Photofabrication Engineering (PEI) is a global leader in the supply of photochemically-etched (or milled) precision parts to the consumer electronics industry because we can help reduce product weight and cost. Our rapid turnaround times give manufacturers a competitive edge when launching new consumer products. From fan screens to electrical contacts, as well as covers to seal electronic devices, PEI is the etcher of choice for precision machining of all metal parts from 0.0005 in. (0,0127mm) to 0.1250 in. (3.175mm) thick.
Photo Etched Metal Parts for Microwave Applications
As the markets for military and consumer microwave applications continue to expand, the need for high-quality, extremely precise components at competitive prices has become more critical than ever. Not only can Photofabrication Engineering meet these needs, but we can do it with shorter lead times and greater manufacturing flexibility than can other manufacturers. Products supplied to the Microwave industry include microwave circuits, electrical contacts, EMI Shielding & RF Shielding, Step Lids & Flat Lids, and a myriad of precision etched metal components including gaskets, face plates, and screens.
PEI specializes in photochemically etching microwave circuits in all types of metals, including brass, copper, and beryllium copper. Our ability to etch beryllium is just one example why PEI stands out from other manufacturers. Because of the unique benefits of beryllium copper, it is particularly suitable for products requiring exceptional hardness, strength, self-lubrication, and good thermal and electrical conductivity. Yet most manufacturers cannot or will not handle beryllium copper due to the serious health hazards posed by beryllia dust.
PEI’s process for etching beryllium copper parts is safer than any other manufacturing process (including stamping, machining or cutting). Since photochemical etching provides greater tolerance control for elaborate parts, regardless of the material, PEI can provide even the most intricately-shaped products contacts at a competitive price and with short delivery lead times.
In addition to microwave circuits, PEI manufactures a complete line of photochemically-etched EMI Shielding & RF Shielding cans with a patented, easy access removable cover. This unique design allows user to quickly and easily replace or repair internal components without damaging the surrounding shield. An etched line on the surface is broken to minimize RF leakage. The tab connecting the lid to the RF shield can be easily snipped and resoldered in seconds, minimizing downtime. The RF shields are available in brass and 10-10 steel with solder plating, and can be custom designed to meet the most stringent customer requirements.
PEI’s EMI and RF shielding cans are designed to protect components from radio frequency/electromagnetic interference and environmental hazards, and to provide electrical grounding. Our in-house tooling and manufacturing process allows typical delivery of production orders in three weeks from receipt of order and customer prints. For over half of the company’s history, PEI has dedicated an entire department to the daily etching of both standard and custom Step Lids & Flat Lids for seam-weldable microelectronic packages. We produce lids from prints or the specifications of the package to which the lid will be welded. Whatever your choice of lid, you can be assured that it will be manufactured and supplied to you free of metallic particles and of dust. Hermetic sealing is available as a packaging option.
PEI also manufactures a full line of customer components for wireless and hand-held cell phones and other communications and telecommunications products. Our dedication to this specialty market has resulted in PEI’s reputation as the best provider of high-quality, competitively-priced microwave products in the industry.
Photofabrication Engineering (PEI) has been awarded certification under AS9100, quality standards established by the aircraft and aerospace industry. Achieving this award in recognition of high quality levels in “photochemical machining and assembly of precision and decorative metal parts,” qualifies PEI among the top companies providing photochemically- etched metal parts and components for the aerospace and defense industries. In addition, the company’s manufacturing process has achieved ISO-9001:2008 certification and, in 2010, PEI was granted certification under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), allowing it to provide weapon systems components and accessories in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations implemented by the Department of State.
Etched Metal Parts for Telecommunications
Photofabrication Engineering, Inc. (PEI) is a global leader in the production of custom and standard photochemically-etched (chemically-milled) metal components to the communications and telecommunications industries.
PEI’s high-volume capabilities for wireless and portable hand-held cell phones and other communications and telecommunications products include etching of a wide variety of metals, including stainless steel. We provide RFI Shielding & EMI Shielding, Step Lids & Flat Lids, custom etched gaskets, face plates, screens and other components, and can etch materials in thicknesses from thin foil up to 0.090 in. (2.286 mm). Intricate patterns, geometries and graphics are easily incorporated into the etched part, and all types of surface finishes can be applied.
PEI’s RFI Shielding & EMI Shielding line further extends our penetration into the microelectronics market. We offer a full line of RFI/EMI shields with snap-on, snap-off covers, allowing easy access at any time to components within the shields. These shields are designed to protect components from radio frequency/electromagnetic interference and environmental hazards, and to provide electrical grounding. Standard forming tools are available in any size and shape to create covers that attach onto a fence yet can be removed and replaced easily.
PEI will quote on any existing shield that has a removable cover and apply our design to it; the only tooling charge will be for a phototool, NOT for a forming tool. Our innovative technology and extensive etching capabilities allow us to manufacture reliable, easy-to-use shielding at low cost and with fast deliveries.
With an entire department is dedicated to the production of custom and standard Step Lids & Flat Lids, including lids with getters for hydrogen and moisture absorption, PEI literally has thousands of standard lid tools available to meet almost every common specification; we also specialize in manufacturing custom lids (with a one-time tooling charge, which may be absorbed on large-volume orders). Our standard base material for lids is etching-grade iron-nickel-cobalt alloy, but in addition we can etch lids from many other materials, including nickel-200, stainless steel, and cold rolled steel. Numerous plating and finishing options are available, including gold plate, electrolytic nickel, and electroless nickel. Selective plating is also available upon request. With our large in-stock inventory of materials, PEI offers the fastest turn-around time for precision lids in the industry.
PEI has achieved ISO-9001:2008 and AS9100 certifications and, in 2010, was granted certification under the International Traffic in Arms Regulation (ITAR), allowing it to provide weapon systems components and accessories in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations implemented by the U.S. Department of State.
For high-quality etched parts from almost any metal, at the lowest possible price and with the fastest turn-around, talk to Photofabrication Engineering today about all of your product needs. PEI’s products are all proudly made in the U.S.A.