Ultra-Thin PCB Copper Foil With Multi-Stage Pinhole Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultra-thin copper foils for printed circuit boards (PCBs) suffer from pinholes, which can cause circuit failure due to the inability of one-stage or two-stage electroplating to form a dense and uniform electroplating layer.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage electroplating process is employed to form a metal release layer, a burnt copper layer, and a copper sulfate layer, utilizing conditions such as electroplating times, temperatures, and compositions to ensure a dense and uniform electroplating layer without pinholes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If one-stage or two-stage electroplating is used, then the process is simple and fast, but the electroplating layer is not dense and uniform, causing pinholes to form

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectroplating speedVSAvoidelectroplating layer uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electroplating process is divided into multiple stages with different electroplating solutions and conditions. Each stage forms a specific layer with distinct properties, ensuring density and uniformity while maintaining productivity through sequential processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of time

If one-stage electroplating is used, then the process time is short, but the electroplating layer cannot form densely, leading to pinholes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectroplating timeVSAvoidpinhole-free surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electroplating process is segmented into multiple stages, each optimizing for specific layer formation. This segmentation allows sufficient time for dense layer formation in each stage while maintaining overall process efficiency through sequential execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different electroplating parameters (current density, temperature, solution composition) are changed between stages to optimize layer density and uniformity, ensuring pinhole-free surfaces while controlling total process time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If multi-stage electroplating is used, then the electroplating layer becomes dense and uniform without pinholes, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectroplating layer densityVSAvoidelectroplating process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electroplating process is divided into distinct stages, each with specific solutions and parameters. This segmentation achieves dense, uniform layers while managing complexity through standardized process modules that can be independently optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The multi-stage process results in a pinhole-free ultra-thin copper foil for PCBs, preventing circuit failure by ensuring a uniform electroplating layer.

Implementation Method 1

performing a multi-stage electroplating process to sequentially form a metal release layer, a burnt copper layer, and a copper sulfate layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Data Source

PatentUS20250361641A1Copper foil for printed circuit boards and manufacturing method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.11.27 NANYA PLASTICS CORP

AI summary

The disclosure provides a copper foil for printed circuit boards and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method includes performing a multi-stage electroplating process to sequentially form a metal release layer, a burnt copper layer, and a copper sulfate layer. The multi-stage electroplating process includes a metal release layer electroplating process, a copper pyrophosphate electroplating process, and a copper sulfate electroplating process.