MKS Continues to Increase Performance for CapStone Flex PCB Drill System
January 24, 2023 | MKS Instruments, Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute
MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, today at IPC APEX 2023, announced the launch of SPOT ON™, an optional feature upgrade available for the CapStone™ laser via drilling system. SPOT ON increases system uptime through early warning of spot quality deviation and increases the CapStone's yield performance by reducing leading causes of via quality degradation.
"High-end flex PCB manufacturers are experiencing increased pressure to meet yield requirements," said John Williams, VP and general manager of MKS Equipment and Solutions Business. "Adding SPOT ON to CapStone enables our partners to drill the highest quality blind vias within increasingly tight margins. In our initial evaluations at high volume production partners, we have seen SPOT ON deliver increased yield on top of the already high CapStone™ laser drill performance."
SPOT ON increases performance by delivering a dynamic beam focus capability to high-production Flex PCB manufacturing. This capability enables beam location and control through automated z-mapping and dynamic z-control. With the SPOT ON feature, the CapStone system maps inconsistencies in height between the chuck, overlay, and panel. Once mapped, the system automatically adjusts the beam spot to deliver quality vias without waste.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Increases blind via quality resulting in fewer defects being sent to a customer.
- Reduces scrap costs resulting in better margins.
- Reduces downtime by constantly monitoring and tracking the laser spot, ensuring better visibility into the system beam health.
Flex PCB manufacturers can get additional details and the first look at the optional SPOT ON CapStone laser drill feature by visiting the MKS|Atotech|ESI booth 709 at IPC|APEX 2023 or visiting www.esi.com.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
05/17/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, trade shows are at the top of our feed, with our coverage of the Del Mar Electronics and Manufacturing Show and IPC APEX EXPO. These two longtime events are almost polar opposites in size and scope, but Del Mar seems to be expanding from its roots as a “neighborhood gathering” with its move into the Del Mar Fairgrounds. The Del Mar show always has a good “buzz factor,” which is something you can’t buy.
IPC APEX EXPO: Some Thoughts About Growth
05/16/2024 | Dan Feinberg, I-Connect007After two and a half days of wandering the aisles at IPC APEX EXPO 2024, for the first time, I almost felt like I was exploring CES. There were so many booths and exhibits that I could describe, but I’d like to focus on the growth and huge value of this event, which has expanded well beyond just the growing and impressive exhibit show floor.
IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award: Pierre-Jean Albrieux
05/10/2024 | Marcy LaRont, PCB007 MagazineCongratulations to Pierre-Jean Albrieux, who received the 2024 IPC Raymond E. Pritchard Hall of Fame Award. The award is given to individuals in recognition of the highest level of achievement, extraordinary contributions, and distinguished service to IPC and toward the advancement of the industry, including helping to create a spirit of mutual esteem, respect, and recognition among members consistent with the goals and mission of IPC.
IPC Focuses on Education and Onboarding
05/09/2024 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineI recently spoke with Carlos Plaza, senior director of education for IPC, about expanding educational efforts in the PCB design, fabrication, and assembly segments. As Carlos explains, PCB design is a hot topic, but onboarding may be the hottest one of all.
Real Time with… IPC APEX EXPO 2024: Industry Growth, Challenges, and Technological Advancements
05/09/2024 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOEditor Nolan Johnson and Shawn DuBravac, IPC chief economist, dive into key industry topics such as growth, challenges, and technological advancements. They discuss shifts in the global competitive landscape, downstream demand, customization, and how AI is enhancing human skills. The industry outlook appears promising for both the short and long term.