Is There Anyone Who Does Commissions for Small Run Photoetch?

[Rahn420]

I've been developing a cockpit for my 1/32 Cylon Raider.

The rear wall has a few panels that will be back lit.

I'm looking for some PE of the panel faces to help with light blocking.

Is there anyone who I may be able to commission the PE from.

I can provide vector files of the panels (4 total).

 

[modelerdave]

Sorry, I can't help, but I'd love to see more of your build!

 

[Duncanator]

Check our Insight Designs! They did all the photo etching for the ILM modelshop back in the day.

Insight Designs

Made to order photo-etched metal parts

www.etchnow.com

 

[Antsnest]

The difficulty you will likely encounter is that regardless of the run length you need, setting up the artwork is a fixed cost - that has to be done whether you want 1 or 1000. On long runs, you can spread that artwork cost between each etch, but for short runs. it becomes the most significant cost of the process.
When I did some parts some time ago (10+ years) it was roughly $100 artwork setup and then $10 per sheet of brass etched. I Only wanted one sheet so it cost me $110

 

[Rahn420]

Oh, I'm quite aware of the whole setup thing.
I work in graphics. Many times I have had to explain to a customer why I won't sreen print just one, five color Tshirt. There is a setup charge and minimums involved.
I am certainly open to this aspect. I would want multiple sheets, anyway.

 

[3Dsf]

I did a web search recently, since I'm considering something similar, and found a few companies that say they can do this. But you don't say where you're based. I found UK and US companies, but I've never tried them myself so I can't vouch for any.

 

[Rahn420]

Check our Insight Designs! They did all the photo etching for the ILM modelshop back in the day.

Insight Designs

Made to order photo-etched metal parts

www.etchnow.com

Thanks on the tip. I will have to check them out.

I did a web search recently, since I'm considering something similar, and found a few companies that say they can do this. But you don't say where you're based. I found UK and US companies, but I've never tried them myself so I can't vouch for any.

I'm in the US.

Years ago, I bought an etch kit through Micro-Mark. I never tried it. Has anyone had experience with it? Don't know if the chemicals have expired (if they can) by now.

I'd rather just pay a pro.

 

[bwayne64]

If you do decide to etch these yourself, here's a great article on an alternative to ferric chloride etchant. Let us know how they come out either way.

Stop Using Ferric Chloride Etchant! (A Better Etching Solution.)

Stop Using Ferric Chloride Etchant! (A Better Etching Solution.): Ferric chloride is a traditional home-use circuit board etchant. It's easy enough to come by, and the Ferric by itself is no big environmental problem. However, once you've etched a board with it, you're left with a solution...

www.google.com

 

[Hunk a Junk]

Several years ago I attempted some home brew etching following YouTube tutorials, etc. I found the process extremely inconsistent, messy, hazardous, and expensive. Out of numerous attempts I think I got one semi-usable piece. I admire anyone who can pull it off, but it's a level of alchemy and luck that is beyond me.

I envision a day when some enterprising person or company creates a desktop laser CNC-type machine that can do sharp detail in small brass sheets at the touch of a button. Cricut makers are along those lines, but they can't do thicker brass and in super small detail.

 

[Rahn420]

As a follow-up to my original post...

I went with PPD Ltd, based in Scotland (I believe).

They did an excellent job on my parts. Fast turnaround. Highly recommended.

I ended up with 75 of each set of 4 parts per 270x127mm sheet.

All in all, about $40 for the initial (one time) setup and the sheets (and any additional sheets) are about $16, $23 to ship.

.0125 Stainless steel.

I went with steel over brass since the panels are to be silver in the end. Now, I don't have to paint them.