In the production of a micro-mechanical component by producing an element (4) on a sacrificial layer (2) which is then removed using a hydrofluoric acid-containing etching medium, etching of the sacrificial layer (2) is preceded by application of an aluminium metallisation (5) and is succeeded by removal of a superficial contamination layer (6) from the metallisation (5) by a further etching operation. Preferably, the element (4) is protected during this further etching (preferably sputter etching, plasma etching or reactive ion etching) operation by a protective cap (8) which may be left in place as part of a housing for the element (4).
