Installation and testing of laser projection imaging system for fine-line PCB production

A new class of laser projection imaging (LPI) systems has been developed for cost-effective production of high-performance, high-volume printed circuit boards and other microelectronic systems fabricated on large substrates. The systems enable high-resolution exposure and precise alignment at high throughputs. Exposures are made using conventional, dry-film and liquid photoresists and conventional, mylar or glass masks. In October 2000, an LPI system was installed at Rockwell Collins Printed Circuits (CPC). We review the criteria for selecting the LPI system, the design and specifications of the system, the installation and calibration of the equipment, and the initial results from performance testing in a manufacturing environment. There were three primary drivers that led CPC to install the Anvik LPI system. The first was the desire to improve yields through the benefits of non-contact, projection exposure. The second was the desire to improve throughput and reduce operator fatigue (from running manual contact printers). The final rationale was based on the need for higher resolution imaging.