Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1288481
26 PCB007 MAGAZINE I SEPTEMBER 2020 the U.S. right now, and we've been doing test- ing for them for over a year. Not because of poor results, but they say, "What about this? Can we do this application with the mask? Can we do conductive ink? Can we do solder mask? Can we do etch resist?" They're looking at it as a complete solution and, once they check off all the areas, they're willing to purchase more machines and bring production in-house com- pletely. Matties: In terms of tech tolerances, is jetting a better approach for the finer features? Harding: It really depends on the process that the customer is currently doing. I see this when some of our customers send us their boards with the mask layer data, and that data clearly shows they are not applying sol- der mask in between tight pads. This is most likely because their current equipment has is- sues with registration. That is one of the other strengths of inkjet. We then alter the data and print between the pads to show the customer the improvements they can offer to their cus- tomers. Currently, other equipment, like direct imag- ers, produce finer features, but as print head technology improves, we may see a point in the coming years where inkjetting is indistinguish- able from other methods. Matties: Are there companies using both meth- ods where they may do some part of the board as traditional and then jet another area of the board? Harding: We have an install in the U.S. doing just that. They're using solder mask in some innovative ways other than just the main mask layer. I can't give too much information, but they are selectively jetting in areas that their film process struggles with. Customers are finding new ways to use it that we never con- sidered, and having multiple uses makes a bet- ter case for widespread adoption. Matties: It's interesting, and I'm surprised that it's taking so long to catch on. Harding: As you mentioned, there are compa- nies that have legacy requirements, and they haven't changed in two decades or longer. But once the major fabricators implement it, then the smaller fabricators will follow suit. This will lead to an overall market shift. Matties: There's a real need for an educational process because not only would they perhaps save some dollars through their fabricators— though that's not a guarantee—but you can also change the thickness of your mask in cer- tain areas. You don't need to apply so much material. Harding: Right. And you don't have to worry about stripping off ink that you didn't neces- sarily want to strip off because you're only printing where you want it. That's a benefit as well. Matties: It's fascinating to me that it's taking such a long time to find its way into the main- stream, but I understand the barriers. For the OEMs, they wind up with the board with sol- der mask on it, and they order it, regardless. There has to be a greater incentive for them to spec this in, and dollars may be part of it, but only if it's being passed on, and I'm not so sure that happens. Harding: In the future, fabricators can use vari- ous ways to market the cost savings and ad- Currently, other equipment, like direct imagers, produce finer features, but as print head technology improves, we may see a point in the coming years where inkjetting is indistinguish- able from other methods.