chemical etching machine

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions buyers most often ask about Golden Eagle PCB and metal etching machines — what they etch, the chemicals they use, how to order, shipping, installation, training and after-sales support. Can't find your answer? Contact our engineers and we'll reply within one business day.

Products & Technology

What types of etching machines does Golden Eagle make?

We manufacture PCB etching machines, metal (chemical) etching machines, and complete wet-process production lines. A full line can include cleaning and brushing, photoresist coating, UV exposure, developing, spray etching, resist stripping and drying — plus plating, HASL, CNC drilling/routing and inspection equipment. See all products.

What metals can your etching machines process?

Our machines etch stainless steel, copper, brass, aluminium, nickel, zinc, magnesium and titanium in thin foil and sheet form. Learn more in our guides to stainless steel etching and titanium etching.

What is the difference between a PCB etching machine and a metal etching machine?

A PCB etching machine is optimised for removing copper from printed circuit boards at high volume, usually with cupric chloride and regeneration. A metal etching machine etches a wider range of metals such as stainless steel and brass, typically with ferric chloride, for nameplates, filters, decorative panels and precision parts. See ferric vs cupric chloride etchant.

Can you build a complete turnkey etching production line?

Yes. We supply complete turnkey lines covering the whole process from surface preparation through coating, exposure, developing, etching, stripping and drying, and we provide full process training so your team can run the line. Read about the photochemical etching process.

Do you offer custom or OEM etching equipment?

Yes. Machines can be customised to your material, part size, throughput and factory layout, including OEM builds. Send us your specification and we will engineer the equipment to suit.

Etching Process & Chemicals

What etchant do your machines use?

Most machines run ferric chloride for general metal etching or cupric chloride for high-volume PCB copper etching. Titanium requires a hydrofluoric-acid-based etchant. We help you select the correct chemistry — see our chemicals page.

Do you supply the etching chemicals and photoresist as well?

Yes. Alongside equipment we can supply etchant, developer, stripper and photoresist (dry film and liquid) so you can start production with a matched chemistry and machine. Browse etching chemicals.

Can your machines regenerate or recycle the etchant?

Yes. For high-volume copper and PCB etching we offer etchant regeneration systems that continuously re-oxidise the solution to keep the etch rate stable and lower chemical consumption and disposal cost.

What precision or tolerance can be achieved?

Chemical etching typically holds tolerances around ±10% of the metal thickness, with fine features down to roughly 0.1 mm on thin material. Actual results depend on metal, thickness, artwork and how well the machine controls spray pressure and temperature. More in our chemical etching process guide.

Ordering, Pricing & Customization

How do I get a price or quote for an etching machine?

Tell us the machine or line you need, the metal, part size and target output, and your voltage. We will recommend a configuration and send a quotation. Email etchmachinery@163.com or call/WhatsApp/WeChat +86 15010608128. Browsing our catalogue first helps you shortlist a model.

Is there a minimum order quantity?

There is no large minimum order. We supply everything from a single benchtop or laboratory etching machine to a full multi-stage production line — so you can buy one machine or an entire turnkey line.

What is the lead time for manufacturing?

Lead time depends on the machine and configuration; standard machines ship faster than fully custom turnkey lines. Contact us with your requirement and we will confirm the current lead time before you order.

Can the machines be configured for my country's power supply?

Yes. Equipment can be built for your local power, such as 220V or 380V, 50Hz or 60Hz, single or three phase. Tell us your voltage when you enquire and we will configure the machine accordingly.

What payment methods do you accept?

We commonly accept bank transfer (T/T) and other agreed methods. See our Payment Methods page or contact us to confirm terms for your order.

Shipping & Export

Do you ship internationally? Which countries?

Yes. Golden Eagle has exported etching equipment to more than 40 countries across Europe, the Americas, the Middle East, Asia and Oceania. See where our machines are in use on our case studies page.

How are the machines packed and shipped?

Machines are crated for export and shipped by sea or air freight depending on size and urgency. We advise the most suitable option and Incoterms for your destination when we quote.

What about customs and import duties?

Import duties and customs clearance in the destination country are handled by the buyer, but we provide complete and accurate export documentation to make clearance smooth. Ask us if you need specific paperwork.

Installation, Training & After-Sales

Do you provide installation and operator training?

Yes. We provide installation guidance and full process and operation training, on site or remotely, so your operators can run both the equipment and the etching process correctly. See our services.

What warranty and after-sales support do you offer?

All equipment is covered by a warranty and backed by long-term technical support and spare parts supply. We provide remote troubleshooting and can source replacement parts quickly; specific warranty terms are confirmed on your order. See also our return & refund policy.

How do I get spare parts and technical support?

Contact us with your machine model and the part you need. We keep common spare parts available and provide remote technical support by email, WhatsApp and WeChat to keep your line running.

Still have a question?

Tell us your material, part size and production volume — our engineers will recommend the right etching machine and answer any technical question.

Ask an Engineer