Laser-depaneling by LPKF

Laser depaneling by LPKF

Laser-depaneling by LPKF


Depaneling as the last step in the production process should not be underestimated, as the way in which the individual panels are separated from the PCB can also have a significant influence on the quality of the end product: With the methods prevailing on the market, manual breaking out of the individual panels and the use of a milling machine, mechanical stress is transferred to the PCB during the separation process, which can damage surrounding components and lead to malfunctions. 


The alternative to mechanical depaneling is laser depaneling, a process that ensures that good things stay good: The laser is used to remove material layer by layer without contact or mechanical stress to the PCB. Concerns about quality losses due to carbonization of the cut edge are unfounded: New technologies such as CleanCut ensure that the material melts without carbonization during the cut, leaving a closed cut edge while the overall heat generation during the cutting process is still so low that surrounding components are not damaged. In addition, since the laser beam requires only a few μm as a cutting channel, more individual circuits can be placed on a multi-slot, enabling significant material savings. 


Continuous further developments are opening up new areas of application for the laser: With a new, patented technology, LPKF enables the use of powerful laser sources for the separation of thick FR4 materials with short cycle times - without any loss of quality.

the CuttingMaster Series

The CuttingMaster series convinces with highest precision due to its equipment with linear drives and a large working area. equipped with different laser sources and pulse durations in the nanosecond and picosecond range, enabling the processing of different materials: whether Flex, Rigid-Flex or FR4 (all strengths) and of course LTCC, Al2O3, PTFE, LCP.

System view

CuttingMaster

Depaneling of flex PCBs

Complex contours

  • 100% technically clean edges

    Die patentierte CleanCut-Technologie des Herstellers LPKF reduziert die Karbonisierung auf Null und erhöht so die Lebensdauer von Leiterplatten. Da die Materialien beim Schnitt verschmelzen, wird ein Ausfransen der Schnittkanten verhindert. Die hohe Schnittqualität reduziert die Prozesskosten: Es sind keine Reinigungsschritte erforderlich.

  • Free of mechanical stress and dust

    Using a laser makes the depaneling process completely contact-free, thus no mechanical stress is transferred into the PCB and sensible components aren´t damaged. While mechanical depaneling processes generate dust, the laser evaporates the material which is then sucked off. Therefore, residues on the PCB are prevented.

  • Precise edges, complex contours

    Thanks to the narrow laser beam diameter of < 20µm and the flexible line the design possibilities are limitless: even very fine and complex structures can be implemented without any problems because it is not necessary to consider minimum radii or ridge widths.

  • A variety of materials

    To process different materials neither tool changes nor different systems are needed – simply adjusting the process parameters is sufficient. Systems by LPKF easily process materials like FR4 boards with up to 2mm strength, ceramics and FPCBs. 

  • Wear-freeness

    The laser is almost completely wear-free, there is no need to replace tools like saw blades or milling heads. Costs for maintenance and spare parts are thus eliminated. 

  • Up to 30% material savings

    Because laser technology means that only a minimal heat-affected zone has to be taken into consideration and the laser requires only a few µm as a cutting channel, the switch from a mechanical process to laser depaneling results in space savings of around 30 percent.

  • Vision system for maximum precision

    The integrated vision system uses fiducial marks to detect deformations or distortions in the material. During the cutting process, the laser beam follows the contours of the real component position. Laser systems from LPKF can thus produce standard-compliant panels from distorted base materials.

  • CircuitPro Software

    The CircuitPro software is an "all-in-one" solution that can be completely scaled according to your requirements: The software, which can be operated intuitively through user guidance, supports all common data formats for program creation and allows the processing of different material types and thicknesses. With different user levels, access to the software is regulated and a smooth production flow is ensured.

  • Traceability

    Traceability is always ensured: the laser systems can read and also generate 1D and 2D codes, identify bad boards, record process parameters and exchange information with your MES system.

  • From Offline to Inline

    All CuttingMaster models are available as a classic offline system with manual loading and unloading (model P) and as an inline system with automatic loading and unloading of the substrate that is to be separated.


    All offline systems can be converted to an inline system at any time.

THE CUTTINGMASTER-SERIES

CuttingMaster 2000

The CuttingMaster 2000-series combines performance and efficiency with a result that speaks for itself. Thanks to its compact construction, the 2000-series saves valuable space in the production and is designed for high throughput and best cutting quality. 


  • Four levels of laser power: 22W, 27W, 32W und 40W
  • Two types of laser: UV-Laser, green Laser
  • Max. working space: 350mm x 350mm x 11mm
  • Positioning accuracy: ± 25µm
  • Laser beam diameter: < 20µm

CUTTINGMASTER 3000

The CuttingMaster 3000 series is equipped with different laser sources and pulse durations in the nanosecond and picosecond range, enabling the processing of different materials: whether Flex, Rigid-Flex or FR4 (all strengths) and of course LTCC, Al2O3, PTFE, LCP.

Furthermore, the 3000-series can also be used for drilling applications. 


  • Three levels of laser power: 27W, 36W und 65W 
  • Two types of laser: UV-Laser, green Laser
  • Max. working space: 500mm x 350mm x 11mm
  • Positioning accuracy: ± 20µm
  • Laser beam diameter: < 20µm

Laser-depaneling in VIDEO

Discover laser depaneling and our customers' testimonials in the video. Linked to the right, you will find our entire playlist on the topic of "Laser depaneling".

This button takes you to all videos of the playlist

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