Laser Direct Imaging Technology
A new laser direct imaging technique could significantly increase the speed of solder mask production at low cost.
Solder mask is the PCB’s first line of defense against corrosion and oxidative degradation. Soldermask also acts as a protective layer between solder joints and other conductive materials on the PCB, preventing bridges from forming during assembly.
Unfortunately, the solder mask manufacturing process presents several challenges that can hinder PCB productivity.
Solder Mask Manufacturing Process
Soldermask consists of a polymer layer that covers the metal traces of the circuit board. As mentioned earlier, solder mask is critical to the longevity of the board. Therefore, the solder mask must be applied reliably for the end device to function.
Screen printing (recommended for thin cores and flexible substrates)
curtain coat
High Pressure, Low Volume (HPLV) Air Spray
Electrostatic spraying
Today, solder masks are often fabricated using direct imaging (DI) techniques, which are required to comply with registration and precision requirements. These techniques typically involve applying ink to the surface of the PCB and curing it with UV light to form a hardened mask.
Disadvantages of Direct Imaging
One problem with solder mask manufacturing is that inks require higher doses of ultraviolet (UV) energy than dry films.
Direct Imaging Solder Mask Applications
Because of this, imaging processing times for DI solutions that rely solely on UV light sources are often too slow to meet high volume needs or to provide the required Solder Mask (SM) imaging output capability at a manufacturer’s reasonable investment.
Improved Solder Mask Process Can Help Everyone
Sometimes improvements in manufacturing can be as important as improvements in device technology. With faster time-to-market and lower production costs, engineers can bring new technologies to consumers faster and cheaper than before.
No matter how you look at it, new technologies in solder mask manufacturing are sure to bring a range of benefits to everyone, from engineers to consumers.
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