A processing method of a multilayer PCB with manufacturing process traceability two-dimensional code

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code includes the following steps: Step 1, material cutting; Step 2, processing inner layer circuitry and inner layer QR codes; Step 3, lamination; Step 4, laser sealing; Step 5, processing outer layer circuitry and outer layer QR codes; Step 6, processing solder mask layer and solder mask QR codes; Step 7, post-processing. This invention integrates traceability QR codes into the production process of each PCB layer pattern, adopting a novel process of simultaneously creating QR codes when making circuit patterns, solder mask patterns, and character patterns. This not only reduces processes and improves production efficiency but also lowers costs, increases product yield, and reduces quality problems such as scratches caused during laser marking and handling of PCB products. It is highly practical and has significant potential for widespread application.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a PCB manufacturing method, and more particularly to a manufacturing method for a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the PCB industry, PCBs are often marked with codes to facilitate product traceability. However, traditional PCB marking only uses a laser marking machine to mark a QR code on the outer side of the finished product. This QR code includes information such as the PCB's product model and dimensions. This method of marking finished products can only trace information about the finished product, but it is difficult to achieve effective automated traceability of information from processing steps such as "inner layer circuitry, outer layer circuitry, solder mask, and multilayer board lamination." Furthermore, traditional laser marking not only adds to the original processing steps and affects production efficiency, but the burned-out QR code is black and difficult to identify, and it also generates waste gas, requiring additional processing steps. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide a method for processing multilayer PCBs with manufacturing process traceability QR codes.

[0004] A method for manufacturing a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code includes the following steps:

[0005] Step 1: Material preparation, providing one or more core boards and two lamination layers;

[0006] Step 2: Processing inner layer circuits and inner layer QR codes; designing graphic data for the inner layer circuits, including inner layer circuit patterns and inner layer QR code patterns, and then using a laser automatic imaging machine to directly image, expose, and etch on one or both outer surfaces of the core board to form the inner layer circuits and inner layer QR codes; four inner QR code patterns are set, and the four inner QR code patterns are respectively set at the four corners of the edge of the core board.

[0007] Step 3: Pressing. Press the bonding layers onto the core board from both sides.

[0008] Step 4: Laser Burn-in. After lamination, the laser drilling process begins. Before drilling, the laser drilling machine burns in the inner layer QR code positions at the four corners of the board edge to form a reading window, exposing the inner layer QR code in the inner layer circuit pattern for scanning in subsequent production processes. When the PCB is a multi-layer core board 10, the QR code on the top surface of the top core board and the QR code on the bottom surface of the bottom core board can be read to confirm whether there is any misplacement when multiple core boards are laminated together.

[0009] Step 5: Outer layer circuit processing. The outer layer circuit graphic data is set, including a large board outer layer QR code graphic, multiple small board outer layer circuit graphics, and small board outer layer QR code graphics. The small board QR code graphic has at least one more SET serial number than the large board QR code graphic. The laminated PCB surface has a large board area and a board edge area surrounding the large board area. Multiple small board areas are set within the large board area, and each small board area has a valid circuit area and an auxiliary edge area. The large board outer layer QR code is etched on the board edge area, and the small board outer layer QR code is set on the auxiliary edge area for PCB product traceability.

[0010] Step 5: Solder mask processing. First, add a solder mask QR code when setting the solder mask process data. Import this data into the solder mask DI machine. The solder mask DI machine will then create the solder mask QR code and the corresponding solder mask pattern together.

[0011] Step 6: Post-processing.

[0012] Furthermore, after step five, the process also includes character layer processing, where the character layer QR code is designed into the character layer data, and the characters and character QR code are produced together using a character inkjet printer.

[0013] Furthermore, an outer ring area is provided around the inner QR code. The outer ring area is larger than the QR code, and the outer ring area is a copper-plated area for the entire board.

[0014] Furthermore, a solder resist window is provided on the outer side of the reading window, and the size of the solder resist window is larger than the outer perimeter of the outer ring; thus, after the solder resist layer is processed, the inner QR code is not blocked by the solder resist layer, so as to facilitate subsequent reading and traceability.

[0015] Furthermore, in step three, when the product is a multi-layer core board, the core boards need to be stacked together sequentially before lamination, and then each stack is fixed together by fusion or riveting before lamination. During this sequential arrangement process, each core board in each stack needs to be scanned to avoid misplacement.

[0016] Furthermore, when there are QR codes on both sides of the PCB, the QR codes on the small board must be consistent during encoding.

