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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.
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Technica USA and DCT Partnership Insights
04/10/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOThis discussion features Jason Perry from Technica and David Bures from DCT Cleaning, highlighting Technica's expansion in PCB fabrication and assembly. DCT, a leader in cleaning solutions, emphasizes the renewed importance of cleaning in modern electronics due to miniaturization. Comprehensive offerings and an innovative approach to achieving optimal cleanliness is revealed.
Robot Density Surges in Europe, Asia, and Americas
04/08/2026 | International Federation of RoboticsEconomies worldwide are prioritising the integration of factory robots, as automation becomes a critical tool for boosting productivity. In the global automation race, the Western European countries reached a record 267 robots per 10,000 employees in the manufacturing industry 2024 – ahead of North America with 204 units and Asia with 131 units.
East Asia's Electronics Dominance and AI with Sydney Xiao
04/08/2026 | Real Time with... APEX EXPOSydney Xiao, Global Electronics Association – East Asia President emphasizes the region's dominance in electronics manufacturing, particularly with the rise of AI. The association focuses on standards, workforce, technology, and collaboration to help members navigate AI opportunities, highlighting new IC substrate standards and advanced packaging initiatives.
Double Win: Indium Corporation’s CW-807RS and Indium12.9HF Receive EM Asia Innovation Honors
04/07/2026 | Indium CorporationIndium Corporation®, a leading materials provider for the electronics assembly market, recently received Electronics Manufacturing (EM) Asia Innovation Awards for its halogen-free CW-807RS flux-cored wire and Indium12.9HF solder paste products.
Express Manufacturing, Inc. Enhances Test Capabilities with TAKAYA APT-1600FD-SL Investment
04/07/2026 | Express Manufacturing, Inc.Express Manufacturing, Inc. (EMI), a global electronics manufacturing services (EMS) provider, has strengthened its test capabilities with the recent purchase of the TAKAYA APT-1600FD-SL dual-sided flying probe test system, expanding its ability to support increasingly complex and high-reliability PCB assemblies.