A look at the drilling and riveting process opened up opportunities for further improvement at Becker & Müller. The PCB production sub-process was optimized as part of the company's own continuous improvement processes. The constant critical view of the production processes - in this case the riveting process - and the will to constantly optimize them got the ball rolling. The project was tackled in order to always be able to offer customers the best possible quality and the latest production methods.
Development is progress
In the production of multilayer PCBs, the different layers must fit together exactly. In this process, the multilayer registration system 'Targomat' sets the holes by exact optical measurement. Two registration holes are drilled so that the cores can later be adjusted using a two-pin system.
The riveting machine was supplemented with a new rivet welding module - the resin is heated and polymerized by the rivets and possible misalignment of the layers is reduced. This was discussed with the manufacturers and then decided upon. The goal for prototype production was achieved with the addition of a modern Windows 10 control system and completely new optical systems, which enable even more precise recording and processing in line with future quality requirements. In addition, the 'Targomat' and all wear parts were completely overhauled during the conversion. This ensures that the system is state of the art.
The riveting process was included as part of these measures. The aim here was also to increase precision. In coordination with the Swiss manufacturer Printprocess AG, a further technical development was also introduced. The deformation of the rivets during the pressing process was minimized and the resulting offset of the layers reduced. This also increased the accuracy of the PCB production in this step.
After the layers of a panel have been positioned, drilling takes place, then the layer structure is mechanically riveted and welded at the subsequent position. This means that the resin of the prepregs is heated over the rivets during repressing, polymerizing the resin. Displacement of the layers in the pack (due to any subsequent deformation of the rivets in the press) and any misalignment are reduced. By investing in this new rivet welding module, a further increase in quality has been achieved.
Potential discovered in PCB prototype construction: The EMS service provider has its production under review with a strategy of continuous improvement"As a prototype manufacturer, we are always keen to see exactly what's new or how we can improve," says Xaver Müller, one of the two managing directors of the PCB manufacturer. He is convinced that the optimization project was the right decision.
Standstill in production is not good, and so the company is always looking for new opportunities for optimization in the interests of its customers. For example, the future at Becker & Müller will include further investments in a new waste water system and a new milling machine. This is yet another step towards staying at the cutting edge of technology.
