Analysis of machining characteristics in electrochemical etching using laser masking

Electrochemical etching using laser masking (EELM), which is a combination of laser beam irradiation for masking and electrochemical etching, allows the micro fabrication of stainless steel without photolithography technology. The EELM process can produce various micro patterns and multilayered structures. In this study, the machining characteristics of EELM were investigated. Changes in characteristics of recast layer formation and the protective effect of the recast layer according to the laser masking conditions and electrochemical etching conditions were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The oxidized recast layer with a thickness of 500 nm was verified to yield a superior protective effect during electrochemical etching and good form accuracy. Finally, micro patterns and structures were fabricated by EELM.