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Driving Innovation: People Driving Precision in PCB Processes

The technology behind PCB production is both complex and fascinating. It represents a precise mix of different technologies and disciplines—mechanical, optical, and chemical—all working in concert. Yet, people are the most vital component in perfecting these solutions. I’d like to share how the specialized roles at Schmoll Maschinen GmbH in Germany contribute to the company’s commitment to excellence.

To sustain the production and support of high-precision equipment, a PCB equipment manufacturer must have robust organizational pillars. At Schmoll, every individual product is supported by four core teams, ensuring that hardware, software, process knowledge, and global support are well-managed.

Our service-focused approach combines different methods of support, including a hotline, remote connectivity, person-on-duty systems, multi-tier support, and local subsidiaries. I’ve seen how this type of layered support helps customers from initial diagnosis to culturally fluent assistance.

To sustain our growth, we employ a dual hiring strategy: educating and hiring local talent from our neighborhood, while also seeking international experts. We now employ more than 700 people globally across the entire Schmoll Group, and being a “foreigner” myself, I feel well accepted here.

Mechanical Department
The Mechanical Department, which handles drilling and routing, is the historical core of Schmoll and traces its roots back to the first mechanical drilling machine, which was made in 1962. Since 2020, we have typically built more than 1,000 machines each year, and supporting this level of output requires a strong commitment of resources and specialized expertise.

One indicator of the complexity required to support this volume is the need for uniquely specialized experts. For example, we employ several designers who specialize in drawing customized machine tables for various customers. A machine table is not a generic component; it is a critical part of the precision system that must be adapted to panel dimensions and thermal stability requirements. Our mechanical milling shop produces these critical parts in-house, highlighting the depth of competence needed to operate at such high quantity and quality levels.

Registration Department
Registration is a critical process that affects overall PCB accuracy, and our specialization has led to significant innovation in patented X-ray machine solutions and post-etch punch technologies designed for complex PCBs. Schmoll has been manufacturing X-rays since 1989, and this part of team has evolved from a niche group into one department which targets the production of over 100 registration machines per year.

Laser
The production of optical machines at Schmoll started in the early 2000s and accelerated rapidly after 2010. Laser machines (drilling, cutting, and skiving) are technologically distinct from mechanical systems and require a dedicated learning curve.

Building expertise requires constant engagement in benchmarks, working with diverse laser sources, and continuously developing applications. We maintain test machines for weekly customer benchmarks, allowing us to develop proven machine/application solutions.

Direct Imaging
To become a major market player in producing direct imaging machines for resist and solder mask exposure, we have focused on innovation in scalability and control. Our DI products provide solutions for both small-batch prototyping and mass-volume production. Our in-house automation development ensures seamless control and integration. The entire process is supported by a team that provides application support, ensuring personalized knowledge transfer and process optimization.

Conclusion
Designing a good product is never enough. It must be supported by a robust structure of service, application, and process knowledge. Ultimately, the PCB industry is driven by people with passion and expertise. Their ability to connect engineering, process knowledge, and real-world manufacturing experience is what transforms advanced technology into stable, repeatable production.

This column originally appeared in the Januasry 2026 issue of I-Connect007 Magazine.