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Chemical Etching of Titanium Case Study

Learn all about TiME, an innovative
titanium process we developed
in-house
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Project Summary

Advanced Chemical Etching (ACE), the Midlands-based etching specialist has developed new, safer chemistry that will take the etching of Titanium to new levels of quality and precision.

The Challenge

Titanium is renowned for its strength and lightweight properties but it is difficult to etch due to the fact that it rapidly forms a protective oxidised coating when exposed to air; a coating that is exceptionally hard to dissolve.

Traditionally, Hydrofluoric Acid (HF) has been used as the preferred etchant because of its ability to remove this oxide layer but it is a highly toxic material and one to be avoided if possible.

The Solution

Through an extensive R&D programme, ACE developed a new process that is safer to use than the conventional Ti etching method. The new process, called Titanium Molecular Etching TiME, is also faster and more controllable, offering outstanding precision with sharp, well-defined features and crisp edges.

Benefits of the TiME process

New Levels Of Quality Achievable

New Tighter Tolerance Standards

Safer Process

High Aspect Ratios

Flexible Process

Compliant Process

Solutions by Industry

At ACE, we combine cutting-edge chemical etching technology with decades of expertise to deliver precision metal components.

Whether you're an experienced engineer, new to metal etching, or just curious about what we do, we’ve got you covered.

News and Insights

November 26, 2024

ACE Chemical Etching at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics, 4th to 6th February 2025

August 20, 2024

AS9100 accreditation helps ACE fly high with £1m of new aerospace opportunities

November 24, 2023

Advanced Chemical Etching – Metal Matters October 2023

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