I asked this same question of the forum almost two years ago, and received
some excellent inputs.  Search for "laser ablation of soldermask", and you
should find the thread from 05/08/2006....
 
We have since performed this multiple times in house with 100% success.

Kevin Glidden
Manufacturing Engineer
Luminescent Systems Inc.


-----Original Message-----
From: Temkin, Gregg [mailto:[log in to unmask]] 
Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 2:33 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [TN] Solder mask removal

I need to remove multiple broad areas of solder mask to expose ground plane
on populated boards as a result of a layout fubar.  Laser removal appears to
be the least risky and doesn't require masking, corrosive chemicals, or
deftness with an X-Acto or Dremel tool.  Does anyone have experience with
this removal method?  Recommended or non-recommended suppliers?

Thanks,

Gregg


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