Industries

Photochemical etching for complex metal components

We supply precision-etched metal components that meet the most exacting specifications—without the costs and limits of traditional stamping or forming methods.

A trusted name in photochemical etching

For over 55 years, Vaga Industries has specialized in creating high-precision components from sheet metal for a wide range of advanced technologies and precision engineering applications.

At our state-of-the-art and family-owned production facility in California, our expert engineers use photochemical etching to produce complex metal parts with the flexibility, fast turnaround, and traceability required for success in the modern world.

Components you can rely on

Burr-free, stress-free, and high-precision metal components that are chemically-etched to custom specifications with repeatability levels nearing Six Sigma standards.

Card reader heads

Resistive strain gauges

Fuel cell electrolyzers

Fuel cell bipolar plates

Magnetic heads

Finger stocks

Microwave screens

Micro filters

Lead frames

RF shielding gaskets, O-rings, etc.

Flat springs

EMI/RFI shielding

GPS components

Connectors and springs

Circuit board shields

Washers

Heat sinks

Busbar stiffeners

Custom metal shims

Electrical connectors

Medical devices and instruments

Speaker grilles

Electric motor laminations

Filters, screens, and sieves

PCB shielding cans

Printed circuit heater exchangers

The advantages of photochemical etching

Faster lead-times, greater accuracy, and less distortion compared to traditional sheet metal machining, from first prototype to mass production.

  • 100% burr and stress-free components
  • Works with nearly any metal or alloy
  • Lead-time of days 
  • Repeatability levels near to Six Sigma standards
  • Unlimited complexity at a fixed price
  • Precision accuracy within ±0.025mm
  • Fast, low-cost prototyping
  • Flexible mass production

Our Process

A personal approach to precision metal manufacturing

At Vaga Industries, we work closely with you at every step to create components of the highest quality that meet your exact requirements and industry-specific standards.

Discovery

It starts with a free consultation

We pride ourselves on offering personal, hands-on service to our customers that other companies won’t. For orders large and small, we offer a free design consultation to guarantee that your parts meet your exact requirements and budget.

Prototype

Expert help with your design

Our goal is to deliver a component that exactly matches your requirements. Prototyping is often the best way to get there. You can submit your specifications to our expert engineers, who will review your idea personally for feasibility, material options, tolerances, and features.

Production

The etching process perfected

We create high-precision components of unlimited complexity from 2000+ metals for any industry. Honed over three generations, our multi-step chemical photo etching process includes first article inspections for dimensions, and is subject to the strictest quality control standards under our ISO 9001 and AS 9100 certifications.

Delivery

Fast turnaround and global delivery

Whatever your production needs, we offer unmatched lead-times. Chemical photo etching delivers a product in a matter of days, not months, unlike traditional machining methods. We understand that timely deliveries are important to your success, so we partner with leading shipping companies to ensure you get your parts when you need them.

Right the first time, the last time, and every time in between.

Our process works with aluminum, brass, copper, titanium, molybdenum, exotic alloys, and even food-safe and biocompatible metals. It’s the perfect solution for products with tight tolerance requirements, such as electrical connectors or implantable medical devices.

Photo chemical machining doesn’t cause work hardening, so the metal will exhibit the same properties before and after processing. It’s also a burr-free process, so no manual finishing work is required to make parts uniform.