Introduction
In the Printed Circuit Board (PCB) manufacturing process, drilling is an important step. It is vital to make sure that the drilled through-holes, pads, and vias are accurate and precise so that the components can be correctly placed on the board. There are two types of drilling methods available when it comes to drilling PCBs: mechanical and laser drilling.
In this blog post, we will provide an unbiased comparison of the two methods, including the pros and cons of each method.
Mechanical Drilling
Mechanical drilling is the traditional method of drilling PCBs that uses a drill bit to make holes in the board. This process drills through the laminate, copper layers, and substrate layer to create a hole. Mechanical drilling used to be the only way to drill tiny holes in the board during the early days of PCB manufacturing; however, the introduction of laser drilling has challenged its dominance.
Pros of Mechanical Drilling
- Lower initial cost
- Can drill larger holes and thicker PCBs
- Minimal issues with cutting through copper foil
Cons of Mechanical Drilling
- Longer drilling time
- Higher cost per hole drilled
- Wear and tear of drill bits requires frequent replacement
- Drilling process causes chipping and burring around the holes
Laser Drilling
Laser drilling is a non-contact method that uses a high-powered laser beam to make holes in the board. Laser drilling has become the go-to method for drilling PCBs, especially for drilling microvias and blind vias.
Pros of Laser Drilling
- Faster drilling time
- Lower cost per hole
- No wear and tear on drill bits
- Precise drilling with no chipping or burring
Cons of Laser Drilling
- Higher initial cost
- Limitations on the thickness of the PCB and hole size
- Possible damage to copper foil due to the heat generated by the laser
Conclusion
In conclusion, both mechanical drilling and laser drilling have their pros and cons when it comes to drilling PCBs. Mechanical drilling can still be the preferred choice for larger holes and thicker PCBs, while laser drilling is suitable for smaller and more complex holes.
However, our recommendation for drilling PCBs is laser drilling, as it offers better precision, faster drilling times, and lower costs per hole drilled.
References: