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Invar Chemical Etching
Tecomet Inc. offers top of the line Invar 36 chemical etching. Invar is a nickel-steel alloy that is used for its low coefficient of thermal expansion. The name Invar is derived from the word invariable, which refers to the material’s lack of expansion or contraction with temperature changes. Etched Invar parts are used by the electronics, telecommunications, and microwave industries. Invar etching is commonly used to produce shims, shadow masks, and microwave components.
Invar Etching Capabilities
Tecomet Inc. has years of experience etching Invar alloys, and Invar-etched products are currently in commercial production. Invar is one of the more difficult metals to etch, and Tecomet maintains the same quality standard on Invar that it applies across every material it works with, regardless of difficulty.
As with all metals Tecomet etches, dimensional accuracy depends on material thickness, thinner metals achieve tighter tolerances, and the type of metal is a significant factor in etch rate, since different metals require different etching chemistries and are removed by the solution at different speeds. Tecomet keeps a wide variety of materials and thicknesses in stock and can also work with customer-supplied material.
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Thickness & Tolerance Capability
Tecomet Inc. can photo-chemically etch most metals, Invar included, at thicknesses between 0.0001" and 0.070". As a general rule, the smallest hole or slot achievable is 110% of material thickness — for example, 0.010" thick material can hold a slot as narrow as 0.011" wide.
FAQs
What is Invar used for?
Invar is a nickel-steel alloy valued for its low coefficient of thermal expansion. The name comes from “invariable,” referring to how little it expands or contracts with temperature changes. Etched Invar parts are commonly used to produce shims, shadow masks, and microwave components for the electronics, telecommunications, and microwave industries.
Is Invar difficult to chemically etch?
Yes. Invar is one of the more difficult metals to etch. Tecomet Inc. has years of experience etching Invar alloys, with products currently in commercial production, and maintains the same quality standard on Invar that it applies across every material it etches.
What industries use etched Invar parts?
Etched Invar parts are used across electronics, telecommunications, defense, aircraft, aerospace, and solar applications.
