, such as atomic energy applications, are also catered for with lead-etching.

Finally, diffusion bonding is also now offered. The company can take photo- etched parts and diffusion bond them into simple or complex assemblies and components. Application examples include; increasing material and strengths, providing micro channeling for cooling and delivery devices, improving flow and filtering controls, making electrical connections.

Using CAD tooling is generally produced from customers' own drawings and specifications. Files are transferred to a photo plotter, where the image is accurately reproduced onto film and a “photomaster” produced. This photomaster can be quickly and cost effectively replaced if modifications are required.

The company's R&D department is geared to solving the most challenging PCM projects and welcomes joint- development initiatives to produce optimised parts. QA systems include non-destructive X-ray fluorescent testing and rigorous inspection on all components and the provision, on request, of a Certificate of Conformance or Release Note.

Details available from: Tecan, Tel: +44 (0) 1305 765432, Fax: +44 (0) 1305 780194, E-mail: d.worsdell@tecan.co.uk, web site: www.tecan.co.uk