PCB Routing

Micron Laser Technology’s precision PCB routing or contouring services are provided for both rigid and flexible circuit board manufacturers. Laser routing is ideal for close tolerance flexible circuits (FPC) before investing in expensive punch tooling (e.g. small form-fit devices or ZIF connectors).

Laser contouring is also a great way to generate pattern routed b-stage adhesive. The laser process can form a ‘cured’ edge along the rout path of the adhesive to reduce the amount of resin squeeze-out that is released by the lamination process.

MLT laser circuit routing techniques minimize the amount of heat affect and carbon recast onto the part. PCB material sets that can’t avoid some carbonized deposits, MLT provides post laser part cleaning to remove any visible carbon.

Manufacturers of laminated flat flexible cables (FFC) with termination options (like LIF, ZIF, Hirose, Auto Line, Tyco/AMP, or solder tabs) recognize MLT for their flexible cable laser routing services. Polyimide or polyester coverlay is a common laser routing application. MLT coverlay routing services are cost effective for producing features that are limited by normal drilling and punching process steps.

Laser routing of rigid circuits or depaneling services are also available, but some material stack-ups and tolerance limitations may exist. Please contact our sales staff to discuss your rigid routing requirements. Whether you PCB application is single-sided, double-sided, multi-layer, or rigid, MLT’s laser routing processes are configured for same day or next day turns for most applications for prototype quantities to highest volume levels.

CAD system integration and custom file converters enable flexible, laser manufacturing from customer-provided data. Although most file types are accepted, the preferred file types are Gerber, Excellon, DXF, or other 2D formats. In most cases, non-scaled data is required as MLT will make the appropriate scaling or offsets to meet part dimensions.

If concerned about compatibility of your data format or CAD/CAM tool, please contact MLT Sales for more information. For more CAM/CAD guidelines and detailed requirements, click CAD Requirements.