Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1541985
48 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2025 Material Benefits • Material savings: Ink is deposited only where needed, reducing consumption while also eliminating photo-films and associated handling. • Cleaner process: No solvents, chemical developers or strippers required, resulting in near–zero waste. • Impact: Reduced energy and material waste thanks to a film-less, dry process. Simplified Operator Experience Operators find the Orbotech Neos system easy and intuitive to use. With minimal training, the team was fully functional within days. The touchscreen interface and automated calibration and mainte- nance make it ideal for quick staff training or rotat- ing machine assignments. Added Productivity With Dual Ink Capability By running a dual-ink setup, both solder mask and legend can be applied in one step. This integration permits a shift from the traditional silkscreen process, reducing costs and streamlining production. Serialization: Redefined Digital printing technology revolutionized the customer's serialization process. Serialization is specified once in the CAM data and automatically applied during solder mask printing, eliminating the need for multiple fixed artworks. Serialization can now be modified or updated on the fly. Whether it's a numbering format change, a 2D barcode, or a different ID system, Neos allows last-minute adjust- ments without downtime or rework. Solving the Thick Copper Challenge Solder mask can be efficiently applied to thick copper panels, achieving: • Comprehensive coverage: Consistent mate- rial distribution, even in deep, uneven, or edge areas • Streamlined process flow: No more multiple coating steps or rework • Material saving: Waste reduction through targeted deposition Conclusion: A Strategic Upgrade That Pays Off For PCB manufacturers looking to modernize their production, the Orbotech Neos inkjet for solder mask application offers a solution that addresses the challenges of the traditional process while unlocking new levels of flexibility, quality and cost efficiency. The customer experience described in this article is a clear example of how this system can transform a critical step in the PCB manufac- turing process, offering both immediate and long- term value. If your production line still relies on traditional solder mask processes, now is the time to consider the shift. To learn more, contact KLA. PCB007 Paola Dinelli is the inkjet marketing and sales support manager at KLA. Figure 1: The result sets a new standard in solder mask production.