Some years ago I have experienced with the process of photoetching; for the fuselage of the 1/4 scale Strutter I have made the intricated lugs to be bent; I have worked with brass 0,3 mm. thick; I have photo transferred the images of the lugs onto both the sides of the brass plate and then I let corroded by "cloruro ferrico" (the same used for PCB).
The result was OK but I have promised to myself: never more!
Now I have "discovered" the laser cutting process;: you have to pray a bit to the cutting company but with a lot of patience (and some money) you get your parts cut in steel or in stainless steel plate; but even in aluminum.....