In "photochemical machining", also known as photochemical milling or photo etching, thin metal in sheet form or from a roll is processed in special machines. With the aid of a photo-sensitive resist, parts of the metal are chemically etched away or metal is selectively removed from a carrier substrate. Compared to other manufacturing processes PCM is not only more economical but also offers many technical advantages. For the individual process steps SCHMID offers special machines for developing, etching and stripping processes.

• Advanced tank and dosing systems and continuous process control
• Depending on the final product, various types of etching processes can be realised
• Suitable for products with substrate on one side and a metal layer on the other
• Suitable for etching right through solid metal
• Selective etching of structured surfaces with varying depth
• Can be used with different types and thicknesses of metal
• Various etchants are used, depending on the metal to be processed
• Innovative filter technology for the stripping process
• Flexible transport systems which can be adapted to various panel materials and thicknesses to optimise the processing of sensitive structured surfaces
• Transport system suitable for roll-to-roll applications and for use with a transport net
• Gentle transport, special handling and adapted process support to guarantee a consistent execution of the production process.