IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1543307
34 I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2026 through clever operating modes. For example, mod- ern direct imaging with two tables: • Tandem table mode: The system can treat the two tables as independent units, allowing operators to load a standard panel on one while the other is being processed • Gantry mode: When an XXL board arrives, the two tables move in synchronization (Gantry mode), acting as a single, massive processing area In drilling, for example, neighboring tables can be united into one when the job requires it, or work independently to maximize throughput on smaller panels. This is called overlapping function. Figure 4: Tandem table mode vs. Gantry mode on a direct imaging machine. Figure 5: Scheme of table overlapping function on the drilling machines. Thickness XXL doesn't just refer to length and width; more and more, it refers to thickness as well. We increasingly see require- ments for panels 20 mm (0.790′′) thick or more. For some processes, it could be critical, such as drilling a hole through such depth with high aspect ratios often requires a process change known as flip- drilling. This involves drilling the hole halfway from the top and then "flipping" the board to complete the hole from the bottom. This process requires extreme align- ment capabilities; if the two "shots" do not meet perfectly in the center, the hole is ruined. Success in flip-drilling is the ultimate test of a machine's registration accuracy. Summary In the PCB industry, size creates a gravity of its own. Producing XXL boards requires more than just a bigger table; it requires a holistic approach to warpage, accuracy, and process flexibility. By adjusting both the hardware and the software logic and processes, manufacturers can turn the risk of large-scale production into a repeatable, high-yield reality. I-CONNECT007 Kurt Palmer is president of Schmoll America. To read past columns, click here. Figure 6: Flip-drilling micro- section example: 0.15 mm hole in 6 mm panel. D R I V I N G I N N OVAT I O N