March 2006

Waterborne Liquid Photoresist for PCM Applications

Summary The technical benefits of liquid photoresist, including thin films, excellent adhesion and surface conformance, have been known for years. But release of VOCs to the environment and the associated cost of abatement have caused many manufacturers to abandon solvent-based liquid photoresists and turn to dry film.

Advanced Coatings International has developed the world’s first waterborne, VOC-free photoresist for etching and plating applications in the PCM and printed circuit board industries. The technology eliminates harmful and polluting solvents from the workplace and emissions to the environment. With water being the only volatile, 20-25% total process cost savings can be achieved.

Steven M. Johnson, CTO, Advanced Coatings International, Akron, OH, US