--- title: "Electroforming can be more than 2D: meet multi-layer Electroforming" description: Multi-layer Electroforming is an advanced manufacturing process that brings new possibilities for many industries that demand precision metal solutions. image: https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hubfs/Images/inkjet.png --- - [career](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/careers/) - [help center](https://help.vecoprecision.com/knowledge) [![Veco](https://www.vecoprecision.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Veco-logo-black-rgb-0072.png)](https://www.vecoprecision.com) - [electroforming technology](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/) - [what is Electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/what-is-electroforming/) - [Electroforming process](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-process/) - [capabilities and applications](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-capabilities-and-applications/) - [Electroforming materials](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/materials-used-in-electroforming/) - [similar technologies](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-vs-other-technologies/) - [case studies](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/electroforming-cases/) - [design guidelines](https://www.vecoprecision.com/design-guideline/) - [company](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/) - [about us](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/) - [markets we serve](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/markets/) - [career](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/careers/) - [co-develop with Veco](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/work-with-veco/) - [quality](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/quality/) - [products](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/) - [micro nozzle plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/micro-nozzle-plates/) - [inkjet nozzle plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/inkjet-nozzle-plates/) - [nebulizer plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/nebulizer-plates/) - [encoder discs](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/encoder-discs/) - [MEMS probes](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/mems-probes/) - [test socket pins](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/test-socket-pins/) - [electrodes for hydrogen production](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/electrodes-for-hydrogen-production/) - other products - [flow discs](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/flow-discs/) - [sugar screens](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/sugar-screens/) - [coffee filters](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/coffee-filters/) - [leaf filters](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/leaf-filters/) - [shaver foils](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/shaver-foils/) - [hearing aid components](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/hearing-aid-components/) - [aperture plates](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/aperture-plates/) - [test contactors](https://www.vecoprecision.com/products/test-contactors/) - [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) - [Home](https://www.vecoprecision.com) - [Blog](https://insights.vecoprecision.com) - Electroforming can be more than 2D: meet multi-layer Electroforming [Back to overview](https://insights.vecoprecision.com) # Electroforming can be more than 2D: meet multi-layer Electroforming Jun 28, 2016, 10:00:00 AM [By Hua Fan](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/author/hua-fan) Electroforming is recognized as a high-precision manufacturing technique for two-dimensional metallic components. This process, however, may not suffice for certain intricate metal components that necessitate exceptional accuracy and comprehensive three-dimensional structuring. In such cases, multi-layer Electroforming emerges as the preferred method. ## What is Electroforming? [Electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/technologies/electroforming) is a highly precise metal fabrication process that forms metal parts through electro-deposition. It is acknowledged to be one of the best technologies in the precision metal fabrication industry today. Its uniqueness is that you can grow metal parts atom by atom. The technology allows high replicability while staying highly accurate.  [*To learn about the process in practice, different industry solutions, and comparison of electroforming and other manufacturing technologies – download our latest Electroforming whitepaper here.*](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/en/whitepaper-electroforming) ## Multi-Layer Electroforming Multi-layer Electroforming is an advanced manufacturing process that builds upon the core principles of standard Electroforming. The main reason to add more layers in other directions to a metal part - and therefore create the 3rd dimension - is that multi-layer metal parts provide a more delicate structure. Also, they can also improve strength to reinforce very thin parts, making them easier to handle and less sensitive to potential damage. To add multiple layers to the metal parts, the same[Electroforming process](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/the-electroforming-process-explained-highly-customized-metal-precision) is repeated. With multi-layer Electroforming,  3D or 2.5D structures can be achieved, which opens up the window for demanding high-precision components that also demand delicate structures. Below are two applications that benefit from multi-layer structures. [To learn more details about the electroforming technology and technical specifications, download the whitepaper here.](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/en/whitepaper-electroforming) ## Applications of Multi-layer Electroforming The multiple layers bring new possibilities for many industries that demand precision metal solutions. Below are examples of how multi-layer Electroforming enables breakthroughs in the Digital Printing and Solar Energy industry. ### Inkjet Nozzle Plates [Inkjet nozzle plate](https://www.vecoprecision.com/precision-products/inkjet-nozzle-plates) is a good example of a multi-layer Electroformed metal part. The image below shows an inkjet nozzle plate and ink chamber. In this case, the nozzle plate was electroformed using the overgrowth method (plating defined), and subsequently, the ink chamber was electroformed using the thick resist method (photo defined). ![inkjet.png](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/inkjet.png?width=283&name=inkjet.png "inkjet.png")    ![inkjet-nozzle-plate-750x501.jpg](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hs-fs/hubfs/inkjet-nozzle-plate-750x501.jpg?width=353&name=inkjet-nozzle-plate-750x501.jpg "inkjet-nozzle-plate-750x501.jpg") ### Solar Cell Stencils [Solar cell stencil](https://www.vecoprecision.com/precision-products/solar-cell-stencils) used for solar cell printing is another good example. Precision stencils are taking the place of conventional wire meshes or emulsion screens with increasing demand for energy efficiency in the industry, and electroformed solar cell stencils in particular proved to be the best choice for solar cell printing. Hard nickel stencils can be electroformed in both single layer and double layer. ![vecodual.png](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/vecodual.png?width=1024&name=vecodual.png) ## Is multi-layer electroforming the right solution for your application? If your goal is to add more structure to high-precision metal parts, multi-layer electroforming might just be the perfect solution for you. [Electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/technologies/electroforming) is the solution to raise the bar on precision, tolerance, cost-effectiveness, and the capability to withstand high temperatures. As application of Electroforming is only limited by imagination, the engineers of Veco always like to be challenged to design and create your next innovation. [Feel free to talk to one of our engineers about your new challenge!](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-engineer) [![download whitepaper](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1788947/056f005b-1e5e-49f9-b6d2-99830614eb56.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1788947/056f005b-1e5e-49f9-b6d2-99830614eb56)  ### Contact us **Take the final step in becoming an innovative force in your industry.** [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) ### Contact us **Take the final step in becoming an innovative force in your industry.** [contact](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/contact-veco-1) ### Blog subjects - [Technology](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/technology) - [electroforming technology](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/topic/electroforming-technology) ### Get the latest insights ## Related blogs Aug 6, 2026, 9:14:43 AM ### the power of maskless lithography: accelerating time to market Jul 6, 2026, 12:32:14 PM ### The Power of Electroforming from Veco in Precision Filtration: Unlocking Superior Performance and Reliability Sep 6, 2024, 9:15:00 AM ### when to choose Electroforming over traditional manufacturing methods: a cost-effectiveness perspective contact Karel van Gelreweg 22 6961 LB Eerbeek Netherlands [T: +31 (0)313 672 911](tel:+31313672911) [E: veco-info@idexcorp.com](mailto:veco-info@idexcorp.com) services [electroforming](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/) [co-development](https://www.vecoprecision.com/work-with-veco/) [design guideline](https://www.vecoprecision.com/electroforming/design-guideline/) [quality](https://www.vecoprecision.com/about-us/quality/)   - [Privacy statement](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/privacy-statement/) - [Disclaimer](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/disclaimer/) - [Terms and conditions](https://insights.vecoprecision.com/terms-and-conditions/) an [![IDEX Corporation](https://www.vecoprecision.com/wp-content/themes/veco/img/idex-corporation-logo.svg)](https://www.idexcorp.com/) platform 2025 - © Veco B.V.