Photo Etch service

[Pgtaylorart]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone knows of an online service for PE similar to Shapeways for 3d printing. I'd like to upload the artwork file and have it etched and sent back to me. I already have enough projects going and I don't really want to do my own PE. Besides, a dedicated PE service is going to offer quality far beyond what I will be able to do right now.

Does this service exist? Or do I just have to get the Micro Mark kit and DIY?

Thanks for any help,
George

[ermeio]

Once upon a time there was photocut in erieville, Ontario.
They made the best photo etched parts for WWI subjects and I know that that guy accepted to work on commission producing little series of photo etched parts. The parts were ready tu use, connected by a backside film.
For some large series it seems that Eduard ad Parts  accept orders.
You can also check for scale railway accessories firms,since they usually accept orders.

[uncletony]

I've looked into a couple of places, minimum orders are quite large, too large for anything experimental (about $350) -- both places quoted about $200-$250 to make the tool, and a minimum order of 3x 18"x24" sheets at ~$50 ea. That was for .005" brass. Slightly more for .010" brass.

[Pgtaylorart]

Hmmm, too rich for my blood. I just need a bunch of little brackets and control horns, but I need custom shapes. Well, maybe it's back to cutting paper...

I'll do some more homework first.

[Pgtaylorart]

Has anyone here tried PPD Ltd?

http://www.ppdltd.com

[uncletony]

Prices & volume do look better than anything I've found so far here in the USA ... Still pretty expensive for what is bound to be an iterative process...

[uncletony]

After further review-- not so horrible -- looks like a typical job (single largish sheet of .005" brass) would come in around $70. Maybe we could piggyback some stuff. I have a bunch of stuff designed...

[uncletony]

Great to know! Thanks Richard

[Michael Scarborough]

I just love the sound of great minds working together.....

[Pgtaylorart]

After further review-- not so horrible -- looks like a typical job (single largish sheet of .005" brass) would come in around $70. Maybe we could piggyback some stuff. I have a bunch of stuff designed...

Good idea, Bo.
I'm still in the process of designing all the parts I need, but I should be ready soon.

They have examples on their site and it looks like RB Productions uses them.
 

[uncletony]

After further review-- not so horrible -- looks like a typical job (single largish sheet of .005" brass) would come in around $70. Maybe we could piggyback some stuff. I have a bunch of stuff designed...

Good idea, Bo.
I'm still in the process of designing all the parts I need, but I should be ready soon.

They have examples on their site and it looks like RB Productions uses them.

Sounds like a plan! They have good design guidelines on the site, I am sure you have found them already.

[Gutzer]

I have a PE sheet printed by PPDLtd for the Camel 1/16th scale designed by Pez Rizzo:

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234925788-116-sopwith-camel/

Very high quality 10 thou (0.254mm - 0.01") brass...though relatively expensive at 26GBP (including shipping to Oz).

They seem to be happy doing small one off jobs...

[Pgtaylorart]

I have a PE sheet printed by PPDLtd for the Camel 1/16th scale designed by Pez Rizzo:

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234925788-116-sopwith-camel/

Very high quality 10 thou (0.254mm) brass...though relatively expensive at 26GBP (including shipping to Oz).

They seem to be happy doing small one off jobs...

Wow, your work is very impressive! All the PE brackets and parts for your Camel are pretty much identical to what I need for my Pup. I've just started creating the artwork for the PE, but what you have is just right. I hope this isn't inappropriate to ask, but do you know if Pez Rizzo would sell a copy of the artwork?

Thanks for sharing your build here,
George

[Gutzer]

Wow, your work is very impressive! All the PE brackets and parts for your Camel are pretty much identical to what I need for my Pup. I've just started creating the artwork for the PE, but what you have is just right. I hope this isn't inappropriate to ask, but do you know if Pez Rizzo would sell a copy of the artwork?

Thanks for sharing your build here,
George

To be clear, that link is to Pez's build...I only hope I can get close to his standard.

I have asked PPDLtd if they can send me the template for that PE so I can get it printed in Australia, but it needs to be approved by Pez.  Probably best to PM him from the britmodeller link.

If you need the same for 1/32, then PPDLtd should be able to scale the template by 50% and use 0.005 brass...ask Craig at PPDLtd -  [email protected] and refer to the Pez Rizzo Sopwith Camel PE

Peter

[Pgtaylorart]

Thanks, Peter, I'll try to contact Pez.

George