MKS Introduces ESI Geode A CO2 Laser System for High Precision and High-Speed ABF IC Substrate Manufacturing
May 31, 2023 | MKS Instruments, Inc.Estimated reading time: 1 minute

MKS Instruments, Inc., a global provider of technologies that transform our world, announced the official launch of the ESI Geode® A laser drill system today, a new configuration of the Geode® platform designed explicitly for drilling vias in the non-copper-clad ABF substrate market.
The Geode® A laser drilling system provides processing and application solutions for the FCBGA package substrate market, components which provide critical building blocks for everyday electronic devices and, in particular, high-performance computing. FCBGA substrates help enable supercomputing, artificial intelligence processing, autonomous cars, and other highly complex semiconductor modules.
“Manufacturers are under increased market pressure to deliver components that meet the precise demands of miniaturization and complexity required for advanced substrate manufacturing. At MKS, we are keenly focused on delivering the advanced technology needed for our customers to deliver next-generation productivity and quality,” said John Williams, MKS Vice President and General Manager of the ESI business. “In addition, the Geode® A laser drill is engineered as an integral component to the MKS Optimize the Interconnect SM solution, combining ESI laser drilling technologies with Atotech chemistry and plating equipment to provide customers with a full package of via formation technologies required to deliver optimal quality with the highest productivity for PCB and package substrate products.”
The Geode® A laser drilling system combines an innovative laser and optics configuration with precision pulse-shaping and beam-steering designed for ABF materials. These engineering innovations deliver the lowest cost of ownership and a greener manufacturing solution through 21% less floor space utilization, 72% less weight, and up to 65% less power consumption than the competition.
The Geode® A laser drilling system is available for purchase. More details can be found at www.esi.com, and system experts will be available at the JPCA 2023, Tokyo, Japan, May 31-June 2 in booth 6B-11.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
07/11/2025 | Andy Shaughnessy, Design007 MagazineThis week, we have quite a variety of news items and articles for you. News continues to stream out of Washington, D.C., with tariffs rearing their controversial head again. Because these tariffs are targeted at overseas copper manufacturers, this news has a direct effect on our industry.I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
Digital Twin Concept in Copper Electroplating Process Performance
07/11/2025 | Aga Franczak, Robrecht Belis, Elsyca N.V.PCB manufacturing involves transforming a design into a physical board while meeting specific requirements. Understanding these design specifications is crucial, as they directly impact the PCB's fabrication process, performance, and yield rate. One key design specification is copper thieving—the addition of “dummy” pads across the surface that are plated along with the features designed on the outer layers. The purpose of the process is to provide a uniform distribution of copper across the outer layers to make the plating current density and plating in the holes more uniform.
Trump Copper Tariffs Spark Concern
07/10/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamPresident Donald Trump stated on July 8 that he plans to impose a 50% tariff on copper imports, sparking concern in a global industry whose output is critical to electric vehicles, military hardware, semiconductors, and a wide range of consumer goods. According to Yahoo Finance, copper futures climbed over 2% following tariff confirmation.
Happy’s Tech Talk #40: Factors in PTH Reliability—Hole Voids
07/09/2025 | Happy Holden -- Column: Happy’s Tech TalkWhen we consider via reliability, the major contributing factors are typically processing deviations. These can be subtle and not always visible. One particularly insightful column was by Mike Carano, “Causes of Plating Voids, Pre-electroless Copper,” where he outlined some of the possible causes of hole defects for both plated through-hole (PTH) and blind vias.
Trouble in Your Tank: Can You Drill the Perfect Hole?
07/07/2025 | Michael Carano -- Column: Trouble in Your TankIn the movie “Friday Night Lights,” the head football coach (played by Billy Bob Thornton) addresses his high school football team on a hot day in August in West Texas. He asks his players one question: “Can you be perfect?” That is an interesting question, in football and the printed circuit board fabrication world, where being perfect is somewhat elusive. When it comes to mechanical drilling and via formation, can you drill the perfect hole time after time?