LPKF, a leading manufacturer of laser and electronic systems, announces that it has been awarded a Global Technology Award in the category of Assembly Tools for its MicroLine 1000 S. The award was presented to the company Tuesday, November 15, 2011 during the awards ceremony at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich, Germany during Productronica 2011.
The MicroLine 1000 S presents a compact and cost-effective method for UV-laser depaneling of thin-rigid and rigid-flex assembled PCBs. Ideal for cutting break-out tabs and complex contours at the highest accuracy, the laser demonstrates its superiority over conventional cutting systems when handling flexible and very thin substrates in particular.
Dr. Ingo Bretthauer, Chairman of LPKF’s CEO commented, “The MicroLine 1000 S combines a low entry-level price with the highest cutting quality and superior process capabilities. At the same time, it is especially flexible, and therefore suited for high manufacturing variance. We are using a laser source that was optimized just for this application.”
With UV-laser cutting of assembled and/or unassembled PCBs, those with limited space will benefit. The UV laser beam can cut right along delicate components or circuit paths without mechanical or thermal interference. The tool-less method makes any contour possible. Changes to the cutting paths are made through software programming, included with the machine, or right in the CAD software.
Premiering in 2005, the Global Technology Awards program is an annual celebration of product excellence in electronics surface mount assembly. Premier products based on the finest examples of creative advancement in technology are chosen by a distinguished panel of industry experts.
LPKF Laser & Electronics is the world leading manufacturer of both mechanical and laser systems for demanding tasks in printed circuit board technology and microelectronics. LPKF’s worldwide headquarters is located in Garbsen, Germany outside of Hannover and the company maintains North American headquarters in Portland, OR.