Electroforming Process

Glossy nickel, Matte nickel, Black nickel, High-hardness nickel

The electroforming process utilizes electrochemical reactions, similar to electroplating.
It reproduces the shape of the master shape by electrodepositing metallic ions onto the surface of the master and excels in dimensional precision and transferability.
WETETCH’s electroforming is “Nickel electroforming” combined with photolithography technology.
It achieves a high level of dimensional precision which is not possible by the photoetching process.
It uses straight processing for high-definition patterns and overhang processing for minuscule holes.

 

 

 

Technical features

  • Creates components with high-definition and high precision.
  • The vertical cross-sectional shape of a through hole by straight processing.
  • Processing of seamless cylinders and special shapes like three-dimensional shapes.
  • Electroforming properties such as anti-reflection, anti-glare, and hardness.

Types of Nickel Electroforming

  • Glossy nickel (for processing high-precision shapes)
  • Matte nickel (anti-glare effect)
  • Black nickel (anti-reflection effect)
  • High-hardness nickel (for components that need a hardness equal to or higher than HV550)
Example of processingType of electroformingProcessingSpecification
Pin holeGlossy nickelStraightt=0.015 hole dia. 0.023
Two-step electroformingGlossy nickelStraightt=0.2
MeshGlossy nickelStraightt=0.01 hole dia. 0.015
Porous plateMatt nickelOverhangt=0.03 hole dia. 0.005
SlitBlack nickelStraightt=0.07 hole dia. 0.042