26 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS November/December 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk Enhancing hydraulic filtration with photo-chemical etching Photo-chemical etching (PCE), a manufacturing technique, is transforming the production of filters, allowing for the creation of intricate and precise designs that would be challenging or impossible with traditional methods. Companies like micrometal Group are leveraging PCE to produce next-generation filters that offer high precision and performance, meeting the stringent demands of modern industrial applications. Jochen Kern, Head of Sales and Marketing at micrometal Group, highlights the significance of PCE: “Our PCE process allows us to produce highly complex filter components that meet the stringent demands of modern industrial applications. The accuracy we can achieve ensures that our filters are not only efficient but also durable, helping to extend the lifespan of systems where filtration is critical. One recent example of a filter we have made was for a customer needing a sieve to filter out starch when processing raw products such as potatoes, peas, and wheat in centrifuges while at the same time holding back sand and other contaminants. Using our PCE process, we managed to produce robust filters with dimensions of 0.5:1 to 1:1 which is unique compared to other PCE suppliers and alternative production processes such as stamping or laser cutting. micrometal boasts greater capacity than its competitors, avoids costly tooling costs associated with stamping, and is more cost-effective producing such filters when compared to laser cutting.” The effectiveness of filtration systems, particularly in hydraulics, depends heavily on the precision of their components. A slight deviation in filter specifications can lead to contamination, inefficiencies, and costly downtime. While traditional methods like stamping or laser cutting may struggle to achieve the required tolerances, PCE ensures precise filter manufacturing. Its ability to produce ultra-fine structures without mechanical stress ensures optimal performance for every filter produced. PCE-manufactured filters have a wide YOUR INDUSTRY || OUR SOLUTIONS Explore our range of Hydraulic, Thermoplas琀c, PTFE & Industrial hoses +44 (0)1202 478334 uk@polyhose.com www.polyhose.com Feature rich hoses tailored to meet the needs of the Hydraulic, Je ng & UHP, Torque, Rescue, Paint spray, Gas, Fuel, Pharma & Chemical industries HYDRAULICS The increasing focus on efficiency and precision has made advanced approaches to designing critical components, like industrial filters, more essential than ever. As systems become more complex in sectors like automotive, aerospace, and chemical processing, the need for highly engineered filters that can meet demanding performance requirements has never been greater. H&P reports. range of applications across various industries. In the automotive industry, etched filters are used in fuel injection systems to block contaminants and improve efficiency. In aerospace, the reliability of PCE-manufactured filters ensures performance under extreme conditions. Similarly, filters for chemical processing benefit from the corrosion-resistant and durable properties of etched designs. These advantages make PCE a potential gamechanger for hydraulic filtration systems, where precision, durability, and customisation are becoming increasingly critical. “Industries are demanding more from their filtration systems,” explains Kern. “Whether it’s in high-temperature environments, high-pressure systems, or chemical exposure, PCE gives us the flexibility to create tailored solutions for each of these challenges.” Micrometal Group’s use of PCE has already gained attention across several sectors. The ability to customise filters for specific applications is driving advancements such as multi-layer filters, which deliver enhanced performance in demanding conditions. “Looking ahead, we see PCE playing an even larger role in the future of filtration technology,” says Kern. “With advances in material science and manufacturing techniques, we’re able to design filters that are lighter, more durable, and more efficient than ever before. This is just the beginning.” For further information please visit: https://www.micrometal.de
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=