Photochemical etching (also known as chemical milling or photo etching) is an important manufacturing process in the medical technology (MedTech) industry for producing highly precise metal components.
Why the Method Is Used in MedTech:
The process creates parts completely free of burrs or sharp edges, which is critical for safe handling and patient contact.
Material integrity: Because the process uses neither heat nor mechanical force (unlike laser cutting or stamping), the metal’s properties—such as hardness and grain structure—remain unaffected.
High precision: Enables tolerances as tight as ±0.025 mm and allows processing of extremely thin materials (down to 0.01 mm).
Biocompatibility: The method works exceptionally well with medically approved materials such as stainless steel (316L), titanium, and nitinol.
Surgical instruments: Ultra-thin and sharp scalpels or saw blades that minimize tissue trauma.
Implants: Complex meshes for cranial or maxillofacial surgery, as well as components for pacemakers.
Diagnostics: Microchannels in microfluidic devices and electrodes for glucose meters or wearable health technology.
Filtration: Precision filters for dialysis machines and infusion pumps.The process is particularly cost-effective for both prototyping and high-volume production because it relies on digital tooling rather than expensive physical molds or dies. To ensure quality, manufacturers often comply with ISO 13485, the international standard for quality management systems in the medical device industry.
Would you like to learn more about how the process works with specific materials such as titanium or stainless steel? Feel free to contact us for a consultation.