Application of simulation tools for the technology‐driven planning of a PCB‐production line

The production of printed circuit boards (PCB) is facing considerable challenges concerning the demand for higher interconnection density and environmental friendliness. These demands cannot be satisfied by only optimising the conventional subtractive process chain, but require new production technologies to be developed. The production equipment has to guarantee that the process is carried out in a reliable way and at an acceptable speed. Therefore, the development of new process chains requires a critical review, or even a redesign of suitable manufacturing equipment. The application of simulation tools and “virtual prototyping” can support this process as the technology's impact on the machine design can be evaluated without the need for building costly prototypes. Finally, the costs of the new and current processes can be compared using the simulation results.