Custom metal engraving (photochemical metal engraving) is a subtractive manufacturing process that creates permanent recessed patterns, text, logos, serial numbers and micro features on metal surfaces. Unlike mechanical engraving or laser marking, photochemical engraving uses chemical etching to selectively remove metal without mechanical force or thermal damage. It can not only engrave surface patterns, but also fully etch through the metal sheet to produce complete custom metal parts in one process. Available materials: 304/316 stainless steel, nickel, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium, Kovar alloy. Usable thickness ranges from 0.02 mm to 2.0 mm. It is widely adopted for decorative engraving, industrial identification, precision functional micro-structures and custom metal components.

Step-by-Step Workflow for Custom Metal Engraving

1. DFM & Vector Artwork ReviewOur engineering team reviews your vector drawings, checks minimum line width, character size, pattern spacing, and calculates undercut compensation. We optimize designs to ensure sharp, clean engraved lines, especially for ultra-fine text and complex intricate graphics.
2. Metal Surface Pre-treatmentMetal sheets undergo alkaline degreasing, rinsing and oxide removal. Oil, fingerprints and surface contaminants are completely eliminated to guarantee consistent photoresist adhesion and uniform engraving depth.
3. Dry Film Photoresist LaminationPhotosensitive dry film is laminated onto the metal sheet under controlled heat and pressure, forming a uniform protective mask layer.
4. UV Exposure & DevelopmentUV light transfers custom engraving artwork onto the photoresist. The developer washes away photoresist on areas that need to be engraved, exposing bare metal, while the protected regions remain intact.
5. Chemical Engraving / Etching (Core Step)Specially formulated etchant selectively dissolves exposed metal to form recessed engraved patterns. Two common options:

• Surface engraving: Controlled shallow etching, depth 0.02–0.1 mm, only creates indented marks on metal surface for logos, text, QR codes. Engraved grooves can be filled with color ink for high contrast.
• Through engraving: Etch fully through the metal foil to cut out the full outline of custom metal components, combining engraving and part forming in one single process. No mechanical contact, no heat affected zone, no deformation even for ultra-thin metal sheets.

6. Resist Stripping & Multi-stage CleaningStrip off the photoresist protective mask, followed by multi-stage DI water rinsing to remove residual etching chemicals.
7. Optional Post-processingAvailable secondary operations: ink filling, passivation, electroplating, brushing, mirror polishing, anodizing for aluminum, bending and assembly.
8. Inspection & PackagingInspect engraving depth, line definition, dimensional tolerance and surface quality. Microscope and CMM inspection for fine patterns before packaging and delivery.

Core Advantages of Custom Metal Engraving

1. High-definition ultra-fine patternsCapable of extremely thin lines, tiny characters, complex logos and micro geometric patterns that are difficult or impossible for mechanical engraving. Consistent line width across the whole workpiece.
2. No burrs & no thermal damageNo cutting tool impact or laser heat. No burrs, no burning, no heat discoloration, no material deformation. Perfect for thin and delicate metal foils.
3. Permanent deep markingMarkings are recessed into metal substrate instead of surface coating. Highly resistant to abrasion, scratching, chemicals and high temperature, will not fade or wear away.
4. Low-cost customisation without hard toolingOnly digital vector artwork required. Fast prototyping, simple pattern revision. Economical for small batch samples and mass production alike.
5. Broad material compatibilityWorks on stainless steel, nickel, copper, brass, aluminum, titanium and various metal alloys to meet corrosion, temperature and aesthetic requirements.
6. Combine marking & part forming in one stepSurface engraving and full through-cut can be completed in the same etching run, reducing production steps and cost.

Typical Applications

• Industrial identification: custom engraved nameplates, rating tags, equipment serial number plates
• Electronics: engraved EMI shielding parts, encoder discs, micro structural components
• Consumer & decorative products: metal logo badges, decorative engraved panels, jewelry metal inserts
• Medical devices: engraved instrument ID marks, micro functional engraved features
• Automotive: engraved sensor parts, control panel markings, asset tags
• Aerospace & new energy: engraved precision metal components with permanent identification

Design Limitations & Notes

Photochemical engraving follows isotropic etching behaviour, side undercut must be considered during design. Minimum line width is limited by material thickness and engraving depth. Deep engraving over 0.1mm will increase undercut. Ink filling is an optional post process to improve visual contrast and adds extra lead time and cost. If extremely deep engraving is required, mechanical engraving is more suitable.