Custom-Made Precision Thin Metal Components for the Medical Industry
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Profile
Fotofab is a leader in photochemical etching, fabricating custom precision metal components from a long list of metals and alloys. Since 1967, we have worked closely with innovators in the medical device and implant industries to provide precision metal parts for applications of all kinds. Customers choose Fotofab time and again because of our fast turnaround times, rapid prototype ability, and accuracy to requirements. Not to mention our dedication to customer service and affordability.
Etched metal components in medical devices
In the medical industry, metal parts are used in a variety of devices, machinery, implants, and single-use tools. Fotofab has been integral in manufacturing etched parts for medical devices such as wrist plates, tendon snares, contacts for pacemakers, flat springs for buttons, PCB shielding, and metal filters. Other etched components have been used in monitoring devices, dialysis machines, anesthesia machines, implantable devices for incontinence, dental and orthodontic appliances, and MRI systems. We make sure to inspect each part before it leaves our facility to ensure the highest quality standards for safe and effective medical devices.Tolerances for photochemical etching metal parts
Fotofab works with an extensive list of metals and alloys to fabricate etched parts for the medical industry. Stainless steel 300 series and exotic metals like titanium and Elgiloy are often requested for etched medical components. These metals begin as a flat sheet, typically 12″ x 18″ and between 0.0002″ – 0.0125″ thickness. The exact tolerances depend on the features of the part and the metal being etched.Process of etching metal components
Photochemical etching creates components to exact specification but without altering the physical properties of the metal, like laser etching and stamping. The process uses a photoresist to mark a flat sheet of metal with the desired design. This sheet is then run through a single or double-sided acid wash to etch away the unprotected metal. The result is an etched metal part in the exact design requested. Photochemical etching allows these parts to remain in the sheet webbing for easy transport or removal for further processing or special packaging.Additional services etching metal components
While our main product is custom-made metal components, we also understand the need for further finishing of a part before use. Fotofab offers a wide range of secondary services, like electropolishing and forming, in order to deliver a ready-to-use part. Forming is an in-house service that does not require an etched metal part to begin the process. Fotofab provides a full range of metal bending and forming services on a rapid delivery basis.Quality certified metal etching
We are continually making efforts to improve our process for the benefit of our customers. Our premium sheet metal is sourced and processed in the United States. We are a Made in the USA company, and our parts help customers worldwide meet the highest quality standards and are proven reliable time and again. Fotofab is committed to quality and maintains the following standards: ISO 9001 and AS9100D certified, ITAR registered, RoHS and REACH compliance, and Conflict-Free Mineral policy.Why choose Fotofab
Fotofab has been photochemically etching metal components for the medical sector for over 55 years. Our experienced team is ready to help you from prototype through production. We have a quick turnaround time, low-cost setup, and the knowledge and skill to deliver ready-to-use parts. Contact us today. All we need is a drawing to start!Products and Solutions
Press Releases
Press Releases
Fotofab Will be Exhibiting at Photonics West, DesignCon, and SATELLITE Trade Shows in 2023
Fotofab, LLC is exhibiting its products and services at the following trade shows in 2023.18.11.2022
How Photochemical Etching Fits within Design for Manufacturability
The effects of the pandemic can still be felt by manufacturing as the current supply chain remains unstable and companies struggle to find alternatives to support customer demand.19.10.2022
Fotofab’s New Direct Imaging Machine Optimizes Chemical Etching Process
Finger-print technology brings a more advanced level of precision and speed to the 50+ year old process.27.09.2022
Advancing Telemedicine Trends with Photochemical Etching
The COVID pandemic forced all of us into a new norm of social distancing, mask wearing, and remote communication. Some industries within manufacturing struggled to adapt their business strategies to maintain production. Others thrived with the new opportunities that the pandemic prompted.15.07.2022
White Papers
White Papers
Photochemical Machining: Innovative Solutions for Precision Etched Metal
Complex, precision metal components are found in a variety of applications in aerospace, military defense, medical, telecommunications, automotive, electronics, and more. The demand for smaller parts with intricate designs and geometries continues to rise with advancements in technology. However, traditional manufacturing processes, such as stamping, CNC machining, and laser cutting can negatively affect the metal’s integrity and compromise the performance of critical parts resulting in catastrophic failure.20.06.2022
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Abbott
Health care products from Abbott Laboratories are discovered, developed, manufactured, and sold worldwide. The company is organized into four segments: Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. Abbott is currently the fourth largest medical device company in the world.
Becton, Dickinson and Company
Medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products are developed, manufactured, and distributed by Becton, Dickinson and Company worldwide.
Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific Corp. manufactures, markets, and develops medical devices for use in interventional medicine, and seven business areas are under the company’s control: Urology and Pelvic Health, Cardiac Rhythm Management, Interventional Cardiology, Peripheral Interventions, Endoscopy, Neuromodulation, and Electrophysiology. It operates in three segments: Rhythm and Neuro, Cardiovascular and MedSurg.
Edwards Lifesciences
Globally, Edwards Lifesciences Corporation offers products and technologies related to structural heart disease, critical care, and surgical monitoring. The company offers products for transcatheter heart valve replacements to replace heart valves with minimally invasive surgery, and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacements to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases. The company also provides therapy products for surgical heart valves.
GE Healthcare
General Electric Healthcare is a division of the American multinational corporation General Electric, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois and incorporated in New York.
Johnson & Johnson
A healthcare company with more than 130 years of history, Johnson & Johnson (J&J) manufactures a wide range of products. The company is headquartered in New Brunswick, New Jersey, has over 250 subsidiaries, and its products are available in over 175 countries worldwide. Pharmaceuticals, packaged consumer goods, and medical devices make up J&J’s three business divisions.
Medtronic
Headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, Medtronic is a pioneer in the field of development, manufacture, distribution and sales of device-based medical therapies. The ambit of its customers is quite comprehensive namely hospitals, physicians, clinicians and patients worldwide. Founded in 1949, Medtronic operates through four distinct segments offering world-class device-based solutions. The range of key product areas encompasses all major bodily systems, from cardiovascular to renal to urological and so on.
Philips
Philips Healthcare, a division of the diversified technology company Philips, established in 1891, provides healthcare solutions for diagnostics, treatment, and preventive care. With headquarters in Amsterdam, the company operates internationally through three main business divisions: Diagnosis & Treatment, Connected Care, and Personal Health.
Siemens Medical Solutions
Through its subsidiaries, Siemens Healthineers AG designs, manufactures, and distributes equipment and products for imaging, diagnostics, and advanced therapies for healthcare providers internationally.
Smith & Nephew
In conjunction with its subsidiaries, Smith & Nephew plc develops, manufactures, markets, and sells medical devices around the world. The company is a leading manufacturer of knee implants for use in knee replacement procedures, hip implants for the reconstruction of hip joints, and trauma and extremities products such as internal and external devices for use in stabilizing severe fractures and correcting deformities. Also, it provides sports medicine joint repair products to surgeons, such as instruments, technologies, and implants needed to perform minimally invasive surgeries of the joints, including soft tissue injury repair and the treatment of degenerative conditions of the knee, hip, and shoulder, as well as meniscal repair surgery.
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- fotofab.com
- sales@fotofab.com
- 866-279-5185
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3758 W Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60618
United States