Spray nozzle and method of manufacturing same

A method of forming an atomizing spray nozzle (42) includes the steps of etching a swirl chamber (56) and a spray orifice (44) in a thin sheet of material (46). The swirl chamber (56) is etched in a first side of the disk (46) and the spray orifice (44) is etched through a second side to the center of the swirl chamber (56). Feed slots (58-64) are etched in the first side of the disk (46) extending non-radially to the swirl chamber (56) such that liquid can be conveyed to the swirl chamber (56) so as to create and sustain the swirling motion. An inlet piece (40) with inlet passage (88-90) therein is connected with first side of the disk (46) so as to convey liquid to the feed slots (58-64) of the disk (46) and to enclose the feed slots (58-64) and swirl chamber (56). In addition to the method described an atomizing spray nozzle (42) having the configuration described is much improved in its spray characteristics. The present invention also provides a method of forming a number of spray nozzles simultaneously in a single manufacturing process,