Carbon Ink Circuits

Carbon ink circuits are a type of PCB where a carbon film conductive pattern is coated on the PCB substrate using carbon-based conductive ink, commonly referred to as carbon ink. As market demands for reduced production costs in PCB manufacturing increase, there is a notable shift towards using carbon oil keys as a cost-effective alternative to the traditionally expensive gold keys. This method is gaining popularity as a surface treatment for both single and double-sided PCBs. Through rigorous inspections, tests, and aging processes, these PCBs are ensured to work reliably over extended periods.

Advantages of Carbon Ink PCBs

Carbon ink circuits are created using screen printing technology, where carbon ink is printed at specific locations on the circuit board. After curing and testing, the printed carbon ink forms a carbon film with a specific resistance value, effectively replacing traditional resistor components. This manufacturing process is similar to screen printing and offers superior electrical conductivity. In this context, screen-printed characters function as insulating layers made from semiconductor materials.

Carbon Ink PCB Manufacturing Process

The manufacturing process for carbon ink PCBs involves several key steps to ensure quality and performance. Here is an overview of the process:

1.Cutting Raw Material: Preparing the base material for the PCB.

2Pre-treatment: Cleaning and preparing the substrate for subsequent steps.

3.Exposure Room: Exposing the substrate to UV light to transfer the circuit pattern.

4.Negative Film Circuit: Creating a negative film for circuit patterning.

5.Plating: Adding a metal layer to the exposed areas of the PCB.

6.Etching: Removing excess metal to define the circuit.

7.Inspection: Conducting initial checks to ensure the quality of the etching process.

8.QC Check: Quality control checks to verify the integrity of the board.

9.Outer Hole: Drilling holes for component placement and interconnections.

10Silk Screen/Solder Mask: Applying a protective layer over the PCB.

11.Baking at 130℃/30 Minutes: Curing the solder mask layer.

12.Silk Screen Solder Mask Bridge: Printing solder mask bridges for additional protection.

13.Silk Screen: Printing additional layers or markings as needed.

14.Silk Screen Carbon Ink: Applying the carbon ink to designated areas.

15.Outline + V Cut: Cutting the PCB to its final shape and adding V-cuts if necessary.

16.Testing (Open Circuit/Short Circuit): Conducting electrical tests to ensure functionality.

17.OSP: Applying Organic Solderability Preservative for additional protection.

18.FQC Inspection: Final Quality Control inspection before packaging.

19.Packaging: Packaging the PCBs for shipment.

Why Choose Carbon Ink PCBs?

Cost-Effective: Replacing gold keys with carbon oil keys significantly reduces production costs.

Reliable Performance: Subjected to thorough testing and aging processes, ensuring long-term reliability.

Enhanced Conductivity: Superior electrical conductivity due to the properties of carbon ink.

Versatility: Suitable for single and double-sided PCBs, making it a flexible option for various applications.

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