Photo-Etching
Process
The foundation of precision flow engineering in espresso extraction systems.
Precision Engineering Behind IMS Components
The process begins with a sheet of stainless steel, selected for its mechanical stability, corrosion resistance, and suitability for high-precision applications. A light-sensitive dry film photoresist is then applied uniformly across the steel surface. This coating acts as a temporary protective mask, defining the geometry that will later be transferred into the material.
Exposure & Chemical Etching
The coated sheet is exposed to a controlled light source through a phototool. This step transfers the design onto the photoresist layer with micron-level resolution. The exposed areas of the resist are then developed and selectively removed, revealing precise regions of bare stainless steel while protecting all remaining surfaces. At this stage, the component geometry is fully defined in resist form, ready for material removal through a controlled acid etching bath.
Advantages of the Chemical Process:
Micron-level Accuracy
Achieve absolute dimensional precision that traditional mechanical tools cannot replicate.
High Repeatability
Guarantees exact consistency and uniform fluid dynamics across massive production batches.
Complex Geometries
Create intricate and highly complex shapes impossible to achieve through mechanical tooling.
Micro-Perforation
In IMS applications, this step is responsible for creating ultra-precise micro-perforation patterns.
From Flat Sheet to Functional Component
Once etching is complete, the remaining photoresist is removed via chemical stripping. The result is a clean, fully etched stainless steel sheet with defined functional geometry. Individual elements such as discs and membranes are then separated from the original sheet. These components retain extremely tight tolerances and consistent flow characteristics.
Strict Quality Control
Each component is subjected to individual quality control inspection, ensuring compliance with IMS engineering standards before packaging and shipment.
Functional Outcome
The final result of the photo-etching process is a high-performance stainless steel component engineered for controlled fluid dynamics. Photo-etching is not simply a manufacturing step — it is the foundation of precision.
