Depending on the layout of the panel, size of the individual PCB, component geometry, cutting type and quantities, suitable workpiece carrier concepts are available. LPKF is the world's leading manufacturer offering laser depaneling machines with highly flexible fixture solutions from a single source. If complex assemblies with more demanding layouts are to be manufactured, a specific workpiece carrier from our partner Rösnick can be used, for example.
Benefits of the laser process
Due to the non-contact ablation process of the laser, no mechanical force is applied to the PCB during the separation. Consequently, potential damages for the components and thus the function of the PCB are eliminated and the risk of failure is reduced to a minimum. Additional components for the workpiece carrier to (partially) compensate for these effects are also not required with the laser.
The laser also allows very small batch sizes or prototypes to be produced in a highly flexible manner on universal workpiece carrier solutions, whereby the application-specific inlays can be produced on the laser system itself.
As the printed circuit boards only need to be secured against sliding, the structure and scope of the workpiece carrier is comparatively much simpler. Consequently, this is also reflected in the lower production complexity and therefore the costs per workpiece carrier for the customer.
The right Fixture for every Requirement
In general, a fixture is required for processing to hold the PCBs in place after separation, whereby the design can have a significant effect on the cutting result. With additonally applied vacuum and downholder devices - especially for small PCBs - fixture solutions from LPKF and partners are ideally designed for this purpose.
LPKF offers a turnkey depaneling solution including the laser system and associated workpiece carriers from a single source. The portfolio includes the optimum fixture solution for every requirement, covering everything from a wide product mix environment to high-volume productions:
Universal Solutions:
For both manual and automated systems, LPKF offers highly universal fixture solutions that enable small batches and prototypes to be processed easily and economically with the laser system.
High-Volume Solutions:
Optimal for large series, the CuttingMaster systems can also be equipped with dedicated workpiece carrier solutions, where the main focus is on a resilient and highly accurate process.
Do-it-yourself Fixtures
In particular, LPKF's universal table and fixture solutions offer users the opportunity to quickly and cost-effectively produce their own fixture solutions for smaller series and prototypes. For example, polystyrene or FR4 sheets can be processed on the laser systems themselves and thus adapted to the application-specific requirements. Within the shortes time, an idea becomes a finished carrier.
