As Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) in the electronics industry evolve to serve technological needs and advancements, they are getting smaller. These circuit boards are sometimes less than 1 cm. Today, electronics manufacturers have adopted advanced applications in the manufacturing process and can cater to the needs of the industries. One of the crucial elements of the manufacturing processes to produce minuscule circuit boards is the depanelling machine, which separates individual boards from a larger panel.
Precision Engineering for Minuscule PCBs
Introducing APAGCoSyst’s innovative and patented laser cutting machine ALU Gen3. This remarkable in-line laser depanelling machine is a game-changer in the industry. For miniature PCBs, it is up to twice as fast as the industry standard milling process. It is more reliable as it removes the mechanical stress caused by the traditional cutting method. Our latest iteration station is a complete cut, test, and packaging station that not only accurately cuts individual circuit boards but also provides automation of the entire line.
This includes laser depanelling, 2D or 3D automated optical inspection (AOI) of cutting and – upon request – position of critical components such as connectors, in-circuit testing (ICT), functional testing (FCT), and packaging of circuit boards.
Regulating Residual Stress
ALU Gen3, our cutting-edge laser cutting machine is the ultimate solution to all your small-sized PCB cutting needs, ranging from 1 to 4 cm2 and up to 6 cm2 in some cases. We are confident that our advanced laser technology offers a significant advantage over traditional mechanical methods, ensuring the safety and functionality of each component throughout the cutting process.
Unlike other mechanical methods, our laser cutting machine applies zero stress or pressure that could potentially damage the components. Our approach guarantees that your PCBs remain intact and fully operational, resulting in PCBs of the highest quality. We are proud to offer a reliable, long-lasting product that you can trust.
At our company, we stand behind our laser-cutting machine and its ability to deliver PCBs of the highest quality. So why settle for less? Choose our laser-cutting machine and experience the difference.
Rely on Unmatched Quality
We are proud to announce that an external technical cleanliness laboratory has certified the cleanliness of our entire production line, meeting the rigorous standards of both VDA 19.1 and ISO 16232. Our laser cutting machine has become a staple at APAG’s own production facility, thanks to its unparalleled quality and reliability. With our machine, you can rest assured that you are getting the best of the best.
Exceptional Efficiency in a Production Line
Our belief in investing in our convictions led us to incorporate a full-scale automated laser-cutting machine into APAG’s production line. Since its introduction in 2020, the machine has been a considerable success. It has surpassed our expectations and left our clients highly satisfied. This positive feedback spurred us to invest in a second line in 2022, and in 2024, we unveiled the third generation of this machine. It is now even more efficient, accurate, and reliable than its predecessors, and we are thrilled to announce our plans to introduce it in three more lines during 2025. Our commitment to innovation and excellence motivates us to expand this technology further.
“We started the development of the 1st generation back in 2019, to overcome the limitations of standard processes for small PCBs with delicate LED, for which customer did not want any human handling. Even though the first machine was already in line with our expectations, we further developed the 2nd generation with improved efficiency, and now released the 3rd generation, with added flexibility and even higher output.
On this new generation, we provide a fully ‘handling free’ solution for tiny PCBs, as small as 1cm², produced at a speed that is unmatched by the standard milling process, with the extra testing and AOI.
Our laser cutting lines are covered by 2 patents (1 granted, 1 pending), protecting the unique way we process the parts, avoiding any sort of handling until the packaging operation.
That proprietary design allows us to process even tiny parts (currently down to 8×12mm) which are very challenging to process using other standard technologies,”
– Arnaud Richard, VP Automation at APAGCoSyst
Certified Partner to Bring Your Projects to Life
APAGCoSyst is a leading supplier of electronics for the automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. Our state-of-the-art, high-quality production is flexible and responsive with products ranging from simple assembled PCBs to packaged and finished components. We specialize in designing and manufacturing electronic control units (ECUs), lighting, and electronic manufacturing services (EMS), as well as providing top-notch industrial automation services. We are driven to deliver excellence as a global partner for our customers. Join us and explore the world of electronic control units. To learn more about our services, please visit our website at www.apagcosyst.com. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us via email at info@apagcosyst.com.