HONG KONG – STARTEAM GLOBAL, an established printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer with over 35 years of expertise, is pleased to announce new strategic partnerships with two German corporations: Notion Systems GmbH, a manufacturer of inkjet printing systems for functional materials, and Lackwerke Peters GmbH & Co. KG, also known as Peters Group, a full-range supplier of coating materials for electronics and PCBs worldwide.
Transition to Additive Solder Mask Process at New FST Factory
The technologies from Notion Systems and Peters Group will be integrated into STARTEAM’s new factory in Flero, Italy, named Flero STARTEAM (FST), transitioning from the traditional solder mask process to the emerging technology of the additive solder mask process. By integrating their innovations, the additive solder mask process is set to be revolutionised through their combined synergy.
Adoption of Notion Systems' Innovative n.jet Technology
FST will feature Notion Systems' n.jet solder resist system, which is scheduled for installation. By utilising Notion Systems’ cutting-edge inkjet technology, the FST factory will be able to digitally apply solder resist and legend. The inkjet technology offers rapid, efficient, and clean processing that aligns fully with sustainability strategies due to its digital and additive imaging capabilities. It significantly reduces the associated steps compared to the traditional solder mask process, allows for different resist thicknesses in different regions, offers high-level alignment, and supports custom automation — all under controlled and stable conditions.
Leveraging Peters’ Advanced Elpejet® Inkjet Solder Mask
With Peters’ inkjet solder mask Elpejet® IJ 2467 for additive manufacturing, this advanced technology enhances the production of superior print images. It boasts compatibility with all common print heads across various inkjet printers, ensuring precise edge coverage and coating thickness according to specifications. Additionally, it offers outstanding moisture and insulation resistance and remains crack-free even after multiple reflow soldering cycles.
Commitment to Enhance Quality and Efficiency in PCB Production
Utilising technologies from both Notion Systems and Peters, STARTEAM GLOBAL is optimising the additive solder mask process through collaborative innovation. STARTEAM’s Chief Technology Officer, Martin Schneider, highlights the importance of this selection: “We chose Notion Systems and Peters Group because they offer a mature and easy-to-use technology, along with a very good support structure featuring close and cooperative collaboration right up to senior management. In general, we believe our cooperation will accelerate the integration of the additive solder mask process into the electronic market and PCB manufacturing industry, making PCB production more economical and ecological.”
This strategic move underscores STARTEAM's commitment to advancing PCB production technology, serving as a driver to elevate product quality and boost manufacturing efficiency.