Is Green PCB Solder Mask Ink The Best?

The role of PCB solder mask film

What is solder mask film: PCB solder mask film is the same as a mold, except that this “mold” is an ultra-thin piece. In the production of special products such as PCB, this ultra-thin film is required for printing text and solder masks. To get the desired wiring effect, we need to etch the excess copper from the PCB board, and this is where the film comes into play.

The function of PCB solder mask film: the excess copper is etched away through the film sheet, and the solder mask circuit and glyph that we need to keep are preserved, and the film mainly plays a protective role.

Practical application steps of PCB film: When doing the PCB circuit and solder mask, the surface of the PCB will be coated with a layer of photosensitive liquid, dried at 80 degrees Celsius, and pasted on the PCB board with the film. Then it is exposed to the ultraviolet exposure machine and the film is torn off. After the potion, the excess liquid will go, and the electric layer welding can be etched into the line when the line is made. When you do a solder mask, the pads can be exposed.

PCB solder mask color differences

What is the PCB solder mask color?

The so-called PCB solder mask ink color actually refers to the color of the PCB board. In the process of producing PCB, there are two ink processes, one is text printing, and the other is solder mask printing. Usually after receiving the Gerber information sent by the customer during the quotation process, we also need to confirm the following basic information to the customer, such as: plate thickness, copper thickness, process, text color, solder mask color, imposition, etc. Based on all the information, the final PCB plate making price is calculated and the color of the printed surface of the solder mask ink.

The most common PCB ink color is green oil, followed by red oil, blue oil, black oil, white oil, purple oil and so on.

For printed circuit boards, there is no difference in color function from the selection of solder mask ink, and its main functions are manifested in the following aspects:

Nickel-plated gold-resistant: At present, the surface treatment of many PCBs is nickel-gold-plated, so the resistance to nickel-plated gold must be good.

High light sensitivity: The high light sensitivity allows the ink to cure quickly during the curing process.

Cavitation resistance: No bubbles are formed during the curing process of spray or printing inks, or pinholes are formed due to bubbles.

High adhesion: Adhesion affects the life of the ink, and high adhesion avoids falling off, warping, etc.

Heat resistance: Good heat resistance can protect the stability of PCBs with high-power components.

Halogen-free: The production process of PCB has a certain impact on the environment, and lead-free and halogen-free are the focus of PCB manufacturing in the future.

Smoke concentration: The lower the smoke concentration produced during use, the lower the environmental impact.

PCB solder mask color

There are two types of printed PCB solder mask inks:

Liquid photosensitive ink: Liquid photosensitive ink is a special ink, which can be printed on a full plate without a printing plate. The ink coating can be cured by light, and after development, it can be processed with etching, electroplating, electrophoresis and coloring, etc., which is suitable for the production of small batches, multiple varieties, personalized and high-precision products.

UV solder mask ink: suitable for manufacturing rigid printed circuit board solder mask pattern, fast light fixing speed, good heat resistance, strong adhesion, can meet the requirements of single-sided and double-sided circuit boards, if the viscosity is very large, you can add a small amount of special diluent to dilute, but the dosage shall not exceed 5% of the amount of ink.

Discover a World of Possibilities with XPCB Limited

At XPCB Limited, we’re here to help you explore new horizons. Our advanced PCB manufacturing, rapid prototyping, and turnkey PCBA solutions make it easy for you to turn your ideas into reality. Trust us to deliver excellence and reliability every step of the way. Join us and experience the power of innovation with XPCB Limited by your side.