Production of High Resolution Photoetched Stainless Steel Plaques
Fall 1985
Dr. David Allen, D.F. Horne, and G.W.W. Stevens, Cranfield Institute of Technology
INTRODUCTION
The present note describes problems occurring during the
production of a small number of photoetched stainless steel
plaques for the Golden Jubilee of the Kodak Ltd.
Quantitative Examination of Photofabricated
Profiles. Measurement of Etch Factor
January 1982
Etch factor in this series of papers is defined as the depth
of etch divided by the undercut’ (Fig. I). From this figure
it can be seen that evaluation of etch factor requires the
measurement of three quantities:
(I) The width of the line (or slot) in the developed photoresist
stencil,
(2) The width of the slot at the metal surface after etching.
Summer 1983
Quantitative Examination of Photofabricated Profiles (part 6)
INTRODlJCTlON
Until recently the thickness or lineness of structures that
could be produced by etching through an adherent photographic
stencil has been severely limited by undercut. A
significant breakthrough has resulted from discoveries made
during Ihe processing of semiconductors for production of
microelectronic circuits.
June 2008
Raising the Profile of Process Related Training Within the PCMI
The purpose of this paper, presented at the Spring
2008 PCMI Conference, is to act as a catalyst, creating
a debate to consider if a greater use of training can
generate opportunities for increased business.
Dec. 2000
Resist Stripping: The Real World
A key tool to our industry is the photoresist, and
most of the industry uses a negative-acting dry
film that is developed and stripped by waterbased
alkaline solutions. In theory, the stripping
process should be simplicity itself, as these
photoresists are acid (for the chemists among us,
they are known as Lewis Acids), and they are
stripped by at least a partial neutralization of
their acidity, which breaks up the polymers, and
allows the resist to disperse.
Summer 1989
Recovering a Copper Commodity from Printed Circuit Board Rinsewaters
Abstract
A case history describes the usc of ion exchange technology for
recovering a metallic copper commodity from plating wastev.’alers.
The rinsewaters uf a printed circuil board operation are treated to
levels well below effluent requirements and often below levels of
detection.
Summer 1989
Recovery of Copper and Etching Chemicals When Alkaline Etching Printed Circuit Boards and Copper Sheets Introduction
The etching industry is today faced with many problems,
among others with requirements for higher quality, higher
precision and better yields. In addition to this, there is growing
concern about environmental impacts of industrial activities in
general.
Regeneration of Etchants
October 1981
As the cost of etching continues to rise, regeneration of
the etchant becomes more and morc attractive. This
paper will discuss the advantages of regeneration when
etching many types of metals and alloys induding the
saving of time, chemicals. work space and monetary costs.
December 2001
Resco – A tradition of Innovation
Started in 1949 by Gottfried Matthaes to
manufacture resistors and condensers, Resco
introduced the first COllveyorized, horizontal PCB
etcher in 1956. Resco is now a major provider of
wei processing equipment, with equipment
installed in over 2000 PCB factories worldwide.
Surface Textures and Process Characteristics of the Electrolytic Photoetching of Annealed AISI 304 Stainless Steel in Hydrochloric Acid
Summer 1984
Results forming part of a general investlgation into quantitative
aspects of photoetching are presented here. This
manufacturing process, also known as photochemical machinlng
(pcm) is a multi-stage process employing photographic
and chemical etching techniques for the production
of components and devices in a wide range of
metals and alloys.
“Through the PCMI, we learned of Professor David Allen’s availability to perform an evaluation of etching facilities with a view towards enhancing operational efficiencies and otherwise lowering costs. David identified several opportunities for improving our operation that resulted in a measurable increase in our operating margin. After the cost of the evaluation, Conard’s savings justified the PCMI’s dues by a factor of 20 or more - per annum!” Bill Fox, President, Conard Corp.
“Every PCMI meeting I attend provides insights and hints to improve the processes used back at our shops and factories. The wealth of information exchanged at these meetings is invaluable. Time saving shortcuts and formula tweaks are but a couple of valuable perks I have brought home.” Phil Greiner, Design Engineering Manager, PEI
"The most important thing for me at the PCMI is networking.
Having the right contacts, based on trust and integrity, mutual problems may change into mutual benefits."
Harrie Knol, Manager,
R&D, Veco,
The Netherlands
"When I first purchased my PCM company, the only knowledge of chemical etching that I had was what I had learned from visiting my uncle’s circuit board company.
I joined PCMI shortly after I purchased my company. Over the years the PCMI technical sessions and the chance to learn and talk with other owners and suppliers at meetings has contributed to my firm's growth and profitability in an environmentally friendly manner.
The cost of PCMI membership has been well worth the money."
Jerry Williams, President,
United Western Enterprises, Inc.
Camarillo, California, USA
"I joined PCMI in 1994 when my company was just a small local job shop encountering dozens of daily problems for which we were ill equipped to solve. As we developed relationships with other PCMI members, they shared their experiences and we learned to work more effectively and efficiently.
Today I only have to make a few phone calls to my PCMI friends and I can get answers to pressing problems right away. PCMI membership and conference attendance has proven to be of great importance to the growth and development of my company."
