LaserMicronics®

LaserMicronics Services

Laser Cutting

LaserMicronics Services

Laser Cutting

LaserMicronics Services

Laser Depaneling

PCB Depaneling & Laser Cutting

Fast and precise machining - contact-free and gentle on all materials

As a specialized service provider for laser cutting and panel cutting, we offer precision contract manufacturing using UV and UKP lasers. Our laser panel cutting system enables us to cut panels to the highest standards — efficiently, burr-free, and cost-effectively.

Advanced UV & Ultrashort-Pulse Laser Technology

Our advanced UV laser cutting and ultrashort-pulse (USP) laser systems deliver precision PCB depaneling and laser processing services for the most demanding applications. These state-of-the-art laser cutting technologies produce ultrafine, burr-free contours with micron-level accuracy across all PCB materials and circuit board configurations:

  • Flexible PCB cutting – Precise processing without material stress
  • Rigid-flex board depaneling – Complex geometries with clean separation
  • Thin rigid substrate processing – Minimal thermal impact
  • Tab-routed and full contour cut panels – Complete singulation solutions
  • HF materials and RF substrates – Specialized high-frequency processing
  • Composite materials and multilayer PCBs – Multi-material compatibility

 Practical Guide: Cutting Laminates with a Laser

Burr-free, precise, non-contact — all the benefits of laser blanking at a glance. Download now. (pdf - 280 KB)
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Why Choose Our Advanced Laser Cutting Process

Precision Multilayer PCB Cutting & Depth Control

Our advanced laser systems excel at multilayer PCB depaneling and flexible-rigid PCB separation with unmatched precision depth control. The precisely focused UV laser beam cuts through multiple layers in single or multi-pass operations, with programmable depth settings down to individual layer specifications.

This multilayer cutting capability is essential for:

  • Rigid-flex PCB separation – Clean separation of rigid and flexible sections without delamination
  • Multilayer board singulation – Precise depaneling of complex multilayer assemblies
  • Thin film processing – Gentle cutting of sensitive polyimide and flexible materials
  • Selective layer removal – Controlled depth cutting for specific layer access
  • Medical device PCB processing – Critical precision for implantable and diagnostic equipment
  • Automotive multilayer boards – High-reliability processing for safety-critical applications

Unlike mechanical cutting methods, our non-contact laser processing eliminates mechanical stress, prevents layer shifting, and maintains dimensional stability across all material combinations – from ultra-thin flexible films to thick rigid-flex constructions.


Non-Contact Laser Processing: Zero Warpage, Maximum Precision

Our non-contact laser cutting process eliminates mechanical stress and material warpage through advanced vacuum table fixturing systems. Unlike traditional milling or punching methods, our material-friendly laser processing holds unpopulated PCBs and sensitive substrates securely in place without clamping pressure or mechanical contact.

This zero-warpage laser cutting technology delivers critical advantages:

  • Thin material processing – Process ultra-thin flexible PCBs without distortion or damage
  • Sensitive substrate handling – Protect delicate materials from mechanical stress
  • Precision dimensional control – Maintain tight tolerances across all material thicknesses
  • No fixture marks or damage – Eliminate clamping impressions and surface defects
  • Flexible PCB cutting without warpage – Critical for medical and aerospace applications
  • High-frequency material processing – Preserve electrical properties in RF substrates
  • Multilayer board stability – Prevent layer separation during processing

Our vacuum fixturing technology provides uniform holding force across the entire PCB surface, ensuring consistent processing results from prototype quantities to high-volume production runs. This non-destructive processing method is especially valuable for processing expensive materials where scrap reduction is critical.


Custom ESD-Compatible Carrier Systems for Electronics Manufacturing

Our specialized ESD-compatible carrier systems provide comprehensive electrostatic discharge protection during assembled PCB processing and circuit board singulation. These custom-engineered PCB handling systems securely hold populated circuit card assemblies throughout the entire laser cutting process, preventing component damage and ensuring safe part handling.

Our custom carrier design capabilities deliver critical advantages for electronics manufacturing:

  • Complete ESD protection – Safeguard sensitive electronic components during laser processing
  • Secure panel positioning – Precise fixture alignment for consistent cutting accuracy
  • Post-singulation protection – Parts remain safely secured after separation
  • Damage prevention systems – Eliminate component shifting and mechanical stress
  • Custom-engineered solutions – Carriers designed specifically for your PCB configurations
  • In-house manufacturing control – Rapid prototyping and design modifications
  • High-volume production ready – Scalable systems for mass manufacturing requirements

Each ESD-safe carrier system is designed by our application specialists and manufactured in our facility using conductive materials and grounding systems that meet or exceed IPC-2020 ESD standards. This integrated ESD protection is essential for processing sensitive electronics in medical devices, automotive systems, and consumer electronics where component reliability is critical.