[0017] In summary, the multilayer PCB with manufacturing process traceability QR codes of this invention integrates traceability QR codes into the PCB layer pattern production process. It adopts a novel process where QR codes are simultaneously created during the production of circuit patterns, solder mask patterns, and character patterns. Specifically, the QR codes are integrated into each layer of the multilayer PCB pattern (circuit pattern, solder mask pattern, character pattern). Equipment used in the production process (LDI, DI, inkjet printer) directly images the surface, creating the corresponding QR codes simultaneously with the pattern of each PCB layer. This eliminates the need to purchase or use a separate laser marking machine or add an extra marking process. Furthermore, the QR codes are created along with the PCB pattern, maintaining a perfect color match for the PCB pattern, making them easy to scan and identify. No additional waste gas is generated; any trace amounts of waste are treated together with the waste from the pattern production process, requiring no separate processing. Data is transferred to the PCB board during the production process, achieving the desired PCB process traceability QR codes while completing the PCB layer patterns. Furthermore, the addition of barcode scanning during the manufacturing process can further reduce the probability of misplacement of boards and improve product yield. At the same time, compared with traditional processing methods, it also reduces abnormalities such as scratches caused by laser marking during the handling of circuit board products. This invention is highly practical and has strong promotional significance. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This refers to the QR code LDI laser imaging data used in this invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This refers to the encoding order of the smaller sets within the larger panel.

[0020] Figure 3 It is a single-core board structure;

[0021] Figure 4 It has a multi-core board structure. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, the present invention provides a method for processing a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code, which specifically includes the following steps:

[0024] Step 1: Material preparation, providing one or more core boards 10 and two laminated layers 20;

[0025] Step 2: Processing the inner layer circuitry and inner layer QR codes; First, design the graphic data of the inner layer circuitry, which includes the inner layer circuitry graphic and the inner layer QR code graphic. The inner layer QR code graphic may include product grade, processing steps, material model, part number, factory code, production date, batch number, serial number, etc. Then, use a laser automatic imaging machine (LDI) to directly image, expose, and etch the inner layer circuitry and inner layer QR codes on one or both outer surfaces of the core board 10. When there are QR codes on both sides, the serial numbers must be kept consistent during encoding. In this embodiment, four inner layer QR code graphics are set, and these four inner layer QR code graphics are respectively set at the four corners of the edge of the core board 10.

[0026] An outer ring is also provided around the inner QR code. The inner QR code area is 3.6*3.6mm in size, and the outer ring has an outer perimeter of 4*4mm. The outer ring is made of copper plating on the entire board.

[0027] Step 3: Pressing. Press the pressing layer 20 onto the core board 10 from both sides. When the product is a multi-layer core board 10, the core boards 10 need to be stacked together sequentially before pressing. Then, they need to be fused (bonded together) or riveted (nailed together) to fix each stack together before pressing. In this sequential arrangement process, such as the first core board, the second core board, the third core board, etc., each core board needs to be scanned during stacking to avoid misplacement. Then, place the two pressing layers 20 on the outer sides respectively.

[0028] Step 4: Laser Burn-in. After lamination, the board proceeds to the laser drilling process. Before drilling, a laser drilling machine burns in the inner layer QR code positions at the four corners of the board edge, forming a reading window 21 to expose the inner layer QR code in the inner layer circuit pattern. This is used for scanning during subsequent production processes to confirm that the board is the required board. When the PCB is a multi-layer core board 10, a reading window 21 can be opened on the outermost lamination layer. By reading the QR code on the top surface of the uppermost core board 10 and the bottom surface of the lowermost core board 10, it can be confirmed whether there is any misplacement when multiple core boards 10 are assembled and laminated. Drilling, electroplating, and other processing are then performed.

[0029] Step 5: Outer Layer Circuit Processing. First, set the graphic data for the outer layer circuitry. This data includes the outer QR code graphic of the large panel, multiple outer layer circuit graphics of small sets, and outer QR code graphics of each small set. Both the large and small QR code graphics can include product grade, processing steps, material model, part number, factory code, production date, batch number, and serial number. However, the small set QR code graphic has two more set serial numbers than the large panel QR code graphic. In this embodiment, the set serial numbers are encoded in an "N" shaped order, starting from the bottom left and proceeding upwards (e.g., ...). Figure 2 (As shown). Then, a laser automatic imaging machine (LDI) directly images and exposes and etches on one or both outer surfaces of the core board 10 to form inner layer circuits and inner layer QR codes. When there are QR codes on both sides, the serial numbers of the QR codes on the small board must be kept consistent during encoding.

[0030] The laminated PCB surface has a large board area and a board edge area surrounding the outer side of the large board area. Multiple small board areas are arranged within the large board area, and each small board area has a valid circuit area and an auxiliary edge area. A QR code on the outer layer of the large board is etched on the board edge area, and a QR code on the outer layer of the small boards is located on the auxiliary edge area, for traceability of the finished PCB. Understandably, the specific positions of the QR codes on the outer layers of the large and small boards can be set according to requirements and are not limited here.

[0031] Step 5: Solder mask layer processing. First, a solder mask QR code is added when setting the solder mask layer process data. This data is then imported into the solder mask DI machine. The solder mask DI machine then creates the solder mask QR code and the corresponding solder mask layer pattern together. In addition, a solder mask opening with dimensions of 4.4*4.4mm is provided on the outside of the reading window; thus, after the solder mask layer is processed, the inner layer QR code is not obscured by the solder mask layer, facilitating subsequent reading and traceability.

