Apparatus and method for dispensing solution to prevent smear in the manufacture of printed circuit boards

Abstract

A method and apparatus for dispensing a smear-preventing solution onto a drill bit used for drilling printed circuit boards includes a drilling jig having a drill bit for engaging the printed circuit board and a dispensing system for dispensing a smear-preventing solution under pressure so that it sprays onto the drill bit through a hole in a pressure foot as the drill bit engages the printed circuit board. A switch mounted on the drilling jig controls the dispensing of the solution so that the solution is dispensed during the time that the drill bit is in the vicinity of the printed circuit board, and is turned off when the drill bit leaves the printed circuit board, or when the drill is turned off. A vacuum hose connected to the housing creates a low pressure condition adjacent the drill bit which provides for coating the drill bit while the solution is being dispensed, and for pulling the excess solution and debris created by the drill bit away from the surface of the printed circuit board.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.