Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1002143
12 PCB007 MAGAZINE I JULY 2018 Feature by the I-Connect007 Editorial Team For this issue, our editing team met with Electra Polymers' Shaun Tibbals and Antony Earl to discuss what's new with solder masks, including direct imaging and inkjet printing of solder mask, and what PCB manufacturers and OEMs need to know. Patty Goldman: Welcome, gentlemen. We're in- terested in finding out what our readers need to know with regard to solder masks, includ- ing the challenges and problems, especially the rapid changes our industry is experiencing. Please introduce yourselves and tell us about Electra Polymers. Shaun Tibbals: Electra Polymers was founded in 1984 specifically to manufacture coatings for printed circuit boards. In 1984, the main products were screen-defined two-pack epoxy solder mask and UV solder mask, and then we went on to formulate photoimageable ma - terials in the mid to late '80s. We've contin- ued to make solder masks for the printed cir- cuit board industry, but as the years have gone by, we've also diversified into other markets— still within the electronics business, but more focused on the semiconductor end. We now manufacture and supply wafer-level pack - aging resists to the semiconductor business. There's quite a crossover in terms of technolo- gies and close to 30% of our business is now in that sector. I am the sales and marketing director for Electra Polymers. I've held several positions within the company ranging from technical and quality positions to sales positions. Antony Earl: I'm the technical support and quality manager. Like Shaun, I've been here for quite a long while and held a variety of po- sitions, from quality control testing to field and internal technical support and formulations. Currently, I look after the technical support ac- tivities and the ISO quality and environmental systems for the company. Goldman: Thanks, so let's get into some details. What do you see coming up that's new in the