Artwork should preferably be supplied as vector artwork at 1:1 scale. Please include a 100 mm measure bar so that we can confirm the file has imported at the correct scale.

The laser-cut profile should be supplied as a single black vector cut path, while surface-etched detail should follow the colour conventions shown in our Artwork Guide.

For multiple quantities, it is usually easier to supply one of each component together with the quantity required, allowing PPD to create the most efficient sheet layout.

Please refer to our Artwork Guide for accepted file formats, colour conventions and general preparation requirements.

For more detailed technical design guidance, including minimum feature sizes, surface-etch requirements and laser-specific recommendations, existing customers can request our Laser Cutting & Chemical Etch + Laser Design & Artwork Guide.

If you are unsure how to prepare your artwork, please send us your file and we will be happy to advise before manufacture.

Our standard lead time varies depending on current workload, material availability, order quantity and the complexity of the component. As a general guide, please allow around 3 weeks for one-off and small quantity Chemical Etch + Laser orders.

For larger production quantities, please contact us and we will confirm the current lead time for your project.

An express service may also be available for urgent requirements, subject to production capacity. Express lead times and any additional charge will depend on the turnaround required and the complexity of the project.

Chemical Etch + Laser pricing combines the costs associated with both processes.

The chemical etching element is influenced by the material type and thickness, the sheet area required and the initial setup and phototool preparation. The laser cutting element is primarily influenced by the amount of cutting time required, which depends on the length and complexity of the profile.

For larger quantities, PPD can arrange multiple components on the sheet to make efficient use of the available area and help reduce the cost per component.

Where a design could potentially be produced using either conventional chemical etching or Chemical Etch + Laser, we will advise on the most appropriate manufacturing route based on the design, material, quantity and required finish.

For Chemical Etch + Laser, the maximum artwork area is approximately 580 mm × 880 mm. The actual material size available will depend on the metal type and thickness required.

For smaller components, we generally recommend keeping the vertical layout dimension at 280 mm where practical.

Please refer to our Metal Stock & Thicknesses page for the materials, thicknesses and stock sizes we normally hold. If your requirement is not listed, please contact us and we will advise on what may be possible.

Yes. Chemical Etch + Laser is well suited to prototypes, development work and bespoke one-off components, particularly where fine surface detail is required on a thicker material.

We can manufacture a single component or small quantity and, if the design is subsequently required in larger numbers, the same digital artwork can be used for repeat production.

For multiple quantities, PPD can arrange the components on the sheet to make efficient use of the available material.

Chemical Etch + Laser is particularly useful for material of 0.5 mm and above where fine surface-etched detail is required together with a laser-cut profile.

The suitable thickness range depends on the material, component geometry and design requirements. If you have a particular material or thickness in mind, please send us your artwork and we can advise whether the combined process is appropriate.

Please also refer to our Metal Stock & Thicknesses page for the materials and thicknesses we normally hold.

Yes. Chemical Etch + Laser can be used for customer-supplied silver sheet where both surface-etched detail and a laser-cut profile are required.

PPD does not normally hold silver in stock. Once we have reviewed your design, material thickness and quantities, we can confirm whether the process is suitable and advise on the sheet size required.

If the component is intended for enamelling, please let us know when submitting your enquiry so that we can consider the required etched detail and depth.

Where practical, remaining usable silver and offcuts will be returned with the completed order.

Yes. Depending on the design, material and thickness, PPD can produce surface-etched detail on both sides of a component and, in some cases, etched detail at more than one depth.

These requirements are assessed on a project-by-project basis, as the achievable result depends on the specific component design. Please send us your artwork and requirements and we can advise on feasibility.

Detailed artwork preparation requirements for double-sided and multi-level surface etching are included in our customer-only Design & Artwork Guide, this can be requested using the Contact Us page.

Surface-etch depth depends on the material, component design and the detail being produced. As a general guide, surface-etched features on Chemical Etch + Laser components are typically around 0.2–0.3 mm deep regardless of the thickness of metal.