Material Matters
June 2007
Material Matters
Raw material is a key success factor for PCM companies.
It is also one where there is a dependency of the PCM
company on the vendor because the performance of the
etching process is tied to etchant and metal more than
internal process controls. Problems such as flatness, surface,
inclusions, fractures, adhesion, etch rate, over etch/under
etch, puddling due to flatness, consistency and outputs/
sludge are controllable.
In order to control, we must understand. If we make our
decisions for purchase on price, we are only controlling
cash. If we understand our process and its needs and the
processes of vendors and how those processes impact PCM,
then we can make the appropriate decision. It is also important
to highlight that like a PCM company, metal suppliers
have markets, market segments and routes to market. If we
understand these, we can better assess if these companies
are able to add value to a PCM company.
Ben Scott, Datum Alloys Ltd