[0032] Step Six: Character Layer Processing. The character layer QR code is designed into the character layer data. The characters and the character QR code are produced together using a character inkjet printer. The characters are customer-designed symbols such as numbers, letters, and lines on the PCB board, providing identification for customer installation, inspection, and maintenance.

[0033] Step 7: Post-processing; routine steps such as surface treatment, shaping, testing, appearance inspection, and packaging.

[0034] In summary, the multilayer PCB with manufacturing process traceability QR codes of this invention integrates traceability QR codes into the PCB layer pattern production process. It adopts a novel process where QR codes are simultaneously created during the production of circuit patterns, solder mask patterns, and character patterns. Specifically, the QR codes are integrated into each layer of the multilayer PCB pattern (circuit pattern, solder mask pattern, character pattern). Equipment used in the production process (LDI, DI, inkjet printer) directly images the surface, creating the corresponding QR codes simultaneously with the pattern of each PCB layer. This eliminates the need to purchase or use a separate laser marking machine or add an extra marking process. Furthermore, the QR codes are created along with the PCB pattern, maintaining a perfect color match for the PCB pattern, making them easy to scan and identify. No additional waste gas is generated; any trace amounts of waste are treated together with the waste from the pattern production process, requiring no separate processing. Data is transferred to the PCB board during the production process, achieving the desired PCB process traceability QR codes while completing the PCB layer patterns. Furthermore, the addition of barcode scanning during the manufacturing process can further reduce the probability of misplacement of boards and improve product yield. At the same time, compared with traditional processing methods, it also reduces abnormalities such as scratches caused by laser marking during the handling of circuit board products. This invention is highly practical and has strong promotional significance.

[0035] The above-described embodiments are merely one implementation of the present invention, and are described in a relatively specific and detailed manner. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for processing a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: Step 1: Material preparation, providing one or more core boards and two lamination layers; Step 2: Processing inner layer circuits and inner layer QR codes; designing graphic data for the inner layer circuits, including inner layer circuit patterns and inner layer QR code patterns, and then using a laser automatic imaging machine to directly image, expose, and etch on one or both outer surfaces of the core board to form the inner layer circuits and inner layer QR codes; four inner QR code patterns are set, and the four inner QR code patterns are respectively set at the four corners of the edge of the core board. Step 3: Pressing. Press the bonding layers onto the core board from both sides. Step 4: Laser Burn-in. After lamination, the laser drilling process begins. Before drilling, the laser drilling machine burns in the inner layer QR code positions at the four corners of the board edge to form a reading window, exposing the inner layer QR code in the inner layer circuit pattern for scanning in subsequent production processes. When the PCB is a multi-layer core board 10, the QR code on the top surface of the top core board and the QR code on the bottom surface of the bottom core board can be read to confirm whether there is any misplacement when multiple core boards are laminated together. Step 5: Outer layer circuit processing. The outer layer circuit graphic data is set, including a large board outer layer QR code graphic, multiple small board outer layer circuit graphics, and small board outer layer QR code graphics. The small board QR code graphic has at least one more SET serial number than the large board QR code graphic. The laminated PCB surface has a large board area and a board edge area surrounding the large board area. Multiple small board areas are set within the large board area, and each small board area has a valid circuit area and an auxiliary edge area. The large board outer layer QR code is etched on the board edge area, and the small board outer layer QR code is set on the auxiliary edge area for PCB product traceability. Step 5: Solder mask processing. First, add a solder mask QR code when setting the solder mask process data. Then, use a solder mask DI machine to create the solder mask QR code and the corresponding solder mask graphic together. Step 6: Post-processing.

2. The processing method of a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code as described in claim 1, characterized in that: After step five, the process also includes character layer processing, where the character layer QR code is designed into the character layer data, and the characters and character QR codes are produced together using a character inkjet printer.

3. The processing method for a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code as described in claim 1, characterized in that: An outer ring area is also provided around the inner QR code. The outer ring area is larger than the QR code and is a copper-plated area for the entire board.

4. The processing method of a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The outer side of the reading window is also provided with a solder resist window, the size of which is larger than the outer perimeter of the outer ring; thus, after the solder resist layer is processed, the inner QR code is not obscured by the solder resist layer, so as to facilitate subsequent reading and traceability.

5. The processing method of a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In step three, when the product is a multi-layer core board, the core boards need to be stacked together in sequence before pressing, and then each stack is fixed together by fusion or riveting before pressing. During this sequential arrangement process, each core board in each stack needs to be scanned to avoid misplacement.

6. The processing method of a multilayer PCB with a manufacturing process traceability QR code as described in claim 1, characterized in that: When there are QR codes on both sides of the PCB, the QR codes on the small board must be consistent during encoding.

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