Exploration of PCB Etching's Tomorrow by Laurent Nicolet
In a groundbreaking development, Schmid Group, a pioneering force in the printed circuit board (PCB) and photovoltaic industries, has introduced the InfinityLine V system. This innovative technology is designed to transport PCB panels through the vertical line in the High Density Interconnect (HDI) mSAP process without any contact with the active surface.
The HDI mSAP approach, known for its impressively small line spacing of just 7 microns, benefits significantly from this touch-free system. To accommodate this new process, Schmid has developed new wet processing machines tailored to handle the groundbreaking design.
The new process is applicable to HDI, HDI+, and flex materials, marking a significant step forward in the PCB industry. However, it's important to note that the new process is not compatible with glass fiber materials.
The InfinityLine V system uses alternative materials like ABF with silica fillers or polyamide for the base material in both the HDI mSAP process and the dry etching method, which utilizes plasma technology. This dry etching method enables line and space dimensions as narrow as 2 microns, paving the way for even more compact and efficient PCBs.
In the metallization process, the new system replaces electroless copper with sputtering, further enhancing precision and quality. The roller system to transport flex PCBs during wet processing can safely handle boards with a maximum thickness of 32 microns, while Schmid has developed a vertical machine for transporting flex PCBs as thin as 25 microns with magnetic clamps.
Vertical machines equipped with magnetic clamps facilitate easy transport of panels as thin as 25 microns, ensuring the utmost care and precision in the production process. Laurent Nicolet, Vice President of Business Units Electronics at Schmid Group, discusses the future of PCB etching technologies, providing valuable insights into the industry's evolution and future.
While specific information about the key products and services offered by Schmid Group in the PCB and photovoltaic industries was not available, it's clear that the company is at the forefront of innovation in these sectors. Typical offerings in the PCB industry include custom PCB design and manufacturing, PCB assembly services, and prototyping and testing. In the photovoltaic sector, key products and services include solar panel manufacturing, solar cell production, and solar system installation. Schmid Group specializes in creating processing machines for these industries, contributing significantly to their advancement.
- Science and technology are instrumental in the advancements made by Schmid Group, as they leveraged controlled impedance in the development of the InfinityLine V system, which features plasma technology in the dry etching method.
- In the realm of science and technology, Schmid Group's latest innovation, the InfinityLine V system, is revolutionizing the PCB industry by introducing controlled impedance technology, making it possible to fabricate PCBs with line and space dimensions as narrow as 2 microns.
