Glasgow, U.K. — Printed Circuit Board production is set to be revolutionized by an innovative technology firm, Rainbow Technology Systems.
The Rainbow Process represents a breakthrough for the electronics industry by incorporating coating, imaging and developing of PCBs in one compact, automated unit which promises to make board production faster, easier and more profitable.
The completely self-contained unit takes up only 12 m of floor space, requires minimal operator intervention, and is automatic. This enables the circuit board to deliver a double sided panel every 15-20 seconds.
The key to the success of the Rainbow Process is the proprietary water resistant etch that does not require pre-drying (using a curing oven) before imaging. The board contains 100% solids and is solvent free. Using only UV LEDs and standard photo-tools with gaps of 20 microns and below are easily achieved. The unit has very low running costs with a power consumption averaging 3kW.
The technology behind the Rainbow Process is chief executive and founder Jonathan Kennett who created Rainbow Technology Systems in 2005 to develop fine line printing technologies for the PCB market. Jonathan pioneered the development of contact cleaning technology for the electronics and high-tech sectors 25 years ago when he founded Teknek. Since then, this company has become the global leader in contact cleaning and yield improvement equipment. Other founding members of the senior management team include John Cunningham (chief chemist) and Robert Gibson (chief mechanical designer).
Jonathan commented: “Until now the only way to produce fine line PCBs (typically 50 microns and under) was to use expensive Laser Direct Imaging equipment. We are offering the industry an alternative which is less expensive, environmentally friendly, and more efficient. Other target markets for the technology include touch screens, flat panel displays, and chemical milling and machining.”
He added: “We have assembled a team of engineers, technicians and chemists who are experts in their respective fields to develop the Rainbow Process and are launching a number of other exciting new products for electronics and other sectors in the coming months.”
