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Photo etching is also a technique that model makers
adopted and utilizing for almost 30 years. This
technique found its way into both, custom models
production and mass production of scale model kits.
Photo etching is based on relatively simple chemical
process quite similar to the process of developing
photographs, only the output of the process are flat
parts chemically etched in a thin metal sheet. It takes
skills and experience to produce quality parts with
precise and crisp etching, and the process itself still
be quite expansive. However the result speaks for itself
- this method is the only one by which we can produce
flat thin metal parts, accurate and durable.
We are using this method for years, designing universal
photo etched nets and grids and keeping them in stock.
Whenever we need to add to a model a delicate grid, net
or fence, we have our pre-fabricated photo etched plates
available. We were also producing by custom photo
etching window and door frames, delicate micro fixtures
and even whole walls for architectural models.
Unlike other modern rapid prototyping methods photo
etching is not computer driven and is not based on 3D
models. The input for this technology are simple black
and white graphic files converted into a transparent
film. Therefore no sophisticated software is required to
prepare files for production of photo etched parts.
With development of additive rapid prototyping
techniques photo etching method did not lose its
relevancy and still be highly considered when we
dispatch a digital tooling for a specific model.
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