Whether you’re looking to resolve fine specimens or capture striking images, your optical application likely utilizes aperture assemblies to collect light. They’re comprised of many small and thin metallic parts, and any dimensional nonconformance or surface imperfection can impact operability.
Get aperture components manufactured to your specifications with support from E-FAB. Our area of expertise is photochemical machining, or PCM, which produces complex metal components with greater speed, precision, and purity than traditional tool- or laser-driven manufacturing methods. Continue reading to learn about our photo etched precision apertures and how we can assit your company today.
An aperture is a precise opening in a lens diaphragm through which light travels. It and the focal length of an optical device determine the cone angle of a bundle of rays, bringing an image into focus through a plane.
Optical systems like cameras, microscopes, and telescopes have many openings and subassemblies that control the number of rays that enter and how they function. Since these systems are complex, the manufacturing methods used to produce aperture components can impact product quality and performance.
Photochemical machining uses etchant chemistry to make detailed, highly accurate metal aperture components for optical applications. Also called photo etching or metal etching, it doesn’t utilize mechanical force or heat. Chemical and mechanical properties are unaltered, and surfaces are free from stresses and burrs. Other advantages include:
Whether you need a prototype for validation and testing or thousands of parts for full-scale production, photochemical machining can help you bring optical products to market faster. The process utilizes digital tooling, which means manufacturing is carried out quickly. Component features are machined simultaneously, so there are virtually zero complexity limitations.
E-FAB is ISO 9001:2015-certified manufacturer of photochemical etched apertures for optical device manufacturers and their suppliers. We combine innovative equipment, skilled personnel, and a stringent quality system to turn around orders on time and within budget.
Our photo etching process lines can produce parts with tight tolerances from metal sheets of many sizes. We have the following capabilities:
Chemical etching is a fast process, and many parts can be produced at once rather than machining them one at a time. As a result, we can offer short lead times for aperture components.
Photochemical machining is our core process, but we can do much more. E-FAB offers a full suite of supplementary services to optimize your supply chain.
The ability to blacken optical surfaces with superior precision sets E-FAB apart from the competition. Optical blackening keeps light not intended to pass through an optical system from reaching the image plane, and the process involves surface preparation for roughening and surface treatment for darkening.
With many capabilities under one roof, we can quickly and affordably move your design from raw material to finished product using your print, specification, or purchase order requirements. As a result, you’re free to focus on your business.
If you have an idea but no drawing, we can support you throughout the product realization process with prototyping. Once the design is accepted, full-scale production kicks off.
Optical devices are everywhere, from cell phones in everyday environments to interstellar satellites traveling through extreme conditions. E-FAB can manufacture aperture components from a range of metal alloys.
If you’re unsure which material is best, E-FAB is here to help. With extensive thin sheet metal processing and properties knowledge, our team can work with you to select the optimum metal alloy for your aperture components.
Any application where light needs to be resolved on an image plane can benefit from aperture components manufactured by E-FAB. Examples include:
We have the resources and capabilities to take on challenging projects. Our engineering team doesn’t stop until the parts and services meet your specifications and perform as expected.
Our experience and ability to think creatively have made E-Fab a trusted partner to our customers and a leading custom copper busbar supplier. Contact us today to request a quote for your project.
We are an expert team of engineers, manufacturers, and quality assurance specialists that deliver precision parts with ultimate accuracy. We serve technology companies, defense contractors, medical equipment manufacturers, and innovators from our Santa Clara, California headquarters.
We’d love to hear about your challenges and answer your questions. Reach out, and let’s get it done.
1075 Richard Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
1009 Timothy Drive
San Jose, CA 95133
Main Phone: (408) 727-5218
Fax: (408) 988-3342
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