“The market success of our new laser structurer LPKF Fusion3D already indicates its innovation potential. The nomination for the Hermes Award shows a top-class panel of judges shares this assessment.” Dr. Ingo Bretthauer, CEO of LPKF Laser & Electronics AG is excited about this appreciation of the development efforts, which led to a market break-through in 2009 after ten years of development.
 
In the LDS process (Laser Direct Structuring) a laser structures a cost-effective plastic component from a single-component die-casting. The structures are then metallized in an electroless process. The LDS plastic components are three-dimensional interconnect devices, combining mechanical and electronic functions. The LDS process convinces with its accuracy, true three-dimensionality and utmost flexibility: the layout can easily be modified by changing data.

The LDS process offers considerable advantages for developers: a suitable component provided, LDS components clearly reduce the unit and overall costs. Separate cables and shielding are eliminated; plug connections or additional printed circuit boards become unnecessary, and even the complexity of assembly is significantly minimized.

The new laser structurer LPKF Fusion3D makes this process suitable for high volume production: it processes the components using up to four lasers from seven possible positions. The output is so high that two robots are required to feed the components with sufficient accuracy and speed. The LPKF Fusion3D has virtually no non-productive time and at its extreme it’s up to five times faster than its predecessor – with increased precision. Its flexibility does the rest: since the layout of the PCB track can be reorganized without considerable outlay, production planning sees new freedoms and efficiency benefits.

One essential aspect for nomination is the prominence LDS has achieved over the past year. While 2008 saw 20 m. cell phone antennas installed worldwide using the LDS method, with the LPKF Fusion3D this number grew to 100 m. by the end of 2009. The demand from other fields – for example automotive sensors, notebooks or medical technology – leaves us anticipating further growth.

About LPKF

LPKF Laser & Electronics AG manufactures machines and laser systems used in the production of electronics, medical technology, the automotive industry and in the production of solar cells. About 20 percent of the employees work in research and development.





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