Atotech Launches ST-Line

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Atotech has launched the ST-Line®, a state-of-the-art line of equipment designed for the requirements of soldermask and dry film pretreatment processes in the manufacturing of PCBs. The new line is fully compatible with Atotech's existing offering of CupraEtch pretreatment chemistry and is expected to boost yields to control production costs. Atotech uses its high quality and high precision manufacturing capabilities at its new plant in Guangzhou to provide this equipment to the industry. With the accelerated move to finer lines and spaces across PCB applications, the company considers it to be an ideal time to introduce ST-Line in combination with CupraEtch chemical solutions.

Benefits to the customers:

• For innerlayer, outer layer and soldermask pretreatment
• High-quality equipment for best process performance
• Considerably reduced waste-water
• Highest electrical security control and safety standard
• Equipment and chemistry out of one hand
• Industry leading customer service

The ST-Line, combined with Atotech's CupraEtch product range, forms a multipurpose microetch system for the pretreatment and adhesion promotion of primary imaging resists and soldermasks. Customers can deploy the equipment for innerlayer and outer layer photoresist pretreatment as well as soldermask pretreatment (compatible with all Final finishes, including ENIG and IMT) processes across MLB, HDI and package substrate applications. Superior in quality and design, the line also meets rigorous safety standards. Key highlights of this line include its ease of operation, intuitive safety controls and fully controlled temperature detection in dryer module. Backed with the company's extensive local presence, customers will also have access to Atotech's highly trained experts and support through various production stages.

Atotech Vice President of Equipment Frank Runkel said, "Atotech is well known in the industry for being the only company to offer chemistry, equipment and processes for PCB manufacturing out of one hand. The introduction of ST-Line underscores our commitment of delivering not only chemistry or hardware but a full systems solution package to our customers. Engineered and built in our new Guangzhou equipment plant and manufactured on high precision machining tools, the ST-Line is a high quality product that assures maximum yield at a competitive price. In combination with our CupraEtch chemistry products the line enables our customers to meet their sustainability goals by reducing their waste water volume measurably."

About Atotech

Atotech is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals and equipment for the printed circuit board, IC-substrate and semiconductor industries, as well as for the decorative and functional surface finishing industries. Atotech has annual sales of US$ 1.2 Bn and is fully committed to sustainability – we develop technologies to minimize waste and to reduce environmental impact. Atotech is a division of the Total Group, and has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany. The company employs over 4,000 people in more than 47 countries.