Low Cost PCB by Laser manufacture
PCB News PCBA News
Author
Graham Pitcher
Researchers from De Montfort University are exploring whether lasertechnology can provide a low cost, chemical free method ofmanufacturing pcbs.
The two year project – Laser Printed Electronics – is beingconducted by the university’s Rapid Prototyping and ManufacturingGroup, led by Professor David Wimpenny. The aim is to develop adeposition system based on a novel combination of laser printingand fibre laser consolidation of the deposited material.
Prof Wimpenny said: “This project represents an importantdevelopment for my team at DMU as this will extend our researchinto the field of electronics manufacture for the first time.”
The project will initially look at laying conductive tracks on thecircuit boards, but the approach could also be used to depositlayers of dielectric or protective materials, solder for connectionof devices and also to print legends on boards.
PCB manufacturer Quartz-TSL, which is coordinating the researchproject, will be testing the new process along with Flex-Ability.Another partner, MTT, will develop laser sintering hardware for thesystem.
The two year project is worth more than £340,000 with £182,000coming from the Technology Strategy Board’s High ValueManufacturing Call.
Posted by New Electronics