Inkjet Solder Mask ‘Has Arrived’

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I have followed the progress of inkjet imaging in PCB manufacture since the late 1990s, seen many contenders come and go, attended and reviewed more than a few conference and seminar presentations, and met some leading experts in this technology.

Although inkjet legend printing has become well established, and the feasibility of inkjet primary imaging convincingly demonstrated, inkjet solder mask has, until recently, remained a near-unattainable goal. I recall Dr. Steve Jones of Printed Electronics Ltd. commenting upon the apparently inverse relationship between the functionality of a solder mask formulation and its “jet-ability.”

Yes, there have been lots of optimistic claims made. I’ve seen numerous demonstrations of inkjet printers producing solder mask images on PCBs in pretty green paint. In most instances, I received vague or evasive answers when I asked pointed questions. It takes a rather special kind of green paint to satisfy the qualification and performance specification requirements of international standards and end-user approvals, and a rather special kind of printing machine to apply it correctly.

But the leaders have persevered. Close cooperation between formulators and equipment manufacturers has resulted in products and processes that fulfill all those requirements. PCB fabricators, end users, and approvals authorities have realised the benefits, and inkjet solder mask has become an accepted reality.

I was delighted to be invited to attend an interactive webinar entitled “Solder Mask Coating Made Easy with Additive Manufacturing,” hosted by SUSS MicroTec Netherlands in Eindhoven. The webinar was introduced and moderated by André Bodegom, managing director at Adeon Technologies, and the speakers were Mariana Van Dam, senior product manager PCB imaging solutions at AGFA in Belgium; Ashley Steers, sales manager at Electra Polymers in the UK; and Dr. Luca Gautero, product manager at SUSS MicroTec Netherlands. These are all experts I know personally and whose technical knowledge and objectivity I have always held in the highest regard. This webinar promised to be a no-nonsense learning opportunity.

To read the rest of this article, which appeared in the March 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, click here.