Keywords
Citation
(2000), "Agfa launches Mastertool Xtra", Circuit World, Vol. 26 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/cw.2000.21726aad.001
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2000, MCB UP Limited
Agfa launches Mastertool Xtra
Agfa launches Mastertool Xtra
Keywords Agfa, Track
Agfa has launched a new generation of phototooling material, Mastertool Xtra. The new dry material is formulated to respond to the newest designs in printed circuit boards (PCB) which have smaller vias and finer track widths.
A thinner 6µm top layer allows Mastertool Xtra to produce the thinner track width. The new material also incorporates Mastertool MT8 technology to provide exceptional dimensional stability and scratch resistance. MT8 employs the sandwich principle, which encapsulates the material's bismuth coating between two protective PET (polyethylene) layers. The PET layers shield the coating from ambient conditions, providing excellent dimensional stability for precision registration and high productivity.
The PET layers also protect the bismuth layer from possible damage, making it easy to handle. Mastertool Xtra is stronger than silver-based materials and longer lasting. As a result, it offers a much higher yield more printed panels than silverhalide films.
Mastertool Xtra is a dry material it requires no chemical processing. Once exposed in any high-energy laser imager, the phototool is ready for production. There is no need for processing or acclimatising.
The new material can be handled in daylight and its black top layer and silvery back make it easy to read, so loading the material properly is simple.
The new phototooling material is time efficient and economical. It requires minimal controls and eliminates time-consuming steps. There is no processing, no acclimatising, no retouching and no laminating. Because it requires no processing equipment, chemicals, diazo materials or laminates, users save money and labour.
Mastertool technology is also ecologically safe. It requires no processing, so there are no toxic chemicals to handle or discard. The protective PET layers prevent any vapours from being released. After use, the phototools are non-hazardous waste.
Mastertool Xtra is available immediately and further information can be obtained from Roger Legg, at Agfa. Tel: +44 (0) 181 231 4314; Fax: +44 (0) 181 231 4957; E-mail: roger.legg.rl@agfa.co.uk