FUKUSHIMA, JAPAN -- Two of Meiko Electronics' three printed circuit board fabrication factories in northern Japan have been rendered inoperable due to the effects of the March 11 earthquake, according to multiple industry sources.

TOKYO – As reports emerge of disruption to the electronics supply chain, it remains unclear whether the region’s major printed circuit board fabricators have sustained damage.

Japan is home to three of the world’s largest PCB fabricators: CMK, Ibiden and Nippon Mektron. Read more ...

ROGERS, CT – Rogers Corp. has developed a proprietary technology to laminate Victrex APTIV film directly to metal foils or other materials in both roll-to-roll and flat-panel laminate structures without the need for adhesives.

The firm says eliminating adhesives is beneficial to reduce VOCs during production; reduce the amount of raw materials used compared to adhesive-based systems; increase laminate thermal conductivity by eliminating insulating adhesive layers, and reduce laminate thickness, permitting miniaturization in smaller, thinner devices.

Rogers installed a new line in its Belgium facility to produce the adhesiveless laminates. The production capability supports roll-to-roll laminate structures with a maximum roll length of 400m and a maximum thickness of 0.25mm. When rolls are panelized, a maximum width of 0.61m and length of 1.22m is achievable. Rogers also can produce flat press panels in two sizes: 0.61 x 0.46m or 0.46 x 1.22m, with a maximum laminate thickness of 1.5mm in a press.

Both processes allow APTIV film to be combined with metal foils like copper, brass, aluminum or other materials, including aramid or glass fiber fabrics, the firm says.

The film is said to operate in continuous use, high temperature (up to 200°C) applications, and can withstand Pb-free solder processing temperatures that can reach temperature extremes of 280°C.