...many varied, including technical hurdles such as laser technology itself, computing power, availability of dry film / liquid resists, optics, the art of combining these technologies, as well as cost and the ability to support customers.

During that time, many articles were written and presentations made on all the wonderful benefits LDI brings to the PCB manufacturing process, such as no photo-tool printing, faster turnaround for small jobs, tighter accuracy, dynamic scaling functions, and high depth-of-focus.

There is another side of the LDI that is often overlooked; that is, the simplicity of the LDI solution. To penetrate the imaging market, the suppliers of LDI equipment have developed a series of features that enable both performance to specifications, and ease of use. Using the feedback from numerous LDI customers, the systems have been improved. The features of LDI equipment today make it an easier option for a PCB manufacturer to implement, and because the process is digital, it is easier to use than conventional imaging ever will be.

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

Once the LDI users realized the advantages and potential for the technology, they challenged LDI suppliers with requests and ideas that, in essence, established the basis for process improvements.

What makes an LDI system easy to use? There are 4 groups of features that highlight the LDI's general ease-of-use. They...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.




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