Inkjet Printing for Electronic Circuits
This paper explores the promise of what inkjet printing can bring to process simplification, cost reduction and improved capabilities.
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Authored By:
Brian Amos
Engineering Manager, Dow Electronic Materials
Thomas Sutter
Emerging Technologies R&D, Dow Electronic Materials
Summary
Manufacturers of electronic devices are always searching for new technologies that can improve processes, extend capabilities and lower costs. These drivers, along with the needs of new markets like Printed and Plastic Electronics, have brought processes like inkjet printing to the forefront. This paper explores the promise of what inkjet printing can bring to process simplification, cost reduction and improved capabilities. It also takes a critical look at the practical issues and concerns of this new technology
Conclusions
Inkjet fabrication equipment industry capable of producing features suitable for PCB production is becoming commercially available. The proper printhead and printing system, coupled with a suitable ink, like those in the LithoJet ink family from Rohm and Haas, can produce etched copper patterns for PCB production and do so with a lower environmental impact. Printing times for a suitably configured inkjet system are in the range of traditional lithographic printing and, when coupled with the elimination of photomasks, make fast turnaround production especially attractive.
Initially Published in the IPC Proceedings
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