1. There are many methods to cut and split PCBs, including manual splitting, knife splitting, and punch processing. Each method can cause damage or deformation to the circuit board.
2. The cutting edge often has significant burrs and dust, which can be problematic during soldering. These issues highlight the shortcomings of traditional PCB processing methods.
3. The introduction of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines has been a significant advancement for the industry. These machines offer non-contact processing with excellent results, eliminating burrs, damage, and deformation.
4. However, the high cost of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines has been a barrier for many manufacturers.
5. So, what factors contribute to the price of laser processing equipment?
6. The components of a PCB laser cutting and splitting machine include the laser, galvanometer/focusing mirror, linear motor, control system, industrial control system, dust extraction and adsorption system, cooling system, marble stable platform, and cabinet.
1. **Laser**
Depending on the PCB substrate material, different lasers are required. For details, please refer to “PCB Laser Cutting: Laser Selection for Splitters.” The laser is central, and its stability directly impacts processing quality and efficiency. Hence, imported lasers like IPG, SP, AOW, and PI are typically used due to their superior stability, albeit at a higher cost. The laser’s cost can account for up to one-third of the total equipment expense, making it the most expensive core component of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines.
2. **Cutting Head (Galvanometer/Focusing Lens)**
The choice of processing head depends on the material being cut. For instance, aluminum substrate PCBs use Prest’s focusing lens, while epoxy resin PCBs use a galvanometer. Leading imported brands include CTI, SCANLAB, and RAYLASE. The processing head is crucial for ensuring high-speed efficiency and precision. Most market devices are imported, and their cost reflects their quality.
3. **Linear Motor**
The linear motor is vital for handling the processing format in PCB laser cutting machines. Larger formats require bigger, more expensive linear motors. Since the galvanometer’s scanning range is limited, linear motor splicing is used. The accuracy of the linear motor affects splicing precision; to achieve accuracy within 3 microns, imported motors like those from Taiwan are necessary. While domestic linear motors are improving, they generally fall short in precision. Linear motor costs are second only to lasers and are a key component.
4. **Software Control System**
The effectiveness of a PCB laser splitter hinges not just on hardware stability but also on the software control system. The software must support all functions, operate intuitively, and interface seamlessly with various hardware. It should allow easy operation and parameter adjustments. Issues with software control can hinder equipment performance and disrupt industrial production. Therefore, a high-quality control system is crucial, developed through years of experience and customer-specific needs.
5. **Other Devices**
Every component of a PCB laser cutting and splitting machine is essential. Just like the principle of a wooden barrel, no single part can be missing. Industrial control machines, dust extraction systems, coolers, and stable platforms are all necessary. Compared to the core devices, these can often be replaced with domestic alternatives, making them relatively less expensive.
6. **Summary**
The cost of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines is primarily driven by the laser light source, linear motor, galvanometer, and software system, which together account for over 90% of the equipment’s cost. Auxiliary components, like laser cooling systems, dust extraction, and stable platforms, are also vital. Due to the high cost of imported core components and additional expenses for manual assembly, debugging, and after-sales service, the market price remains high. Consequently, these machines are mainly used in sectors requiring precise processing, such as automotive electronics, consumer electronics, and mobile phones.
2. The cutting edge often has significant burrs and dust, which can be problematic during soldering. These issues highlight the shortcomings of traditional PCB processing methods.
3. The introduction of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines has been a significant advancement for the industry. These machines offer non-contact processing with excellent results, eliminating burrs, damage, and deformation.
4. However, the high cost of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines has been a barrier for many manufacturers.
5. So, what factors contribute to the price of laser processing equipment?
6. The components of a PCB laser cutting and splitting machine include the laser, galvanometer/focusing mirror, linear motor, control system, industrial control system, dust extraction and adsorption system, cooling system, marble stable platform, and cabinet.
1. **Laser**
Depending on the PCB substrate material, different lasers are required. For details, please refer to “PCB Laser Cutting: Laser Selection for Splitters.” The laser is central, and its stability directly impacts processing quality and efficiency. Hence, imported lasers like IPG, SP, AOW, and PI are typically used due to their superior stability, albeit at a higher cost. The laser’s cost can account for up to one-third of the total equipment expense, making it the most expensive core component of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines.
2. **Cutting Head (Galvanometer/Focusing Lens)**
The choice of processing head depends on the material being cut. For instance, aluminum substrate PCBs use Prest’s focusing lens, while epoxy resin PCBs use a galvanometer. Leading imported brands include CTI, SCANLAB, and RAYLASE. The processing head is crucial for ensuring high-speed efficiency and precision. Most market devices are imported, and their cost reflects their quality.
3. **Linear Motor**
The linear motor is vital for handling the processing format in PCB laser cutting machines. Larger formats require bigger, more expensive linear motors. Since the galvanometer’s scanning range is limited, linear motor splicing is used. The accuracy of the linear motor affects splicing precision; to achieve accuracy within 3 microns, imported motors like those from Taiwan are necessary. While domestic linear motors are improving, they generally fall short in precision. Linear motor costs are second only to lasers and are a key component.
4. **Software Control System**
The effectiveness of a PCB laser splitter hinges not just on hardware stability but also on the software control system. The software must support all functions, operate intuitively, and interface seamlessly with various hardware. It should allow easy operation and parameter adjustments. Issues with software control can hinder equipment performance and disrupt industrial production. Therefore, a high-quality control system is crucial, developed through years of experience and customer-specific needs.
5. **Other Devices**
Every component of a PCB laser cutting and splitting machine is essential. Just like the principle of a wooden barrel, no single part can be missing. Industrial control machines, dust extraction systems, coolers, and stable platforms are all necessary. Compared to the core devices, these can often be replaced with domestic alternatives, making them relatively less expensive.
6. **Summary**
The cost of PCB laser cutting and splitting machines is primarily driven by the laser light source, linear motor, galvanometer, and software system, which together account for over 90% of the equipment’s cost. Auxiliary components, like laser cooling systems, dust extraction, and stable platforms, are also vital. Due to the high cost of imported core components and additional expenses for manual assembly, debugging, and after-sales service, the market price remains high. Consequently, these machines are mainly used in sectors requiring precise processing, such as automotive electronics, consumer electronics, and mobile phones.
