3D-MID manufacturing via laser direct structuring with nanosecond laser pulses

作者:Yan, Hengfeng*; Chen, Jimin; Zhao, Jinyan
来源:Journal of Polymer Engineering, 2016, 36(9): 957-962.
DOI:10.1515/polyeng-2015-0367

摘要

3D molded interconnect device (3D-MID) is a kind of injection-molded thermoplastic part with integrated electronic circuit traces. Currently, it is a hotspot of the electronic and telecommunication equipment industry. Laser direct structuring (LDS) is the main approach to fabricate 3D-MID. Laser scans and activates the surface of thermoplastic parts. After plating, the activated area is coated with copper. In this study, a model was built to describe the mechanisms of interaction between a substrate and laser. The nanosecond laser was applied in the LDS process to manufacture 3D circuit on 3D-MID. With the aid of variable laser pulse width, the model was confirmed by a series of experiments including investigations of roughness, surface structure and energy spectrum. Finally, critical factors affecting the LDS process were found out. They are effective guides for many LDS applications.