Investigating PCB processing using Q-switched DPSS nanosecond green laser

Abstract

Diode pumped solid state (DPSS) Q-switched nanosecond pulsed lasers are becoming the laser of choice for a wide variety of processes in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Lasers are being used today in PCB manufacturing for via drilling, depaneling, profiling (cutting), laser direct imaging (LDI), repair, trimming, marking, skiving and other processes. The majority of these processes are practiced today using a 10.6 μm CO 2 or 355nm ultraviolet (UV) laser. In this study we have investigated the use of our new generation of Qswitched DPSS nanosecond pulsed 532 nm green laser for PCB processing. We demonstrate this green laser is a good candidate for processing some thin PCBs.

Opto-Electronics Review

“…There is no precise information on the number of scans. Achieved results confirmed that high performance 532 nm wavelength lasers are suitable for processing thin (up to 180 μm) FPCB materials consisting of copper and polyimide, as well as thin (up to 300 μm) rigid PCBs consisting of resin materials [4].…”

“…The main driver behind the use of laser technology is the constant progress in miniaturization -lasers offer a highly accurate, precise and non-contact alternative to conventional machining processes [2,3]. Currently, lasers are used in various PCB production processes, including drilling micro-holes, depaneling, profiling (cutting), exposure processes of antisoldering maskslaser direct imaging (LDI), repair, trimming, marking, and skiving processes [4].…”