Plasma is absolutely not dead and we process about 30% of FR4 requiring
positive etchback.  We also use plasma for TPA, Polyimide, Getek, PTFE's
and several hybrid builds.  New equipment is also available as the
technology is still in development and support.   

Jeffrey Bush
Director, Quality Assurance and Technical Support
VERMONT CIRCUITS INCORPORATED 
           76 Technology Drive - POB 1890 
              Brattleboro, Vermont 05302
                Voice - 802.257.4571 ext 21
                    Fax - 802.257.0011
                       <http://www.vtcircuits.com/> 
                           

-----Original Message-----
From: TechNet [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Wrobel, Clayton
Sent: Friday, October 27, 2006 8:39 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Plasma Etch back and Desmear

We are primarily a military OEM and have specified Plasma Etch back of
0.0002 to 0.003".  This was to support (the now defunct) Mil 5510.  We
have had little or no problems with this requirement.
Fast forward:  Our new CEM says that this is old technology and that
their suppliers no longer have the equipment to do plasma etch back.
They do not specify what they want to use for a desmear process.   This
is a MAJOR CEM house so I am hesitant to tell them to "stuff it".  (Pun
intended:  It IS Friday) 
So, the question:  What is the industry standard for hi-rel/military
class 3 PCB's now?  And is Plasma Etchback dead?  I am very confused, as
I thought the trend was to MORE Plasma etchback, not less.


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