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Bespoke one-part filters outperform traditional types
Single-part filters for a diverse range of applications can be cost-effectively produced for bespoke needs using Photo Electro Forming (PEF) and Photo Chemical Machining (PCM). Whatever the application, from inkjet nozzles to audio baffles, or light filters to particle characterisation, Tecan can produce customised metal filters in a single manufacturing process.
Unlike conventional wire-woven products, the single-part filters do not have cross-over areas. This brings a range of benefits, including the elimination of contamination due to trapped debris, no de-lamination at the edges, consistent cross-sectional thickness and consistently accurate aperture shapes and sizes.
The processes allow both simple and complex designs to be realised which can contain apertures and matrices of varying shapes and sizes and with single- or multi-level planes. A filter could have a small number of highly-accurate and extremely fine apertures, say for an optical application, or in the case of a particulate filter, be so tiny that many millions feature on a single part, each one, for example, as small as 3 microns across.
Tecan’s filters are burr and stress-free, with feature sizes and tolerances to suit individual application requirements. Various surface textures and finishes are also possible, including bright, semi-bright, matt, brushed and smooth. The company ensures the individual part is produced cost-effectively from the PEF or PCM process, or a combination of the two, to optimise its required performance characteristics.
A recent example being a one-part filter manufactured from a single piece of stainless steel with apertures created using Photo Chemical Machining which has replaced a wire-woven system in an advanced air-conditioning application.
Easy cleaning and long operational life are resultant advantages of Tecan’s technology. Advances in photo-resist technology enable the production og three-dimensional parts where ‘holes’ and ‘lands’ can be produced with up to 10:1 aspect ratios. This offers particularly beneficial strength and size ratios where very fine features can be produced with both great accuracy and mechanical strength, critical for the production of high-strength durable parts with fine-featured apertures and coplanar rigidity.
The processes allow both simple and complex designs to be realised which can contain apertures and matrices of varying shapes and sizes and with single- or multi-level planes. A filter could have a small number of highly-accurate and extremely fine apertures, say for an optical application, or in the case of a particulate filter, be so tiny that many millions feature on a single part, each one, for example, as small as 3 microns across.
Tecan’s filters are burr and stress-free, with feature sizes and tolerances to suit individual application requirements. Various surface textures and finishes are also possible, including bright, semi-bright, matt, brushed and smooth. The company ensures the individual part is produced cost-effectively from the PEF or PCM process, or a combination of the two, to optimise its required performance characteristics.
A recent example being a one-part filter manufactured from a single piece of stainless steel with apertures created using Photo Chemical Machining which has replaced a wire-woven system in an advanced air-conditioning application.
Easy cleaning and long operational life are resultant advantages of Tecan’s technology. Advances in photo-resist technology enable the production og three-dimensional parts where ‘holes’ and ‘lands’ can be produced with up to 10:1 aspect ratios. This offers particularly beneficial strength and size ratios where very fine features can be produced with both great accuracy and mechanical strength, critical for the production of high-strength durable parts with fine-featured apertures and coplanar rigidity.
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