etching holes in 0.03" 1010 steel

[meltman]

I need to place a specific perforation pattern in 0.03" low carbon sheet steel. I mean lots of holes ~ 5,000 with an 0.08" OD. Suggestions? Can this be done chemically with a strong etchant? How long might it take and are there ways to speed up reaction time. Is it possible to combine ECM with acid etching? Thanks

I posted this earlier on the "Steel Industry" forum so you may have already seen this. This might be more appropriate placement.

 

[Maui]

Have you considered contacting an outside source that specializes in laser cutting steel plate? These shops can often work to a tolerance of 0.005", and if this tolerance is acceptable to you it might be worth a look.


Maui