-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Optimize Your Etcher for Best Image Quality
November 3, 2022 | Christopher Bonsell, ChemcutEstimated reading time: 1 minute
When it comes to obtaining high-quality images, many different factors come into play. Typically, most of these factors come down to your imaging equipment and cleanroom; however, there are factors involved in the etching process that can affect the quality of your image. Here are five steps to ensure your etching process is optimized for the best image quality.
1. Be wary of undercut.
When you are etching to obtain your circuitry patterns on a PCB, beware of undercut. Due to your solution’s etch factor—the ratio of sideways etch to downward etch—your image will need to compensate any change and variation that can arise. Naturally, when you create a line with a photoresist to make a feature, the outcome of that feature will be smaller because of the sideways etching. PCB designs typically account for this, but if you are working with thicker copper layers for your PCBs, you will have to be cautious and ensure that the sideways etch does not impact the features you desire.
2. Monitor your etchant quality.
Maintaining consistency of your etch chemistry is the key to ensuring your etcher gives a quality image. As you etch panels, your etchant will decline in quality because it loses reaction potential (from the depletion of reactants), and with that, you will pick up contaminants. To prevent this from affecting your etching process, you will need to implement process controls to maintain the properties of your etchant. Depending on the etching solution you utilize, the factors you need to control will vary. If you are unsure how to monitor or maintain your etch process, it is best to seek experienced help and consult your etch equipment manufacturer.
3. Clean your nozzles regularly.
As I mentioned, etching panels will introduce contaminants into your etching bath. With this, your nozzles can become clogged with debris. Frequently cleaning your nozzles is an easy measure you can take to prevent debris from affecting etch quality. Doing this will ensure that your panels receive a consistent spray pattern throughout the etch chamber.
To read this entire article, which appeared in the October 2022 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.
Suggested Items
Designer’s Notebook: What Designers Need to Know About Manufacturing, Part 2
04/24/2024 | Vern Solberg -- Column: Designer's NotebookThe printed circuit board (PCB) is the primary base element for providing the interconnect platform for mounting and electrically joining electronic components. When assessing PCB design complexity, first consider the component area and board area ratio. If the surface area for the component interface is restricted, it may justify adopting multilayer or multilayer sequential buildup (SBU) PCB fabrication to enable a more efficient sub-surface circuit interconnect.
Insulectro’s 'Storekeepers' Extend Their Welcome to Technology Village at IPC APEX EXPO
04/03/2024 | InsulectroInsulectro, the largest distributor of materials for use in the manufacture of PCBs and printed electronics, welcomes attendees to its TECHNOLOGY VILLAGE during this year’s IPC APEX EXPO at the Anaheim Convention Center, April 9-11, 2024.
ENNOVI Introduces a New Flexible Circuit Production Process for Low Voltage Connectivity in EV Battery Cell Contacting Systems
04/03/2024 | PRNewswireENNOVI, a mobility electrification solutions partner, introduces a more advanced and sustainable way of producing flexible circuits for low voltage signals in electric vehicle (EV) battery cell contacting systems.
Heavy Copper PCBs: Bridging the Gap Between Design and Fabrication, Part 1
04/01/2024 | Yash Sutariya, Saturn Electronics ServicesThey call me Sparky. This is due to my talent for getting shocked by a variety of voltages and because I cannot seem to keep my hands out of power control cabinets. While I do not have the time to throw the knife switch to the off position, that doesn’t stop me from sticking screwdrivers into the fuse boxes. In all honesty, I’m lucky to be alive. Fortunately, I also have a talent for building high-voltage heavy copper circuit boards. Since this is where I spend most of my time, I can guide you through some potential design for manufacturability (DFM) hazards you may encounter with heavy copper design.
Trouble in Your Tank: Supporting IC Substrates and Advanced Packaging, Part 5
03/19/2024 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankDirect metallization systems based on conductive graphite or carbon dispersion are quickly gaining acceptance worldwide. Indeed, the environmental and productivity gains one can achieve with these processes are outstanding. In today’s highly competitive and litigious environment, direct metallization reduces costs associated with compliance, waste treatment, and legal issues related to chemical exposure. What makes these processes leaders in the direct metallization space?