The Future Solution Is Now
Laser PCB routing has become a solution for the PCB or Printed Circuit Board industry by providing a method of singulation or depaneling of the assembled board panels, that was not possible before laser technology was used. Manufacturability can sometimes have roadblocks to advancing the goal of production. This can occur within any industry and new design that is submitted for manufacturing. What can make it more challenging is when a perceived process does not have the capability to complete a project as first determined. In PCB or Printed Circuit Board Assembly, this can also occur, but now with a qualified laser process capabilities are expanded. PCB Assembly has long paralleled technological growth and developed over the decades, by the use of newer and more accurate machines, but the technology for many years had not changed dramatically. Using router bits, similar to drill bits, the spindle rotates rapidly following a programmed path, contouring the shape of the board. What has frustrated service providers and customers is the potential for damage of components and limitations of the geometry or board profile. With laser technology, these challenges are overcome with a higher degree of accuracy and a giving designers increased options.
The Routing of Traditional Methods
Laser technology has “routed” the long-used method of high-speed CNC routing technology, but it has not replaced it entirely. Since laser PCB routing has become a valued asset for manufacturing and given designers of the PCB layout profile options that are needed for today’s consumer goods and services and for industry advancements. To better understand the technology and how laser PCB routing can support projects, the following examples will shed more light.
Lidar On the Move
Lidar is such an integral part of our automotive experience and will continue to improve both in technology and experience, once more older vehicles are replaced with new car technology. The importance of all automotive systems is crucial to keep the consumer and public in safe. Lidar is part of this so it goes hand in hand that the technology needs to work 100% of the time. During development the electronics in such systems proved to work, but damage to components on the assembled board and limitations to the profile were not cost effective. There was much loss in non-conforming systems and many of the issues focused on mechanical damage. The vibration that was being inflicted onto the PCB panels was great enough to jar the sensors and ultra-small lasers. The inconsistent profile edges were also contributing to improper fit within the housing. The solution was laser PCB routing. Both the PCB assembly house and end user had not known of the full capabilities nor considered it. After some initial investigation and working with the laser services provider, prototypes that resulted in approval of the laser process moved into full production support in a short period of time. A tolerance of +/- 0.0508mm was held. The repeatability of the cut profile resulted in a secure fit of the lidar system.
Medical Implant Technology
The treatment of back pain to give patients a better quality of life is a great example of a medical technology advancement. There are numerous methods available from scheduled injections to physical therapy. When these types of treatments fall short, other methods like implants can be the solution that so many patients need. These types of devices require a host of engineering from mechanical to electronics and materials. When brought together these systems will have diagnostic capabilities, data storage and of course treatment options. The challenge of one particular device required the device to be as small as possible because it would be implanted under the skin. A patient’s comfort level and quality of life all played an important role. The restrictions required the electronics to be small enough to fit in predesigned housing and function by relieving pain. The PCB boards were extremely small and initially the loss due to damage was high at over 60%. Sensors and electrodes were extremely sensitive and had limited room on the PCB. With Ultraviolet laser technology, the beam of 20um was able to cleanly cut the board profile and not inflict any stress to the components. No HAZ or Heat Affected Zones, were developed during the laser process. By holding a tolerance of +/- .076mm the successful depaneling of these boards by laser technology, the added process to the supply stream was locked into place.
Is Laser PCB Routing Right for Your Project?
Laser PCB routing offers a precise and efficient alternative to traditional mechanical routing methods. This technique is particularly well-suited for projects requiring intricate cuts, delicate materials, or high-volume production. Consider laser PCB routing if your project involves:
- Complex geometries: Laser PCB routing excels at creating intricate shapes and fine details that would be challenging with mechanical tools.
- Sensitive materials: Laser routing minimizes mechanical stress, making it ideal for fragile substrates like flexible circuits or thin PCBs.
- High-precision tolerances: Accurate and consistent cuts, critical for applications demanding tight tolerances.
- High-volume production: Automated laser systems can significantly increase production speed and efficiency compared to manual routing methods.
- Rapid prototyping: Laser cutting enables quick turnaround times for prototype development and testing.
If your project aligns with these factors, laser PCB routing can offer significant advantages in terms of quality, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion:
Printed circuit technology is the foundation to producing electronics from systems that run automobiles to stadium score displays to microelectronics in medical devices. The ability to manufacture in high volume has become a necessity for demand of electronics goods worldwide. To keep pace, PCB assembly has reached out to laser technology and laser service providers in support of technological growth in electronics. The use of complex electronic components in conjunction with highly sophisticated sensors requires a method to depanel individual PCB boards without damage. PCB routing using laser technology is the solution when the geometry of the board profile is beyond what traditional routing can process. It completes the final stage of manufacturing of the printed circuits without damaging the substrate or electronics. Together Laser service providers and Contract PCB Assembly companies are providing the state of the art technology to customers in all sectors of industry.