Investigating PCB processing using Q-switched DPSS nanosecond green laser

Diode pumped solid state (DPSS) Q-switched nanosecond pulsed lasers are becoming the laser of choice for a wide variety of processes in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. Lasers are being used today in PCB manufacturing for via drilling, depaneling, profiling (cutting), laser direct imaging (LDI), repair, trimming, marking, skiving and other processes. The majority of these processes are practiced today using a 10.6 µm CO2 or 355nm ultraviolet (UV) laser. In this study we have investigated the use of our new generation of Q-switched DPSS nanosecond pulsed 532 nm green laser for PCB processing. We demonstrate this green laser is a good candidate for processing some thin PCBs.