ELECTROFORMING

ELECTROFORMING

Introduction to the Technology

Electroforming is an inverse process to photochemical etching, one in which metal is layered on a mould of conductive material, which reproduces - as a "negative" - the image to be manufactured. This way, a faithful reproduction of the image chan be achieved.

Advantages of Electroforming

This technology enables the reproduction of very precise detailing, with tolerances of as little as a few microns, irrespective of the complexity of the original image. Moreover - unlike with photochemical etching - no attachment joints are required. Objects can be treated with galvanic post-processing, and can be manufactured in many layers.

Technical Characteristics and Materials

Electroforming is generally a slower, more expensive process, and, particularly for larger sizes and thicknesses is generally limited to hard and soft nickel.