Introduction to Photoetched Parts

A Blog by Harry Huang

You may agree or not, but photoetched parts are starting to become a necessity nowadays, even Tamiya and Bandai are chucking in a small fret of these metal parts into their kits more often than they used to be 10 years ago. And for beginners, here comes a potential mini nightmare. In this article, we will guide you through some of the basics.

So, what exactly are photoetched parts? Simply put, they are thin metal sheets that have been etched with the design of the parts you want to add to your model. The resulting parts are incredibly intricate and accurate, with delicate features that would be impossible to mold in plastic.

In military modelling, photoetched parts are commonly used to add extra details such as grilles, hinges, latches, handrails, and more. They are especially useful for adding details to small parts such as 1/72 or 1/35 scale models, and components that are made in sheet metal in real life, such as ammo boxes and fenders. Some 1/72 tank kits are even completely made of photoetched parts! Model ships rely heavily on photoetched parts due to the extremely small scale: even 1/350 is considered a “large” scale.

In building Gundams, apart from being folded up to re-create grills and vents just like we do in military models, photoetched parts are also often used to add surface details, cover up unwanted locating holes, or even just add some bling to the finished model.

How Are They Made?

The photoetched parts we use in model making are generally made in brass, stainless steel, and sometimes nickel silver. After designing the components with computer software, the drawing is transferred onto a transparent film and then layered over a metal sheet coated with a light sensitive paint. The metal sheet is then exposed to light, which hardens the paint where the design is present. The metal sheet is then placed in an acid bath, which eats away at the metal that is not protected by the light-hardened paint. What is left over are the parts we need.

Getting Started

As scary as they look, starting with basic photoetched parts is probably less daunting than you think. The ones supplied with the model kits are generally a manageable starting point for beginners, such as the ones in Tamiya kits, they tend to be less complicated. If you are a more experienced builder and want to tackle aftermarket PE parts for the first time, choosing a basic set with only the crucial details is a smart idea. Using tanks as an example, just pick the one that has those massive grill parts on the engine deck and see how you go!

Being made from metal means when working with PE (photoetched) parts, there are different things to watch out for compared to the regular plastic parts we usually deal with. Let's start with the tools:

1. Tweezers: Fine-tipped tweezers are essential for handling and manipulating PE parts, as they allow you to grip delicate parts without damaging them or slipping and launching them into space. A pair of flat tweezers would also be handy for bending certain parts.

2. Hobby Knife: To cut the parts off the sprue, use your hobby knife. You may go through a blade very quickly, but it is one of the safest ways of doing it.

3. Files and/or Sandpapers: The little bit of nub left behind after cutting the part off the sprue can be removed with files or sandpapers, choose the one you are more confident with.

4. Plastic sheet: An ideal surface for cutting the PE parts out is something around the hardness of credit cards or CDs, it needs to be soft enough to prevent your knife from slipping, while firm enough to support the parts being cut so that they won’t bend. Normal cutting mats are okay but there is a risk of deforming smaller parts when the blade pushes through the material.

5. Super Glue: Super glues can glue PE parts to themselves, as well as PE parts to plastic.

6. PE Bend Pliers: These pliers are specifically designed for bending PE parts to the correct shape. They have smooth jaw faces so they won't mar the surface, and with the sides of the jaws angled inwards, makes bending 90 degree angles a lot easier. They are a little more luxurious and specialised, but super handy when bending small to medium sized parts.

When working with PE parts, it's important to take certain precautions to ensure a successful and enjoyable experience. Here are some tips for beginners:

1. Read the instructions: Read the instructions because inside the instruction sheets there are instructions.

2. Read the instructions again: Focus on how the PE parts collaborate with the original plastic parts, this is especially crucial when working on aftermarket sets, make notes on both instructions if needed.

3. Take your time: PE parts are delicate and can be easily damaged if handled improperly. Take your time and handle the parts carefully, especially when bending and shaping them. Taking it slow here is faster than fixing it later.

4. Use the right tools: Make sure you have the right tools for the job, PE parts are fragile and delicate (well, expensive too, of course), and handy tools will significantly reduce the frustration!

5. Be careful with glue: Superglue sets fast which means it gives you less time to relocate the parts. Use a product with a slower setting time if you are not confident.

6. Store PE parts carefully: PE parts can be extremely difficult to reshape to their original state once bent, so make sure you keep them flat when storing and handling PE frets! Back them up by taping them to a piece of cardboard.

7. Test fit before gluing: Before gluing PE parts to the plastic model, always test fit them to make sure their alignment and fit are perfect.

Mastering the Art of Photoetched Parts

Photoetched parts are probably the first real struggle in model building, as you are entering a world where things are made out of more than just plastic, but may also be one of the strongest feelings of accomplishment once you see your build being decorated with shiny little bits of gold coloured details.

From adding exquisite details to military models and enhancing the realism of scale tanks to infusing your Gundam creations with extra flair, photoetched parts open up a realm of possibilities for model enthusiasts. These miniature marvels capture the essence of precision and craftsmanship, allowing you to breathe life into your projects in ways that plastic alone cannot achieve.

As you witness your creation come to life with these golden touches, you'll find that the journey was well worth the effort, and the satisfaction of your achievement will shine as brightly as the metal components themselves. Welcome to the world of photoetched perfection!