Sophisticated data preparation has become essential to ensure efficient production. Machine manufacturer Limata has recognized this and has integrated the E-CAD library from EasyLogix into its precision machines for UV lithography of printed circuit boards. With the help of the PCB-I software, all important PCB production formats could be integrated directly into an LDI machine in a very short time.
Efficient production always requires sophisticated and complex data preparation. Limata GmbH integrated the E-CAD Library from EasyLogix for this purpose and was able to optimize and accelerate data preparation for the LDI (Laser Direct Imaging) solutions it uses. The data was prepared using the high-performance E-CAD Library of the PCB-Investigator (PCB-I) software package. Real-time data preparation can be realized through direct integration into Limata's LDI machine. The option of implementing your own algorithms makes the library universally applicable. At the same time, valuable IP (Intellectual Property) remains with the machine manufacturer.
Advantages of laser direct imaging
The trend in electronic devices in almost all consumer markets has an impact on components, assemblies and PCBs: They must become ever lighter, thinner and more powerful. In order to meet the increasing demand for correspondingly complex PCBs, laser direct imaging has proven itself as a comprehensive exposure solution for HDI PCBs. This technology, also known as laser direct imaging, is, as the name suggests, an imaging process that enables the direct imaging of circuits on PCBs. An exposure mask (photo-tool) is no longer required, as was previously the case. Throughput times for LDI exposure can therefore be reduced many times over compared to the conventional mask process. Adjustments, changes and error corrections can be implemented more quickly and at significantly lower costs. Each production benefit is registered individually, highly accurately and independently of the operator, thus significantly increasing the yield.
Schematic of CAD library integration in the exposure machines
ODB++: Basis for optimized data preparation
Thanks to the functionality of PCB-I, Limata GmbH's LDI machines work with the ODB++ data format, among others. The communication format enables the seamless transfer of PCB design data to production. The data format was specially developed for PCB production and facilitates work between the tools of different departments. The transparency of processes is increased and enables cross-departmental communication. All required data is stored in a single data set. Data fragmentation, which unnecessarily complicates processes, is a thing of the past. Graphical data in particular is comprehensively described by ODB++, which is why the format is ideal for data preparation in LDI systems.
E-CAD Library from Easylogix
How does the E-CAD Library from Easylogix change data preparation for production? In the Limata and EasyLogix project, the functionality of the CAD/CAM software PCB-Investigator and the integrated E-CAD Library is put at the service of high-performance laser direct imaging. All information and design data for direct laser exposure are automatically retrievable and clearly defined by the library. The PCB-Investigator library thus functions as a fixed basis for the management of all data and a comprehensive toolbox for the CAD area. Thanks to the firm integration of the software into the LDI machines, all processing is carried out in real time and is therefore highly efficient.
Optimized data migration
For machine manufacturers, data preparation with PCB-Investigator offers particular added value, and not just because of the integrated library. In terms of clean data migration support, PCB-I also enables data normalization in addition to data verification for quality assurance. Regardless of the imported format, the data is automatically generalized to the production standard, in this case ODB++. Additional functionalities of the PCB-I software facilitate the preparation of efficient electronics production. All applications are 64-bit-capable, for example, and processing can be accelerated enormously through multi-threading. The possibility of polygonization or geometric modelling of design data for production as well as the adaptation and processing of "oversize" data sets, for example, offer further advantages.
"Thanks to the E-CAD Library, we were able to integrate the ODB++ data format into our machines ..."
Special applications can be solved by implementing your own algorithms. A flexible software architecture serves as the basis for customized automation that focuses on customer requirements. The ECAD Library from PCB-Investigator is based on precisely this principle and enables the implementation of user-specific algorithms in order to serve each machine manufacturer individually. This also covers special applications for individual customers. The aim is to reduce manual intervention to a minimum by entering individual rules or automations.
The user interface makes PCB-I a flexible, open CAD system that can serve a wide variety of purposes. At the same time, valuable IP can remain with the manufacturer in terms of functioning IP management, but under optimized conditions of use. Limata also implements its own specifications to speed up the programming process of the LDI machines - a door opener for highly efficient production. "Thanks to the E-CAD Library, we were able to integrate the ODB++ data format into our machines quickly and easily," says Matthias Nagel, Managing Director of Limata GmbH.
"We were helped by the universal, open interface in C#, thanks to which we were able to link our program libraries very efficiently with the E-CAD Library. This enabled us to quickly offer all the advantages of the E-CAD Library directly within our machine software and ideally merge the two software packages," continues Nagel. "The excellent support from Easylogix also helped us to derive further algorithms that could be directly implemented in improved exposure quality and flexibility in the production of PCBs."
CAD/CAM tool PCB-Investigator
PCB-Investigator's (PCB-I) E-CAD Library is a flexible, customizable CAD/CAM software solution or kernel for preparing and analyzing printed circuit boards for production. The tool is primarily used to simplify review processes in connection with the development of electronic assemblies and to make them more efficient with the help of comprehensive tools for import, export and visualization. PCB-Investigator supports all relevant data formats on the market: ODB++, GenCAD, IPC-2581, Gerber 274x, Excellon, Sieb & Meyer, DXF etc. ODB++ or equivalent formats, such as IPC 2851, can be integrated into the machine software without any modification. This also enables the ad-hoc expansion of machine manufacturers' portfolios.
With the X-Series and its patented LUVIR technology, Limata is at the forefront of technology
EasyLogix - innovation and performance
Behind the Regensburg-based company Easylogix is a team of developers who have been successfully designing CAD systems since 1999. Since the company was founded in 2008, the team has gradually grown to nine full-time developers. The E-CAD Library utilizes the experience of employees who have invested more than 50 'man-years' in the development of the basic PCB-Investigator software to date. The focus on innovation and performance is evident in all areas of application.
Full solution provider for direct imaging
Limata GmbH, based in Munich/Ismaning (Germany), is a provider of direct imaging system solutions for the global PCB manufacturing industry and related markets - for example in the field of solar module production. Limata develops and produces industrial precision machines for UV lithography. The latest development is a new, innovative and even more cost-effective process: The patented LUVIR technology for solder mask direct imaging offers market-leading exposure speed and accuracy on all conventional resist types at lower production costs.
Patented Luvir technology
The innovation lies in the combination of both UV and IR laser power to accelerate the polymerization of the resist. The machine carries out the process of structuring the printed circuit board by directly exposing the carrier material coated with photoresist. The systems are ideally suited for the production of rigid, semi-flexible and flexible circuit carriers. With over 100 machines in the field and well-known key account customers in Europe - such as Würth Elektronik - as well as leading North American manufacturers - such as TTM Technologies or Summit Interconnect - Limata GmbH has established itself as one of the established LDI manufacturers with independent technology on the market in the 10 years since it was founded.
Market coverage: Broad range of services
Limata's X-Series product portfolio (X100, X2000, X3000) ranges from LDI system configurations for high-mix and emerging PCB niche applications to fully automated LDI system solutions for mass production environments. The LDI system products on offer are equipped with innovative image processing concepts, optimized hardware and automation functions, IoT data processing interfaces and technological advancements. This enables customers' individual imaging needs to be met.
