-
Product Center
-
-
Contact Us
Tel
Tel
+8618142863185
Follow us
Official Accounts
Official Accounts
- Top
The Origin and Development of Traditional PCB Inks
Release time:
2025-03-06 10:19
I. The Origin of Traditional PCB Ink
The origins of traditional PCB inks can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when the rapid development of electronic devices—particularly the widespread adoption of products such as televisions and tape recorders—led to a sharp increase in demand for circuit boards. In the early days, circuit board manufacturing relied primarily on colloidal masks using dichromate salts as photosensitive agents. However, these masks had several drawbacks, including cumbersome handling, high cost, and a tendency to catch fire, making them unsafe. As a result, people began exploring new mask materials and technologies.
1. Shellac photosensitive mask
The shellac photoresist mask was one of the earliest masking technologies, originally introduced from the Soviet Union. This type of mask used ethanol as the developer; however, due to its complicated processing procedures, high cost, and poor safety profile, it was soon phased out.
2. Bone glue photosensitive mask
The bone glue photosensitive mask was adapted from the printing plate-making and signage/panel manufacturing processes. Although this technology is relatively economical and practical, it suffers from poor storage stability. Since high-temperature curing was required but the substrate at the time could not withstand such temperatures, technicians developed a hybrid approach that combines physical and chemical curing methods, thereby resolving the issue of high-temperature curing. Nevertheless, bone glue masks still remain difficult to store under slightly higher temperatures, and the addition of preservatives can impair their exposure performance. Consequently, they have gradually been replaced by polyvinyl alcohol colloidal masks.
3. Polyvinyl Alcohol Photomask
Polyvinyl alcohol photoresist masks overcome the drawbacks of shellac and bone glue masks, offering advantages such as ease of operation and a long shelf life. The prepared胶液 can remain usable for up to forty days, giving this photoresist great operational flexibility. It wasn't until the advent of dry-film resist that polyvinyl alcohol photoresist masks gradually fell into disuse.
II. Development of Traditional PCB Inks
As electronic products continue to evolve and become more widespread, the demands on circuit boards are steadily increasing. Traditional mask technologies can no longer meet the growing market needs, so researchers have begun exploring new ink technologies and materials.
1. The introduction of self-made etching ink
In the 1970s, as the production of electronic products such as televisions, tape recorders, semiconductors, and radios surged rapidly, using photosensitive emulsions to create patterns could no longer meet the urgent needs of manufacturing. At this point, industry experts themselves began developing self-drying and oven-drying resist inks, thereby solving a major technical challenge of the time. Although these homemade resist inks had varying formulations, they all suffered from insufficient fineness and poor consistency, which adversely affected the smoothness and precision of the lines.
2. Commercialization of etching ink
After spotting this business opportunity, ink manufacturers quickly developed both heat-drying and self-drying resist inks based on the specific application processes. As demand continued to rise, ink makers introduced alkali-soluble resist inks, taking another significant step forward in environmental protection. These commercialized resist inks have greatly simplified the user experience and boosted production efficiency.
3. Introduction and Development of UV-Curing Resist Inks
With the introduction of television production lines and the continuous addition of supporting single-panel production lines, UV-curable inks for printing circuit board patterns have also been brought in. These inks have a solid content with no solvent volatilization, making them the preferred choice for PCB pattern processing. Initially, foreign UV brands dominated the market and commanded high prices. However, shortly thereafter, domestically produced Chinese brands emerged, ending the monopoly held by imported brands. Moreover, the drop in prices has greatly benefited many small and medium-sized enterprises. At the same time, UV-curing equipment tailored specifically for UV-curable inks has also been introduced one after another, further boosting the application and development of UV-curable resist inks.
4. Development of Solder Mask Ink and Character Ink
Solder mask ink is designed to remain permanently on the surface of printed circuit boards, protecting the circuit traces and providing electrical insulation. In China, solder mask ink for printed circuit boards began to be developed in the late 1970s, transitioning from imports to domestic production. At the same time, thermosetting character ink also emerged. Later, due to the thermal limitations of printed circuit boards used in televisions, tape recorders, and video recorders, UV-curable solder mask ink was subsequently introduced. These inks not only enhanced the heat resistance and insulation properties of circuit boards but also enriched their appearance and performance.
III. Summary
The origins of traditional PCB inks can be traced back to the mid-20th century. As demand for electronic products continued to grow, it spurred innovation and advancement in PCB manufacturing technologies. The development of these ink technologies and materials has not only improved the efficiency and quality of circuit board production but has also provided strong support for the diversification, miniaturization, and high performance of electronic devices.
Disclaimer: The above content is sourced from the internet and is for reference only. If any infringement occurs, please contact us, and we will remove it promptly.
Share to:
Related News
The functions of PCB inks in different colors
In the PCB manufacturing process, the selection and application of inks play a crucial role. PCB inks of different colors not only give circuit boards a vibrant and colorful appearance, but more importantly, each color carries unique functions and characteristics, meeting diverse application requirements.
Why are there PCB inks of different colors?
In the electronics manufacturing industry, the PCB (printed circuit board), as a fundamental component of electronic devices, directly influences the stability and reliability of the entire device through its quality and performance. In the PCB manufacturing process, the selection and application of inks play a crucial role. Observant individuals may notice that PCB inks come in a variety of colors—common ones include green, black, white, and blue. So, what’s the reason behind the different colors of PCB inks?
There are many types of PCB inks, each playing a specific role—from protecting copper foil traces and forming insulating layers to printing characters and markings. Together, these inks constitute an indispensable part of circuit board manufacturing. This article will delve into the three main types of PCB inks—circuit etching inks, solder mask inks, and text inks—analyzing their characteristics, applications, and critical roles in circuit board fabrication.
Fax: +86 20-3437 9190
Address: 8-9 / F,Building B,Pazhou Science and Technology Park, Xingang East Road, Haizhu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province
Follow us
Copyright © Guangdong Bossin Novel Materials Technology Co., Ltd. All rights reserved.
