What is the price of a metal etching machine?

The price of metal etching machines varies based on size, configuration, and precision requirements. Our models range from $6,800 USD for basic units to $45,000 USD for industrial-grade multi-chamber systems. Contact us for a customized quotation tailored to your specific production needs and budget.

What metals can be processed with your etching machines?

Our metal etching machines can process a wide range of metals including stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminum, nickel, and titanium. Each metal requires specific etching solutions and parameters for optimal results. We provide detailed process guidelines and technical support for all supported materials.

What precision can your metal etching machines achieve?

Our precision metal etching machines achieve tolerances down to 50μm (0.05mm) with consistent accuracy across batches. For specialized applications like spinneret dies, we can achieve tolerances as tight as ±0.01mm over large working areas.

Is chemical etching better than laser engraving for metal?

Chemical etching offers several advantages over laser engraving: higher precision for fine details, no thermal distortion or heat-affected zones, cost-effectiveness for complex patterns, better suitability for thin materials (0.2-3mm), and uniform etching depth across the entire surface. It's ideal for high-volume production of precision metal components.

What are the applications of metal etching machines?

Metal etching machines are widely used in: PCB manufacturing, metal nameplates and signage, decorative stainless steel panels, precision filters and meshes, stamping and cutting dies, watch components and jewelry, electronic shielding parts, medical device components, aerospace precision parts, and architectural metalwork.

Do you provide technical support and training?

Yes, we provide comprehensive technical support including on-site installation, operator training, process optimization, and preventive maintenance. We also offer remote technical assistance and detailed documentation including operation manuals, maintenance guides, and etching process recipes for different metals.

What is the lead time for metal etching machine delivery?

Standard lead time is 15-30 days for manufacturing and 15-45 days for international shipping depending on destination. Express production and shipping options are available for urgent requirements. We also maintain stock of common spare parts for quick replacement.

Can your machines handle large sheet metal?

Yes, we offer machines with working widths up to 1550mm that can process full-size decorative sheets (1219x2438mm or 1500x3000mm). Our industrial-grade models are specifically designed for large-format metal etching applications like elevator panels, architectural signage, and decorative wall panels.

Industrial Etching Equipment — Spray, Conveyor & Photochemical Machining Lines

Beijing Golden Eagle manufactures etching equipment for industrial PCB and metal processing. Our conveyor spray etchers, immersion systems, and photochemical milling lines cover working widths from 400 mm to 2,500 mm and ship to 60+ countries. Models start from $5,000 USD; CE-certified; 12-month warranty; quotation in 24 hours.

Request Quotation in 24h Sizing Guide See Model Comparison

What is Industrial Etching Equipment?

Industrial etching equipment uses chemical etchants (ferric chloride FeCl₃, cupric chloride CuCl₂, alkaline ammonia, or acidic peroxide sulfate) to selectively remove material from a substrate and create precision patterns. Modern etching equipment applies chemistry through one of three mechanisms:

Conveyor spray etching — pumped nozzles deliver fresh etchant to the workpiece surface. Highest etch rate (25–50 μm/min on copper), best sidewall control, lowest chemical consumption. Used for 90% of industrial PCB and metal etching.
Immersion etching — parts submerged in a static bath. Slower, more isotropic, lower capital cost. Common for small-batch prototype and lab use.
Photochemical milling (PCM) — photoresist-masked spray etching for ultra-fine features (down to 25 μm). Used for thin metal foils, encoder disks, lead frames, and RFID antennas.

Types of Etching Equipment We Manufacture

PCB Etching Equipment

Conveyor spray etchers for FR4 / aluminum / flex PCB. Working width 400–650 mm. Models GE-JM650, GE-AE650 (alkaline), GE-SWD9.

From $8,500 USD

Metal Etching Equipment

Spray etchers for stainless steel / copper / brass / aluminum. Models GE-JM650, GE-S650, GE-SK9. Up to 2,500 mm width.

From $5,500 USD

Ferric Chloride Etching Equipment

Photochemical milling lines with FeCl₃ or CuCl₂. Used for filter meshes, sieves, encoder disks. Model GE-SK9.

From $9,800 USD

Alkaline Etching Equipment

Ammonia-based PCB etching. Best for HDI fine-line down to 25 μm. Model GE-AE650.

From $11,000 USD

DES Production Lines

Developing-Etching-Stripping integrated conveyor systems. 15–30 m total line length. 100–300 panels/hour.

From $25,000 USD

Etchant Regeneration Systems

Continuous regeneration of CuCl₂ etchant via chlorine / hypochlorite injection. Cuts chemical cost 40–60%.

From $9,800 USD

Etching Equipment Model Comparison & Price Range

Compare our 6 standard industrial etching equipment models. All prices indicative and include English manual, 12-month warranty, FOB Beijing.

