Metal

Various metals are suitable for Tecan's Micro-PEF process, the most frequently used however, is nickel, because:

• It can be deposited at high speed
• The physical properties of the deposit can be closely controlled
• It is strong and resistant to corrosion and wear
• It is cost-effective

Both hard and soft nickel can be used for Micro-Photo Electro Forming and each has benefits dependent on the application. Hard nickel offers superior optical qualities and durability, whilst soft nickel offers flexibility and minimal stress.

Tecan can also work with other metals such as copper, silver and gold according to the customer's specific requirements. Theoretically any metal which can be electro-chemically deposited is suitable for Photo Electro Forming.

Epoxy

Transparent or coloured epoxy can be used as a structural material. This is particularly suited to bio-medical applications where the use of nickel is sometimes inappropriate. Epoxy can also be loaded with additional material as required by the application.

Chrome on glass

Tecan can manufacture a range of optical products supplied on glass. This includes graticules, encoder disks and reticles (a network of fine lines, dots, cross hairs or wires in the focal plane of the eyepiece of an optical instrument.)