Catalogs >
LPKF Laser & Electronics >
LPKF ProtoLaser U4

LPKF ProtoLaser U4
8Pages

Catalog excerpts

The Swiss Army Knife for the Lab Micro Material Processing with the LPKF ProtoLaser U4

Micro Machining in the Lab LPKF ProtoLasers have been in use in leading electronics laboratories around the world for many years. The LPKF ProtoLaser U4 builds on this experience with numerous applications and expands the process window of its predecessors. The application examples on the following pages represent typical applications of the globally unique UV laboratory laser. The system operates in a contactless manner, requires no tools or masks, and reduces the mechanical and thermal stresses on the workpiece. UV Laser Source as a Versatile Tool The LPKF ProtoLaser U4 uses a...

Open the catalog to page 2

• Easy to use • Faster determination of machine data • “Special areas” for higher precision • Proven LPKF software basis The user-friendly LPKF CircuitPro PL system software provides access to all important process parameters. Users can draw on a comprehensive parameter library for numerous common and exotic materials for their projects. Faster Results on the Computer and the Laser System LPKF’s system programmers have done a good job. In developing the LPKF CircuitPro software, they put all of the procedures from predecessor programs to the test. The result is impressive: uniform,...

Open the catalog to page 3

Application Areas The results speak for themselves: the LPKF ProtoLaser U4 can process demanding materials with high reliability and precision. Ultrafine Structures on Challenging Substrates Due to their electrical properties, hardness, and resistance to environmental factors, fired ceramics play important roles in demanding electronics applications. Structuring of sensitive metal layers on ceramic parts can be accomplished with high precision with the LPKF ProtoLaser U4 – as shown in the example to the right (figure to right in original size: 25 mm x 25 mm). A closer look at the structures...

Open the catalog to page 4

Processing Laminated Substrates To produce a track on a base material such as FR4 with a fully coated surface, the ProtoLaser U4 forms insulating channels on both sides of the track. Any geometric shapes can be generated in this manner. Due to the high precision achieved, this laser system is also ideal for RF applications and digital circuits. Conventional PCBs on laminated substrates or RF circuits with high demands on geometry matching between layout and practice – both good examples illustrating the precision of the LPKF ProtoLaser U4 Depaneling and Drilling PCBs Not only can the laser...

Open the catalog to page 5

Cutting, Drilling, and Structuring LTCCs Low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCCs) are thin ceramics. They are used in a green state, e. g., for multilayer circuits or, after being sintered, as robust component substrates. LTCCs are difficult to process due to their sensitivity to mechanical factors – and are hence perfect candidates for laser processing. Delicate low-temperature cofired ceramics (LTCCs) can be reliably structured, drilled, engraved, and cut with the UV laser beam Processing Ceramics The demands on processing for fired ceramics change fundamentally. The desired material...

Open the catalog to page 6

Opening Solder Resists Another widespread application is the creation of openings in solder resists. Regions with closely spaced electrical connections are completely covered with a solder mask. The laser precisely removes the solder resist above the fine solder pads and cleans the residue off of the copper surface. The laser creates openings in the solder mask above the closely spaced contact surfaces Exposing Ultrafine Conductors The UV laser can also expose ultrafine conductors. In this process, a part is coated with a photosensitive polymer (photoresist). The resist passages exposed by...

Open the catalog to page 7

From Prototyping to Mass Production If prototyping with LPKF laser systems produces good results – why not use them for mass production? LPKF’s MicroLine family includes mass production-capable UV laser systems with different handling options for use in production. These systems are deployed throughout the world for depaneling delicate substrates, structuring LTCCs, and processing ceramics. The results of prototyping trials can be rapidly transferred to mass production systems. Additional laboratory lasers round out LPKF’s product offering: from the ProtoLaser LDI for direct exposure of...

Open the catalog to page 8