PCM Benefits

PCMI Lab Work8

Photo Chemical Machining (PCM) delivers:

Low cost tooling
All the tooling is created via CAD in a relatively short time with no long-winded mechanical processes involved. In the unlikely event of the tooling “wearing out” replacement costs are minimal.
Low cost modifications
The PCM process allows the designer to carry out practical experiments at a minimum cost. Short runs are possible ensuring that cost effective improvements are easy to implement.
Prototype to production
PCM can be used to make one or a million parts, with the same tooling used every time. This allows the engineer or designer to develop their concept from prototype to pilot to full production quickly and easily.
Metal properties unaffected
PCM carries the unique advantages of leaving the internal structure of the metal unchanged. Neither does it affect the properties of the metal with regard to hardness, grain structure, or ductility of the metal.
Burr free
Some processes leave finished parts with a burr which is detrimental to the functioning of the parts. The PCM process produces burr free components, thus removing the need for costly time-consuming de-burring.
Identification marks
Company logos, part numbers or other identifying marks can easily be etched into the surface during manufacture at no extra cost.

For more information, contact our Executive Director, Catherine Flaherty by phone: (508) 385-0085 or email: cflaherty@pcmi.org.

“Through the PCMI, we learned of Professor David Allen’s availability to perform an evaluation of etching facilities with a view towards enhancing operational efficiencies and otherwise lowering costs. David identified several opportunities for improving our operation that resulted in a measurable increase in our operating margin. After the cost of the evaluation, Conard’s savings justified the PCMI’s dues by a factor of 20 or more - per annum!” Bill Fox, President, Conard Corp.

“Every PCMI meeting I attend provides insights and hints to improve the processes used back at our shops and factories. The wealth of information exchanged at these meetings is invaluable. Time saving shortcuts and formula tweaks are but a couple of valuable perks I have brought home.” Phil Greiner, Design Engineering Manager, PEI

"The most important thing for me at the PCMI is networking.

Having the right contacts, based on trust and integrity, mutual problems may change into mutual benefits."

Harrie Knol, Manager,
R&D, Veco,
The Netherlands

"When I first purchased my PCM company, the only knowledge of chemical etching that I had was what I had learned from visiting my uncle’s circuit board company.

I joined PCMI shortly after I purchased my company. Over the years the PCMI technical sessions and the chance to learn and talk with other owners and suppliers at meetings has contributed to my firm's growth and profitability in an environmentally friendly manner.

The cost of PCMI membership has been well worth the money."

Jerry Williams, President,
United Western Enterprises, Inc.
Camarillo, California, USA

"I joined PCMI in 1994 when my company was just a small local job shop encountering dozens of daily problems for which we were ill equipped to solve. As we developed relationships with other PCMI members, they shared their experiences and we learned to work more effectively and efficiently.

Today I only have to make a few phone calls to my PCMI friends and I can get answers to pressing problems right away. PCMI membership and conference attendance has proven to be of great importance to the growth and development of my company."

Paolo Iellici, General Manager,
Chemical Machining Spa,
San Donato Milanese, Italy