Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1538540
How do you balance long-term R&D with the fast- paced demands of engineering and manufacturing? Hendrickson: We have to be ahead of the curve in terms of what our R&D customers want. We can't wait for them to choose a component, which is typ- ically what happens since the boards are compo- nent package-driven. They will need a chip, which will only be provided in a certain package. It will drive design requirements, so we need to be very proactive in watching that and understanding when we need to start building a technology that we do not currently support. We're actively engaging with our customers to understand their evolving needs and closely mon- itoring new component developments. At some point, we'll need to invest in manufacturing pro- cesses to support these advancements. It's a care- and electro-winning. The recovered metal is pro- duced as anodic-grade copper plates with over 99.9% purity—an economically valuable by-product that can be reclaimed every one to two weeks. Recycling Rinse Water Another prominent feature is the Mecer System's rinse water purification unit. By stripping dissolved copper from rinse streams, the system enables direct reuse of rinse water, drastically reducing freshwater demand and effluent output. This capability not only supports compliance with increasingly strict discharge regulations but also alleviates the burden on down- stream wastewater treatment facilities. Environmental and Economic Payback The Mecer System isn't just an environmental upgrade; it's an economic one. Users can expect reduced chemical purchases, lower water usage, and less hazardous waste handling, all of which contribute to a return on investment typically within six to 18 months. The added benefit of high- purity copper recovery provides an additional rev- enue stream for facilities processing significant vol- umes of copper etchant. Smart Control, Seamless Integration Automation plays a key role in Mecer's appeal. The system continuously monitors key parameters such as copper concentration, pH, and chloride levels, adjusting real-time dosing and regenera- tion cycles. It can be operated by existing line staff, integrates easily into standard etching lines, and is built from corrosion-resistant materials for long- term durability. A Cleaner Future for PCB Manufacturing The Sigma Mecer System represents a major step forward in sustainable PCB fabrication by reclaim- ing etchant, recovering copper, and recycling rinse water. It's an elegant, high-efficiency solution for manufacturers looking to cut costs, reduce waste, and modernize their wet process lines without sac- rificing throughput or yield. ful balance—keeping an eye on future require- ments while ensuring we stay on course with cur- rent operations. Hall: That's the benefit we get, too, from proto- types coming through. That activity helps us keep an eye on the technology and balance it with our production capabilities, even though it is a little disruptive to the regular production flow. Do you spend much time exploring R&D for your manufacturing equipment and process? Hendrickson: For now, we don't. If we spend any time on it, it will be innovating how we automate something outside of a machine's IP. It wouldn't surprise me if, in two or three years, we start modi- fying machines to solve technical challenges. AUGUST 2025 I PCB007 MAGAZINE 31