Chemical machining is stock removal process for the production of desired shapes and dimensions through selective or overall removal of material by a controlled chemical attack with acids or alkalis. The metal is gradually transformed into metallic salt by chemical reaction and is ultimately removed in this form. Let us have a deep insight into the pros and cons of chemical machining in this article.
Advantages of Chemical Machining :
- Components are produced burr-free.
- The process is relatively simple.
- Can be applied to almost any material.
- Thin sections.
- Several components can be produced simultaneously.
- The process does not distort the machined components.
- Most difficult to machine material can be processed.
- High surface finishing is possible.
Disadvantages of Chemical Machining :
- The metal removal rate is slow.
- Metal thicker than 2 mm can not be usually machined.
- High operator skill is required.
- Corrosive etchant damages the equipment.
- Required the handling of dangerous chemicals.
- Disposal of potentially harmful byproducts.