Earl,
I think the technology is now something that quite a few prototype
shops are using routinely. Referring only to the dry film/ liquid resist LDI
market, I think there are (were?) five machine manufacturers world wide, as
follows:
* Orbotech.
* Etec Polyscan.
* Barco/ Mania.
* Automa-tech.
* Asahi - Pentax.
Of these, I'm fairly sure that Orbotech (DP-100) has the largest market
share. I think Etec used to have some machines in the industry, but have no
idea about the Asahi units. Barco's Gemini and Automa-tech DI2700 machines
still appear to be at beta- trial stage.
Orbotech, Etec & Automa-tech all appear to use a similar argon-ion laser
(DI2700 uses two), Barco are pioneering the use of a solid state laser that
seems to have lower operating costs. I don't know too much about the
Asahi-Pentax machine - maybe someone could shed more light on this?
In terms of productivity, most companies supplying resist material for LDI
would be aiming at ~10mJ/cm² exposure sensitivity for etch resist materials.
For solder mask (which is coming soon) the level is 30mJ - 40mJ/cm². This
gives etch resist processing times for a 18"x24" panel of ~120 sides/ hour
for Orbotech & Etec units, 180 - 200 for Barco Gemini (estimate) and 300-350
sides for Automa-tech (estimate again). For the solder mask materials, you
are looking at roughly half that level of productivity at present.
I hope that helps your quest.
Regards,
David Albin
Project Leader, Development Section
Coates Circuit Products
-----Original Message-----
From: Earl Moon [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 08 March 2002 13:43
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [TN] LDI - LDS - Users / Experiences / Comments
This subject, to me, is huge. Direct laser imaging had one of its first
starts in the early/mid '80's with a company called Greyhawk systems.
Some of the fine folks there borrowed the idea from a now forgotten medical
device technology company. Can't remember the name.
The concept would forever change the then high density PCB design/imaging
world. It involved laser "writing" a direct design image on a liquid crystal
panel. Subsequently, using a very low frequency sensitive photo imageable
dry film, the LCD "wrote" its stored images onto the film. The project
coulda, shoulda worked but seemed a bit ahead of its time. Now is the time
for the latest and greatest.
As much time, money, and effort our best board shops put into their
photoploting and imaging processes, the LDI process puts them to shame
though not at all useful in all applications but for HDI and other hi-rel
requirements.
I'd sure appreciate information concerning advancements over the years or,
in this case, weeks and/or months.
Super stuff,
MoonMan
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