Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1221561
MARCH 2020 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 75 cause the foundation of language is reading, writing, and conversation; the literacy of elec- tronic product manufacturing covers these foundations. The language of electronics con- tains a variety of solutions that Orbotech cur- rently offers. Because we are experts in elec- tronic languages, Orbotech is also an important promoter for realizing the great dreams of de- signers. Nowadays, this concept has more new sub-concepts and more levels of interpretation, including our understanding of the ecosystem, the understanding of the industry, and the un- derstanding of solutions. Gu: Orbotech was established 38 years ago, and during that time, Orbotech has continued to lead innovation in electronics manufactur- ing for mass production. In 2020, Orbotech is due to launch many new products. What is the significance of these intensive new product re- leases to the entire industry? Alcobi: 5G development will generate new trends in the FPC market. For flex board pro- duction, Orbotech has automated solutions. For example, the roll-to-roll manufacturing process will promote the production of flexible boards to a higher level and help FPC manu- facturers achieve better mass production. At the same time, we are pursuing the goal of high precision. We will improve on the high-quality processing solutions and fault tol- erance. In addition, the structure of RTR can realize full automation, ensure su- perior material transfer, and further ensure the production accuracy re- quirements. Also, the equipment is sealed and miniaturized to meet the current market demand. For the new products, we will have special proj- ects and plans to launch in 2020 and beyond. Gu: Each of Orbotech's eight major product series addresses the roll-to- roll requirements of flexible boards, high-precision line alignment, and increased automation. Lei You, chair- man of the CPCA, mentioned a very interesting concept in his guest speech. He said that many current Orbotech devices did not ex- ist five years ago, and numerous devices will be created in five years. What are Orbotech 's key considerations in R&D? Alcobi: We must fully understand the major market trends in the industry. In addition, we will also address other factors, such as effi- ciency, resolution, accuracy, line width, line spacing, and quality requirements. To provide an accurate product, we must consider how to achieve mass production, how to achieve full automation, and how to connect with other equipment. Therefore, we will integrate various techni- cal parameters to combine market trends and customer needs. This is our method for fu- ture deployment. But no matter how the fu- ture changes, it can take six or seven years of continuous R&D work from the initial develop- ment of the technology concept to feasibility prototyping and productization of that tech- nology. Gu: During your speech, Orbotech promised that R&D would continue regardless of the market fluctuation. How can we better under- stand that? Alcobi: We see how much of the company's revenue is used for R&D, which is an indicator of the company's efforts. In the past 10 years Attendees took part in a cruise on the Li River that made the author feel like she was part of a small-scale bonsai landscape.