US 6,387,579 B1Granted

Method for direct image processing of printed circuit boards

AssigneeManiaBarco N.V.

InventorMarc Vernackt

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

A system and method is disclosed that provides an automated, flow-through, dual side, laser direct imaging process and apparatus. This provides the capability to simultaneously register and image both sides of a substrate in a continuous flow-through process. The present invention provides efficiency improvements over the prior art on several levels. First, the prior art is batch process in which substrates are imaged one (or a batch) at a time in contrast with the present invention is a continuous, flow through, sequential process whereby a first substrate is followed into the apparatus by a second substrate which is, in turn followed by a third and so forth and the second substrate begins the process through the apparatus before the first substrate completes the process through the apparatus. Second, the process time per substrate is reduced as compared to the prior art.

Claims16

Dependent claims

A method for automated direct imaging a sensitized panel in an apparatus that includes a registration station and a direct imaging station, the method comprising the steps of:

loading a first panel in said registration station while said registration station is mechanically isolated from said imaging station;
registering said first panel in said registration station while said registration station is mechanically isolated from said imaging station to register said first panel with respect to said registration station;
mechanically coupling said registration station to said imaging station such that said first panel is registered with respect to said imaging station;
transferring said first panel to said imaging station;
mechanically isolating said direct imaging station from said registration station;
imaging at least one of a front surface and a back surface of said first panel in said direct imaging station while said registration station is mechanically isolated from said imaging station;
and
unloading said first panel from said direct imaging station, such that said imaging step of said first panel in said direct imaging station can occur simultaneously with the registration of a second panel in said registration station.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 09/511,646Filed 22 Feb 2000
Granted: 14 May 2002
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification9 codes

H05K 3/0082
Masks not provided for in groups H05K3/02 - H05K3/46, e.g. for photomechanical production of patterned surfaces: characterised by the exposure…
G03F 9/00
Registration or positioning of originals, masks, frames, photographic sheets or textured or
H05K 1/0269
Marks, test patterns or identification means: for visual or optical inspection
H05K 3/0008
Apparatus or processes for manufacturing printed circuits: for aligning or positioning of tools relative to the circuit board