Precision Micro Invests In Laser Direct Imaging

Precision Micro, a West Midlands-based specialist photochemical machining (PCM) company, has installed laser direct imaging (LDI) in its quest for continuous process improvement. PCM is the process of manufacturing sheet-metal components using a photo resist and etchants to remove the unwanted material.

The process can accurately produce highly complex parts with very fine detail and can provide an economical alternative to stamping, punching, laser or waterjet cutting or wire electrical discharge machining (EDM) for thin gauge precision parts. 'Next-generation' LDI is used in the manufacture of minute advanced electronics components. LDI is said to have already provided benefits to customers, allowing them to develop designs that were previously prohibitive on either technical or economic grounds.

Anthony Marrett, managing director, said: 'LDI has enabled us to deliver rapid prototyping even quicker and tool modifications can be carried out in a matter of minutes. 'Dimensional and positional accuracy across large formats are at new levels with a fourfold improvement in pitch accuracy across an 800mm x 600mm sheet. 'We have also noted that the improved capability has led to substantial yield improvements,' he added.

The LDI system is reported to have created an increase in demand for tight tolerance components as a result of the machine's ability to image ultra-fine, 15-micron features. Its charge-coupled-device (CCD) cameras and image recognition system also provide exceptionally precise front-to-back feature alignment. Precision Micro is believed to be the first specialist etching operation to utilise the LDI process.

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