“The patented AXON OXIjet® process is a milestone in the development of mobile communications. The scope of functions of mobile end-user units largely depends on micro-conductor technology and the miniaturization of contact surfaces,” explains Marcus Lang, technical manager at AKON GmbH.
The H2O2 process used so far has the disadvantage of having a very broad process window which results in an unstable and hard-to-control etching process. This has a negative effect on the etching quality of the structures to be formed. This causes a high production scrap rate. The OXIjet® process enables a really small process window and accurate metering of the etching solution. The positive effects on the surface structure of the traces can be seen in the steepness of the etched flanks, finer structures and increased signal quality.
The decisive factor is the ground-breaking development of the AXON OXIjet® process, which revolutionizes the manufacture of PCBs.
In the manufacture of PCBs, conducting structures are etched onto a copper surface in a complex and expensive process. Up to now, liters of the dangerous material hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were used in these etching processes. The problem is this: Hydrogen peroxide is a very strong oxidation agent which increases the risk of fire and can cause severe damage to the eyes and irritation to the skin. It is also toxic.
It is precisely here that the AKON OXIjet® technology is setting new standards, because this flammable toxic material is replaced by ozone (O3) that is generated “in situ.” The prize-winning process generates ozone from ambient air using a generator. The ozone is introduced into the production cycle directly at the point it is required (in situ). The volume of ozone generated in this way is of the order of a few grams. Excess ozone is converted to oxygen in a catalytic converter and then discharged back into the air. The critical and expensive handling of the toxic material hydrogen peroxide is completely eliminated.
“In the electronics industry alone, an annual saving of over 15 million liters of dangerous hydrogen peroxide can be made,” explains Lang.