Output details

Initial studies into the use of ultrasound to reduce process temperatures and chemical usage in the PCB desmear process

Funded via the TSB (BD122C, £11K) this project, led by MTG Research (Prof. Martin Goosey, MD, MartinGoosey@aol.com), was the first to demonstrate how sonochemistry could be used to reduce the environmental impact of printed circuit board manufacture; a key high value manufacturing process. The work led to an EU funded, Eco-Innovation project (ECO/10/272446/SI2.59654, £60K) leading to the first application of novel prototype ultrasonic equipment which has been installed at two of the industrial partners within four manufacturing plating processes. The project is extremely timely as it addresses European legislative requirements for the elimination of particular chemicals from manufacturing processes.