Artwork should preferably be supplied as vector artwork at 1:1 scale. We accept a range of common CAD and graphics file formats and recommend including a 100 mm measure bar so that we can confirm the file has imported at the correct scale.

Please refer to our Artwork Guide for details of accepted file formats, artwork colours and general preparation requirements.

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

For more detailed technical design guidance, including minimum feature sizes, tag requirements, tolerances and other etching-specific recommendations, existing customers can request our Chemical Etching Design & Artwork Guide.

Can you use an existing phototool?

In many cases we can work from an existing phototool supplied by the customer. We will inspect it on receipt to confirm that it is suitable for our process. We recommend retaining a copy before sending the original to PPD.

How long does PPD retain phototools?

PPD normally retains phototools for five years from the date of the most recent order. Please refer to our Terms & Conditions for full details.

Do I need to create a complete sheet layout for repeated parts?

No. For multiple quantities, it is usually easier to supply one of each component together with the quantity required. PPD can arrange the parts on the sheet to produce an efficient manufacturing layout.

That last answer also reinforces what we've already said elsewhere on the site.

The more detailed artwork subjects should stay out of this FAQ and go into the customer-only guide: positive/negative drawing methods, separate front/back artwork versus layered files, detailed tag rules, minimum metal/hole widths, technical tolerances, front/back registration, frames, double-sided etching rules and software-specific setup.

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 two weeks for one-off and small quantity orders.

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

An express service is also available for urgent requirements, subject to production capacity. Express lead times can range from approximately 24 hours to 3–5 working days, with the additional charge depending on the turnaround required.

Chemical etching prices are based on the material type and thickness, the sheet area required and the quantity of components being produced.

There is also an initial setup and phototool cost associated with preparing a design for production. This can represent a significant proportion of the cost for a one-off or very small quantity, whereas for larger quantities the setup cost is spread across more components, reducing the cost per part.

For one-off and small quantity orders, our minimum chargeable sheet size is approximately 290 mm × 135 mm. For larger quantities, PPD can arrange multiple components on the sheet to make efficient use of the available area and provide a cost-effective layout.

Where an existing phototool can be reused for a repeat order, the original phototool preparation cost would not normally need to be repeated unless the artwork has changed or a replacement tool is required.

For chemical etching, our minimum chargeable sheet size is approximately 290 mm × 135 mm, even where only one or a small number of components are required.

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

The cost of an etch order comprises 2 parts, a one off cost for the production of the phototool and a sheet cost, subsequent orders repeating the same design will be charged only the sheet cost.

Available sheet sizes vary depending on the metal type, thickness and manufacturing process required.

For standard chemical etching, our maximum artwork area is 580 mm × 880 mm, although smaller sheet sizes are more economical for repeat production.

Please refer to our Sheet Size & Layout Guide and Metal Stock & Thicknesses page for current dimensions and available material sizes. If your requirement falls outside the sizes shown, please contact us and we will advise on what may be possible.

Yes. Chemical etching is particularly well suited to prototypes, development work and bespoke one-off components because it does not require expensive hard tooling.

We can manufacture a single component or small quantity and, if the design is subsequently required in larger numbers, the same 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 area.

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 etching are included in our customer-only Chemical Etching Design & Artwork Guide.

Yes. PPD can chemically etch customer-supplied silver sheet, although we do not normally hold silver in stock. Once we have reviewed your design and confirmed the order, we can advise on the sheet size and material required.

Depending on the material thickness and component design, silver parts may be produced using chemical etching alone or using our Chemical Etch + Laser process where a thicker material section is 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 customer-supplied silver is used, we will return the remaining usable material and offcuts with the completed order wherever practical.