Planarity Check

When maximum precision meets complex materials, an innovative solution is required—and this is exactly where AT Sensors steps in. With their 3D compact sensor from the unique C6 series, they, together with their partner Pointcloud Technology from Taiwan, have developed a decisive planarity test for substrates that delivers consistently accurate results even under the most challenging conditions. When their partner, the machine manufacturer Laser Tek, finally opted for AT after numerous failures with competitors, the quality of PCB production changed radically.

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PDF Application Story Planarity Check

Error Detection Guaranteed: How AT is Taking PCB Manufacturing in Asia to a New Level

The modern electronics industry relies on extremely precise and reliable components. Particularly in the manufacture of printed circuit boards (PCB) and flexible printed circuit boards (FPC), the quality of the components plays a crucial role in ensuring the functionality of the end products. One of the most important properties that must be checked during production is the planarity (flatness) of the substrate on which the conductor tracks run. A Taiwanese company which is specialized in thick-film substrates and customer-specific semiconductor micromodule packaging, was looking for an application for the quality control of its products that could guarantee stable and 100% reliable measurements of substrate planarity despite changing materials. And this is precisely where the North German technology company AT Sensors, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of 3D components for quality control, comes into play. Together with its Taiwanese partner Pointcloud Technology Co., LTD, AT has developed an innovative solution for precisely this planarity test, which was then taken over directly by the machine manufacturer Laser Tek from Taiwan and implemented in the systems of the customer.

Challenge

But let’s start at the beginning: in order to be able to develop such an application at all, an extensive analysis of the material was first required. The PCBs produced by the end customer are manufactured for use in highly complex technologies such as MEMS, image sensors, optoelectronics and automotive technology. During the manufacturing process, various factors come together that make measuring the planarity of the substrates an enormous challenge: On the one hand, manufacturing requires extremely high precision in the micrometer range, which means that even the smallest deviations in planarity can affect the manufacturing process. Secondly, the substrates vary in their material composition and reflect light to different degrees, which poses major problems for conventional measuring technologies. In addition, the extremely precise drilling and cutting of the substrates is a real challenge. State-of-the-art machine technology is used to maximize the speed and efficiency of these processes without compromising on quality. However, accuracy is also of the utmost importance here, despite the changing materials.

Solution

Laser Tek required a highly reliable solution for integration into customer systems to ensure the quality of substrates and semiconductor components. After several failed attempts with competitor products, AT Sensors provided the ideal solution with the specially developed C6-2040CS14-160 GigE compact sensor for planarity testing in PCB and FPC production. The sensor stands out with its special 405 nm laser, highest precision (X resolution 78 µm, Z resolution 5 µm), and intelligent adaptation to different material reflectivities. With its high measurement speed of 50 mm/s, it significantly increases production efficiency. Laser Tek also values AT’s fast and competent support, as well as significantly shorter delivery times compared to competitors. Eight sensors are already in use, with another 30 on order – a clear testament to the trust in AT’s innovative technology and customer-oriented approach.

Your Advantages

Fast support

Fast response times from the AT Support Team.

Win-win situation for everyone

With its high precision, adaptability to different materials and fast, competent support, AT has shown how the quality of PCB production can be raised to a completely new level – and even at a better price-performance ratio than with competitor sensors.

Hardware & Software

AT not only offered Laser Tek a sensor customized to its needs, but also convinced the customer with a competitive price and software from its partner Pointcould Technology that was optimally adapted to the customer’s needs.

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