Plasma System Increases Machine Capacity

The new plasma system fits the needs of small- to medium-sized businesses or R&D institutions that process low-volume, high-mix products. The ModVIA accommodates a broad array of PCB panel technologies in various shapes and sizes including rigid, flexible, through-hole, and blind via, and works with a wide range of process gases such as Ar, O2, N2, and CF4. Nominally equipped with three electronic mass flow controllers (MFCs) for optimal control and delivery, the gas system can support a total of five MFCs. The temperature-controlled high flux electrode (HFE) design, VIA series control system, and advanced plasma cleaning technology minimize CF4 usage, reduce cost of ownership, and produce PCBs with increased bonding performance and reduced electrical failures.

"The ModVIA is Nordson MARCH's latest release in the market-leading VIA Series of plasma treatment systems for the PCB manufacturing industry," said Dave Selestak, Nordson MARCH business development manager. "The ModVIA's field expandable design allows manufacturers the flexibility to grow machine capacity in parallel with production capacity growth requirements. The self-contained compact design and advanced plasma treatment technology provide end users with superior process uniformity and the ultimate in PCB processing capability. The ModVIA Plasma System maintains a perfect balance between its predecessors, the PCB-800/1600, and its contemporaries, the Pro- and MaxVIA™ systems."

The chamber of the ModVIA is smaller -- 1652W x 1747D x 2445H mm (65W x 69D x 97H in.) - than other VIA systems, but everything else has been upgraded, from the gas distribution and pump package to the user interface and control parameters. The chamber processes the PCB panels in separate plasma cells to deliver high etch rates. The chassis houses the plasma chamber (which is constructed of high-quality aluminum for superior durability), the control electronics, 40 kHz RF generator, pump/blower package, and automatic matching network. Maintenance access is available from either front or rear access panels. The system is EH&S/Ergonomics compliant and CE marked.