MKS Continues to Increase Performance for CapStone Flex PCB Drill System
January 24, 2023 | MKS Instruments, Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute

MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of technologies that enable advanced processes and improve productivity, today at IPC APEX 2023, announced the launch of SPOT ON™, an optional feature upgrade available for the CapStone™ laser via drilling system. SPOT ON increases system uptime through early warning of spot quality deviation and increases the CapStone's yield performance by reducing leading causes of via quality degradation.
"High-end flex PCB manufacturers are experiencing increased pressure to meet yield requirements," said John Williams, VP and general manager of MKS Equipment and Solutions Business. "Adding SPOT ON to CapStone enables our partners to drill the highest quality blind vias within increasingly tight margins. In our initial evaluations at high volume production partners, we have seen SPOT ON deliver increased yield on top of the already high CapStone™ laser drill performance."
SPOT ON increases performance by delivering a dynamic beam focus capability to high-production Flex PCB manufacturing. This capability enables beam location and control through automated z-mapping and dynamic z-control. With the SPOT ON feature, the CapStone system maps inconsistencies in height between the chuck, overlay, and panel. Once mapped, the system automatically adjusts the beam spot to deliver quality vias without waste.
Key Performance Highlights:
- Increases blind via quality resulting in fewer defects being sent to a customer.
- Reduces scrap costs resulting in better margins.
- Reduces downtime by constantly monitoring and tracking the laser spot, ensuring better visibility into the system beam health.
Flex PCB manufacturers can get additional details and the first look at the optional SPOT ON CapStone laser drill feature by visiting the MKS|Atotech|ESI booth 709 at IPC|APEX 2023 or visiting www.esi.com.
Suggested Items
IPC President’s Award: Xaver Feiner
04/17/2025 | Nolan Johnson, SMT007 MagazineThroughout his career, Xaver Feiner, vice president of marketing and sales at Zollner Elektronik, has developed extensive expertise in account management and new business development with a strong focus on the semiconductor industry, aerospace, and industrial electronics. Xaver has cultivated a profound understanding of global markets and remains deeply engaged with the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation. Since 2020, he has been an active member of the IPC Europe Advocacy Group, where he is dedicated to advancing the position of the electronics industry and the EMS sector across Europe.
New High Power 3D AXI for Power Electronics from Test Research, Inc.
04/17/2025 | TRITest Research, Inc. (TRI), a leading provider of Test and Inspection solutions for the electronics manufacturing industry, proudly announces the launch of the 3D AXI TR7600HP system. Designed for power semiconductor inspection, the TR7600HP enhances accuracy and efficiency in detecting defects in components such as IGBTs, MOSFETs, SiC inverters, and Paladin Connectors.
Real Time with... IPC APEX EXPO 2025: IPC Mexico's Journey–Building Community and Partnerships
04/17/2025 | Real Time with...IPC APEX EXPOLorena Villanueva highlights IPC Mexico's three-year journey focused on community building and partnerships with governments and educational institutions. Key milestones include collaboration agreements with state governments and universities to enhance the electronics industry. IPC Days promotes networking and education, while a partnership with UNAM aims to integrate IPC training into engineering programs. The discussion wraps up with congratulations on IPC Mexico's achievements and the launch of the Mexico pavilion at this year's show.
IPC Strengthens Electronics Industry Awareness with Appointment of Carrie Sessine as Global Communications Vice President
04/16/2025 | IPCIPC, the global electronics association, announces the strategic appointment of Carrie Sessine as vice president of global communications. This newly created executive position underscores the association’s commitment to championing the electronics industry's critical contributions to global innovation and economic growth.
IPC APEX EXPO 2025 Learning Lounge: Education on the Show Floor
04/16/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007The conference portion of IPC APEX EXPO has been providing educational opportunities for attendees since the first show. But recently, show managers decided to expand education onto the show floor.