Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1527613
44 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I OCTOBER 2024 the photoresist, not realizing he's dealing with 3-micron foil, then run it at the half-ounce etch speed, and blow everything away. at's really a big part of this. Dack: I know I'm jumping around with questions. It seems as though mSAP is a slow train coming, or am I wrong? What could be done to get more designers in touch with the capabilities and advantages of mSAP and these materials? ere has to be an agreement between the fab- ricator and the designer, and a lot of fabricators are afraid of doing this. It's just not that hard, with the right tools and some care in handling. And so I don't think it's caught on yet; that's probably the best way to say it. Dack: But if the designer asks for it, the shop might no-bid it. I have some direct experience with this. Like I said, we had a few applica- tions where this methodology would get us out of a bind. I sent it out for bid to several well-known shops, and all we heard were crickets and no-bids. I think the paranoia at the fabricator level is the substrate technol- ogy vs. just extending their capability in the semi-additive world. Getting us out there is important. So, find a fab- ricator and start working with them. Certainly, we can help. We have a lot of the tools, proce- dures, and we have folks that can go onsite and help. We want to do this because it's good busi- ness for everybody. Shaughnessy: What would you like to see the industry do to embrace this? I would like to see the fabricators and design- ers talk about this awareness. I would suggest a fabricator start small, run some parts, run them in tin flash only and see what you get. e cost is very low to see what your capabilities are. With the tin flash process, you don't have to risk live parts. I think we're leaving a lot of capability on the table. at's the best way for me to sum it up. Shaughnessy: Thanks for speaking with us, Chris. ank you, Andy. DESIGN007 by Ramon Roche, NCAB Imagine a bustling factory floor where hundreds of PCBs hum with potential, each one destined to be the brain of a new electronic device. From the sleek smartphone in your pocket to the intricate systems in electric vehicles, PCBs are the unsung heroes of our digital world. But have you ever wondered what happens to these tiny powerhouses when their work is done? The journey of a PCB doesn't end when a device reaches the end of its life. In fact, that's where the next chapter begins—a chapter that's critical for our environment and our future. Globally, we generate over 50 million metric tons of electronic waste (e-waste) each year. PCBs, cen- tral to virtually all electronics, contribute significantly to this massive waste stream. Without proper dis- posal and recycling, the toxic materials in PCBs, like lead and mercury, can leach into the environment, contaminating soil and water. On the other hand, these boards are rich in precious metals like gold, sil- ver, and copper, which can be reclaimed and reused. Effective recycling reduces the need for mining, con- serves natural resources, and lessens the environ- mental impact of electronics. When compared to Europe and other parts of the world, the U.S. places less emphasis on sustainabil- ity and recycling. The capitalistic environment often hinders the growth of recycling industries, as profit- ability remains a challenge. As a result, only a few companies operate in this space domestically, with most of the refining processes being outsourced overseas. Due to the intricate design and diverse materials used in their construction, recycling PCBs is a complex process. Continue reading. FRESH PCB CONCEPTS The Journey of a PCB: A Tale of Sustainability and Circularity