APCT Increases Technology with Rigid Flex Optical Registration from DIS
April 8, 2021 | APCTEstimated reading time: 1 minute

APCT Inc has added Rigid Flex Optical Registration™ (RFS), developed by DIS Inc of Islandia, N.Y. to enhance their PCB registration capabilities. The RFS machine is built specifically to process difficult flex, rigid and rigid-flex jobs. Using DIS, Inc proprietary Optical Registration™ technology in conjunction with SmartWeld, the RFS has the ability to align inner-layers and pre-preg without the use of expensive pin-tooling.
Optical Registration™ allows for optical alignment of inner layers during the lay-up process of multi-layers and sequential build-up technology, eliminating the need to manually punch and pin individual layers prior to lamination. The tolerance build-up and variability associated with traditional pin lamination systems is eliminated.
A vision and positioning system sequentially align and clamp layers together utilizing a full platen, assuring coplanarity and accuracy. The aligned multi-layers are welded together with SmartWeld™, the patented coupled induction welding system developed by DIS Inc.
In addition, Optical Registration™ provides an opportunity to utilize X-ray inspection to quantify registration of welded multi-layers prior to lamination. The panel can then be measured after lamination, providing the data to analyze the lamination process and take corrective actions if necessary.
The process has been in use worldwide at both high tech and high-volume shops over the past several years. Some of the leading-edge requirements placed on PCB shops utilizing pin technologies are not able to be met unless they introduce Optical Registration.
About APCT Inc.
APCT is a leading manufacturer of high reliability rigid printed circuit boards. Located in Anaheim California, the plant is designed to facilitate world class cycle times and support a broad range of technologies. Their corporate culture focuses on continuous improvement and strives for “best in class” in service and support. APCT is ISO9001:2008, IPC 6012 Class III certified and ITAR registered.
About DIS Inc.
DIS Inc. is a worldwide leader in optical registration systems for the printed circuit board industry and an innovative producer of inner-layer/sub-lam registration and welding equipment. DIS has developed Direct Optical Registration™, a new method of optically registering and welding inner-layers/sub-lam such that registration is improved by eliminating mechanical tooling, operational cycle times are reduced and process flexibility is increased all while significantly reducing operating costs.
Suggested Items
The Global Electronics Association Releases IPC-8911: First-Ever Conductive Yarn Standard for E-Textile Application
07/02/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe Global Electronics Association announces the release of IPC-8911, Requirements for Conductive Yarns for E-Textiles Applications. This first-of-its-kind global standard establishes a clear framework for classifying, designating, and qualifying conductive yarns—helping to address longstanding challenges in supply chain communication, product testing, and material selection within the growing e-textiles industry.
IPC-CFX, 2.0: How to Use the QPL Effectively
07/02/2025 | Chris Jorgensen, Global Electronics AssociationIn part one of this series, we discussed the new features in CFX Version 2.0 and their implications for improved inter-machine communication. But what about bringing this new functionality to the shop floor? The IPC-CFX-2591 QPL is a powerful technical resource for manufacturers seeking CFX-enabled equipment. The Qualified Product List (QPL) helps streamline equipment selection by listing models verified for CFX compliance through a robust third-party virtual qualification process.
The Knowledge Base: A Conference for Cleaning and Coating of Mission-critical Electronics
07/08/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseIn electronics manufacturing, there’s a dangerous misconception that cleaning and coating are standalone options, that they operate in different lanes, and that one can compensate for the other. Let’s clear that up now. Cleaning and conformal coating are not separate decisions. They are two chapters in the same story—the story of reliability.
Advancing Aerospace Excellence: Emerald’s Medford Team Earns Space Addendum Certification
06/30/2025 | Emerald TechnologiesWe’re thrilled to announce a major achievement from our Medford, Oregon facility. Andy Abrigo has officially earned her credentials as a Certified IPC Trainer (CIT) under the IPC J-STD-001 Space Addendum, the leading industry standard for space and military-grade electronics manufacturing.
Magnalytix and Foresite to Host Technical Webinar on SIR Testing and Functional Reliability
06/26/2025 | MAGNALYTIXMagnalytix, in collaboration with Foresite Inc., is pleased to announce an upcoming one-hour Webinar Workshop titled “Comparing SIR IPC B-52 to Umpire 41 Functional & SIR Test Method.” This session will be held on July 24, 2025, and is open to professionals in electronics manufacturing, reliability engineering, and process development seeking insights into new testing standards for climatic reliability.