Beyond the Board: How a Diminished Supplier Base Affects Complex PCB Manufacturing Readiness in Defense
Defense Speak Interpreted: Hypersonics Report Back After Six Years of Silence
American Made Advocacy: American Microelectronics Power the Future of High Technology
Merlin Circuit Technology Invest in ESI 5335 Laser Drill Technology
March 19, 2025 | Merlin Circuit TechnologyEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
Merlin has been manufacturing HDI products for more than 15 years, firstly with mechanical drilled micro vias and subsequently laser drilled vias with an ESI 5330 Laser Drill. This is an established technology that has developed and increased in volume over the years, with the increase in demand for these products Merlin has invested in an ESI 5335 Laser Drill
The 5335 incorporates a high-power diode-pumped laser to enable efficient cutting through copper-clad laminates, with a range of parameters to deliver greater swarf / debris removal, thus achieving improved hole wall definition to aid subsequent plating processes and product reliability.
Improved productivity is also gained with operational speeds of up to three times faster than previously possible, the 5335 has a peak move speed of 14,000 points per second @ 250 µm spacing, greater accuracy +/- 20 um over the entire panel with holes down to 0.05um dia.
This is a fantastic investment for Merlin and demonstrates a continued commitment to invest in the technologies required to service a developing and demanding circuit board industry at the highest level.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
AGC's Advanced PCB Material Solutions
04/17/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOAGC's line includes advanced PCB materials for critical industries such as aerospace, defense, and medical. This interview highlights their commitment to North American sourcing, offering solutions to today's challenges. AGC provides specialized automotive PCB materials including fastRise, a low-loss non-reinforced prepreg designed for high-frequency applications like 77 GHz radar.
Indium Faces Complex Soldering Head On
04/17/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOKevin Brennan of Indium Corporation discusses the complexities of soldering diverse component sizes on high-performance computing boards. He introduces DuraFuse LT solder paste, a novel solution designed to address challenges like uneven heating and warpage during reflow. This innovative alloy enables a wider operational window, reducing peak temperatures and enhancing product reliability without requiring board redesign.
Driving Precision: All4-PCB’s Push for Smarter Inspection and Better Boards
04/17/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOAt APEX EXPO 2026, all4-PCB's booth stayed busy until the very end. In this interview, Managing Director Ralph Jacobo highlights what he sees as strong market momentum in North America driven by increased demand for advanced PCB manufacturing technologies. He emphasizes investments in multilayer lamination, propelled by AI infrastructure, aerospace, and HDI complexity, where precision and uniformity are critical.
At KYZEN, Cleaning is All About Reliability
04/17/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOJason Schwartz discusses KYZEN's advanced cleaning solutions for PCB assembly with Dan Beaulieu at APEX EXPO 2026. KYZEN has a 35-year legacy in defluxing, innovative real-time process control, and commitment to ensuring electronic reliability. How KYZEN partners with manufacturers through process audits and lab testing to maintain optimal cleaning standards is part of this conversation.
ESD Alliance Reports Electronic System Design Industry Posts $5.5 Billion in Revenue in Q4 2025
04/15/2026 | SEMIElectronic System Design (ESD) industry revenue increased 10.3% to $5,466.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 from the $4,955.2 million registered in the fourth quarter of 2024, the ESD Alliance, a SEMI Technology Community, announced today in its latest Electronic Design Market Data (EDMD) report.