-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueVoices of the Industry
We take the pulse of the PCB industry by sharing insights from leading fabricators and suppliers in this month's issue. We've gathered their thoughts on the new U.S. administration, spending, the war in Ukraine, and their most pressing needs. It’s an eye-opening and enlightening look behind the curtain.
The Essential Guide to Surface Finishes
We go back to basics this month with a recount of a little history, and look forward to addressing the many challenges that high density, high frequency, adhesion, SI, and corrosion concerns for harsh environments bring to the fore. We compare and contrast surface finishes by type and application, take a hard look at the many iterations of gold plating, and address palladium as a surface finish.
It's Show Time!
In this month’s issue of PCB007 Magazine we reimagine the possibilities featuring stories all about IPC APEX EXPO 2025—covering what to look forward to, and what you don’t want to miss.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Media kit
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
ESI Supplies Model 5335 Laser Processing System to PFC
June 9, 2015 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

Electro Scientific Industries, Inc., an innovator in laser-based manufacturing solutions for the micro-machining industry, today announced that PFC Flexible Circuits Limited has selected the Model 5335 Laser Processing System to expand its high density interconnect (HDI) flexible circuit manufacturing capabilities. Based in Scarborough, Ont., Canada, PFC is a North American leader in flexible circuit design, manufacture and assembly.
“PFC has been supplying fine line technology for the past eight years. Now, with the addition of the Model 5335, we can support true HDI flex technologies,” said Steve Kelly, President of PFC Flexible Circuits. “This laser processing system from ESI will allow us to make smaller vias, blind and buried vias, and to cut smaller features in HDI circuits. We’re seeing strong market interest in HDI across multiple industries ranging from consumer and medical devices to military and aerospace.”
PFC chose the ESI Model 5335 in part because of its high throughput capabilities compared to alternatives. For example, the ESI Model 5335 can drill 50 micron blind vias at a rate of 32,000 holes per minute. This performance is made possible by Third Dynamics™, a patented high-speed beam positioning technology that enables fast and accurate routing and drilling of flexible circuits.
“We were looking to update our drilling technology without losing throughput,” said Anish Somaiya, Vice President, PFC Flexible Circuits. “The Model 5335 not only will significantly increase our drilling throughput and give us a technological edge over many of our competitors but also will save floor space in our drilling area.”
The ESI Model 53XX family is widely regarded as the industry standard for laser processing across the flexible circuit and interconnect industry. Over 1,200 ESI laser processing systems are installed worldwide and are in use at nine of the top 10 flex circuit manufacturers. These systems offer industry-leading drill, routing, patterning, and skiving performance.
“We are extremely pleased that PFC has decided to incorporate ESI laser processing technology into its HDI and flexible circuit manufacturing processes,” said Ed Grady, CEO of ESI. “We look forward to being a part of PFC’s long-term success and helping them meet their most challenging customer demands.”
About PFC
PFC Flexible Circuits designs, manufactures and assembles flexible printed circuits, all under one roof. Circuit types include single- and double-sided, multi-layer and rigid flex. PFC can provide 50 micron line and space in production and assemble circuits using 1005 components. Specialties include high-speed low-loss, impedance-controlled circuits. PFC offers a large library of UL approved materials and is ISO 9001 and 13485 approved. For more information go to: www.pfcflex.com.
About ESI
ESI's integrated solutions allow industrial designers and process engineers to control the power of laser light to transform materials in ways that differentiate their consumer electronics, wearable devices, semiconductor circuits and high-precision components for market advantage. ESI's laser-based manufacturing solutions feature the micro-machining industry's highest precision and speed, and target the lowest total cost of ownership. ESI is headquartered in Portland, Ore., with global operations from the Pacific Northwest to the Pacific Rim. More information is available at www.esi.com.
Suggested Items
Industrial Robotics Market is Set to Surpass Valuation of $235.38 Billion by 2033
05/12/2025 | Globe NewswireThe global Industrial robotics market was valued at US$ 26.99 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 235.28 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 27.2% over the course of forecast period, 2025–2033.
SEMI Applauds New Bill to Clarify Tax Credit Eligibility for Critical Semiconductor Suppliers Under U.S. CHIPS Act
05/12/2025 | SEMISEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, announced support of the Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial Investment Act (SEMI Investment Act), which clarifies that critical materials suppliers to semiconductor manufacturers are eligible for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (“Section 48D”) created by the United States CHIPS and Science Act.
TT Electronics Secures £50 Million in New Contract Awards for Classified U.S. DoD Defense Programs
05/12/2025 | TT ElectronicsTT Electronics, a leading provider of global manufacturing solutions and engineered technologies, announced today that it has been awarded significant new contracts totalling over £50 million to support classified U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
I-Connect007 Technical Library: Your Ultimate Free Knowledge Resource
05/12/2025 | Barb Hockaday, I-Connect007I-Connect007’s technical library was created in 2016 with the launch of its first title, "The Printed Circuit Buyer’s Guide to AS9100 Certification." Created to satisfy a need for readily available, free technical resources, the library has become a powerful knowledge hub for the printed circuit board and electronics manufacturing supply chain.
ASC Acquires Cutting-Edge High Vacuum Plugging Machine CF 200 to Expand Via Fill Capabilities
05/12/2025 | American Standard CircuitsAnaya Vardya, President and CEO of American Standard Circuits and ASC Sunstone Circuits, has announced that the company has acquired and installed a state-of-the-art ITC Intercircuit CF 200 high vacuum plugging machine at its West Chicago manufacturing facility. This latest investment further strengthens ASC’s ongoing commitment to advanced manufacturing, precision engineering, and industry-leading process automation.