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APRIL 2026 I I-CONNECT007 MAGAZINE 103 Combination of the Applications In high-volume environments, machines are usu- ally dedicated to one task. However, in prototype and mid-series shops, the goal is often versatility. When making a decision, you must prioritize: 1. Budget and space: Can one machine do the work of two? 2. Technological margin: Do you buy for today's needs or tomorrow's requirements? 3. The "good enough" factor: A pico-green + CO 2 combination is the most flexible machine configuration, but is it overkill for your specific product mix? Summary The choice of a laser source is a business deci- sion as much as a technical one. The answer lies in your priorities, so ask yourself: • Should I spend more now for a technological margin in the future? Figure 10: Ablation by ultra short pulse laser to reach the contact pad on inner layer. • Which specific PCBs bring the highest mar- gin to my company, and which laser do those boards require? • Universal machine or dedicated specialist? We have examined the most common and critical use cases for laser micro-machining. However, in a real-world manufacturing environment, variables are far more diverse. Every project presents a unique combination of materials, specialized ap- plications, and demanding process requirements, such as extreme aspect ratios (AR), specific taper control, or unique blind hole geometries. Further- more, the success of the laser process often de- pends on the synergy between pre- and post-pro- cessing steps, which must be carefully calibrated to ensure final product integrity. I-CONNECT007 Simon Khesin is the key ac- count manager at Schmoll Maschinen GmbH. Stefan Run is technical direc- tor for laser systems at Schmoll Maschinen GmbH in Germany, where he focuses on the develop- ment and industrial implemen- tation of advanced laser processing technologies. To read past columns, click here. D R I V I N G I N N OVAT I O N