Model	Type	Working Width	Chemistry	Precision	Indicative Price
GE-FET500	Lab / fume hood	500×600 mm	FeCl₃	±0.05 mm	From $5,000
GE-S650	Conveyor spray	650 mm	FeCl₃ / Acidic	±0.03 mm	From $5,500
GE-JM650	Conveyor spray (most popular)	650 mm	FeCl₃ / CuCl₂ / Alkaline	±0.02 mm (50 μm min)	From $8,500
GE-SK9	Wide format PCM	650–2,500 mm	FeCl₃ / CuCl₂	±0.02 mm	From $9,800
GE-AE650	Alkaline (HDI fine-line)	650 mm	NH₄Cl / NH₄OH	25 μm line/space	From $11,000
GE-DES-15	Full DES production line	650 mm	Multi-chemistry	±0.02 mm	From $25,000

Industries Served by Our Etching Equipment

PCB manufacturing — single/double-sided, multilayer, HDI, flex PCB, aluminum PCB
Metal nameplates & signage — stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum decorative panels
Precision filters & meshes — 25–500 μm aperture, sintered metal, sieve screens
Lead frames & semiconductor — copper lead frames, RFID antennas, IC packages
Cutting dies & embossing tools — rule dies, creasing matrix, hot-foil stamping dies
Fuel cell & bipolar plates — graphite / metal plate flow channels
Medical devices — titanium implants, surgical instruments, micro-fluidic chips
Jewelry & watch cases — fine decoration on stainless steel, brass, copper

How to Choose the Right Etching Equipment

Material: PCB, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, or specialty alloy? Determines chemistry.
Throughput: panels per hour or m² per shift? Determines line length and number of chambers.
Feature size: >100 μm = FeCl₃; 50–100 μm = CuCl₂; <50 μm = alkaline or PCM.
Substrate format: panel (PCB) vs sheet (metal) vs roll-to-roll (flex PCB) — different conveyor types.
Budget & lead time: lab equipment from $5,000; full DES line $25,000–$85,000; full industrial line $50,000–$200,000+.

Read the full PCB etching machine buyer's guide or etching equipment capacity sizing guide for a detailed walkthrough.

Frequently Asked Questions About Etching Equipment

What is the price of industrial etching equipment?

Industrial etching equipment prices range from $5,000 USD for laboratory fume-hood etchers to $200,000+ USD for full turnkey PCB etching production lines with pre-treatment, post-treatment, and wastewater treatment. Conveyor spray etchers (GE-S650, GE-JM650, GE-SK9 series) start from $5,500; full DES (Developing-Etching-Stripping) lines start from $25,000. All prices include English operation manual, CE certification, 12-month warranty, and FOB Beijing. Quotation in 24 hours.

What is the difference between spray etching equipment and immersion etching equipment?

Spray etching equipment uses pumped nozzles to deliver fresh etchant at high velocity — faster etch rate (25–50 μm/min on copper), better sidewall control, lower chemical consumption, suitable for 90% of industrial PCB and metal etching. Immersion etching equipment submerges parts in a static bath — slower, more isotropic, lower capital cost, suitable for small-batch prototype and lab use. Spray etching is the industry standard for production lines; immersion is for R&D and delicate 3D parts.

Which etchant chemistry is best for my application?

For general-purpose PCB etching, ferric chloride (FeCl₃, 38–42°Bé) is economical and widely available. For high-speed continuous production, cupric chloride (CuCl₂) is regenerable and faster. For fine-line HDI PCB (25–50 μm), alkaline ammonia (NH₄Cl / NH₄OH) is the industry standard. For stainless steel etching, ferric chloride at 40–50°C achieves 25–40 μm/min with excellent sidewall quality.

What precision can modern etching equipment achieve?

Modern industrial etching equipment from Golden Eagle achieves ±0.02 mm line width precision on standard conveyor spray etchers, with minimum feature sizes down to 50 μm for HDI PCB. With photochemical milling (PCM) and fine-grain photoresist, 25 μm line/space is achievable for flexible PCB and thin metal foil. Sidewall taper is controlled to ≤5° through dual-side spray calibration.

How long does it take to deliver an etching equipment order?

Standard etching equipment ships in 15–25 working days from order. Custom-configured production lines ship in 30–60 working days. FOB Beijing, CIF, and DAP terms available. Each shipment includes CE Technical File, Declaration of Conformity, full English operation manual, and 10-year spare-parts supply commitment. On-site commissioning engineers can be dispatched within 72 hours for customers in Asia and 5 working days for Europe and the Americas.

Do you offer wastewater treatment systems for etching equipment?

Yes. We supply complete etching wastewater treatment systems for copper, nickel, and chromium-laden wastewater. Standard treatment train: pH adjustment → chemical precipitation → sludge dewatering → ion-exchange polishing. Effluent meets EU Directive 2008/105/EC, US EPA 40 CFR 433, and China GB 21900-2008 standards. Treatment skid is sized to match etching line capacity (1–20 m³/hr).

Related Etching Equipment & Production Lines

→ Chemical Etching Machine → Metal Etching Machine → PCB Etching Machine → Ferric Chloride Etching → Alkaline Etching → Etchant Regeneration → DES Production Line → Chemicals & Etchants

Latest Technical Articles on Etching Equipment

Get Your Etching Equipment Quotation in 24 Hours

Tell us your material, throughput, and feature size requirement — our engineering team will recommend the optimal etching equipment and quote you within one business day.

Request Quotation Now →