Our in-house carrier manufacturing ensures rapid delivery, design flexibility, and ongoing support throughout your production lifecycle.


Burr-Free Laser Cutting with Minimal Thermal Effects

Our UV and ultrashort-pulse laser systems deliver burr-free cutting results through precise material vaporization technology. Unlike mechanical cutting methods that create burrs and rough edges, our precision laser cutting process completely vaporizes the target material, producing clean, smooth cut edges without any post-processing requirements.

This thermal-controlled laser processing provides superior edge quality advantages:

  • Zero burr formation – Complete material vaporization eliminates cutting debris
  • Minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ) – Prevents thermal damage to surrounding areas
  • Delamination prevention – Protects multilayer PCB integrity and bond strength
  • Smooth, vertical cut edges – Eliminates secondary finishing operations
  • Clean edge geometry – Critical for high-frequency RF and microwave applications
  • No mechanical stress – Preserves material properties and dimensional stability
  • Contamination-free processing – Essential for medical and aerospace applications

The ultrashort-pulse laser technology delivers energy in femtosecond pulses, creating an extremely small heat-affected zone that prevents composite material delamination and maintains the structural integrity of flexible-rigid PCB constructions.

This burr-free laser cutting capability is particularly valuable for:

  • Medical device manufacturing where smooth edges prevent contamination
  • Automotive electronics requiring reliable electrical connections
  • Aerospace PCBs where material integrity is mission-critical
  • High-density interconnect (HDI) boards with tight spacing requirements

Proprietary CleanCut Process: Ultimate Precision & Quality

For the most demanding precision PCB applications, our exclusive CleanCut laser process utilizes advanced ultrashort-pulse (USP) laser technology to deliver unmatched edge quality and dimensional accuracy. This smoke-free, particle-free cutting process eliminates contamination concerns while achieving the highest precision laser cutting standards in the industry.

Our CleanCut technology advantages include:

  • Zero smoke residues – Complete elimination of cutting byproducts and contamination
  • Particle-free processing – Critical for clean room and medical device manufacturing
  • Near radius-free contours – Sharp internal corners and precise geometric features
  • Smooth, vertical cut edges – Superior surface finish without post-processing
  • Maximum dimensional stability – Consistent accuracy across complex geometries
  • High-speed throughput – Optimized cutting speeds without quality compromise
  • Complex geometry capability – Intricate patterns and tight tolerance features

The CleanCut USP laser process delivers precision cutting results that exceed traditional laser methods:

✓ Edge quality: Mirror-smooth, vertical walls with minimal surface roughness
✓ Geometric accuracy: ±2 μm repeatability for critical dimensional requirements
✓ Material compatibility: Optimized for flexible PCBs, rigid-flex, and advanced substrates
✓ Clean room compliance: Meets ISO 5 contamination standards for medical applications

This proprietary laser cutting technology is essential for:

  • Medical implantable devices requiring biocompatible, smooth surfaces
  • Aerospace electronics where reliability and precision are mission-critical
  • High-frequency RF circuits needing precise edge geometry for signal integrity
  • Automotive safety systems demanding consistent quality and performance
  • Semiconductor packaging requiring contamination-free processing environments

 

Why Choose Professional Laser Cutting: Key Advantages & Benefits

Our precision laser cutting services deliver superior results compared to traditional mechanical cutting methods. These laser cutting advantages provide measurable cost savings, improved quality, and enhanced manufacturing flexibility for electronics manufacturers:

Superior Edge Quality & Precision

  • Burr-free, dust-free cutting – Eliminates post-processing and secondary finishing operations
  • Smooth, clean cut edges – Superior surface finish without mechanical marks or roughness
  • Ultra-fine contour precision – Process intricate geometries down to 25 μm feature sizes
  • Near radius-free inner edges – Sharp internal corners impossible with mechanical methods
  • Consistent edge quality – Repeatable results across all material types and thicknesses

Advanced Material Processing Capabilities

  • Minimal thermal effects – Prevents composite delamination and preserves material integrity
  • Multi-material compatibility – Single-pass processing of various PCB thicknesses and constructions
  • Flexible-rigid combinations – Seamless cutting through dissimilar materials in one operation
  • Assembled PCB singulation – Process populated boards without component damage
  • Heat-sensitive material processing – Ideal for polyimide films and advanced substrates

Manufacturing Efficiency & Cost Benefits

  • No clamping or fixturing required – Reduces setup time and eliminates fixture costs
  • Protective cover elimination – Streamlined processing without additional equipment
  • Maximum board utilization – Zero kerf width planning increases panel density
  • No cutting channel requirements – Optimize PCB layout for maximum material usage
  • Rapid design changes – Flexible programming accommodates last-minute modifications

Production Scalability & Quality Assurance

  • Prototype to production flexibility – Same process for all volume requirements
  • Consistent quality control – Automated processing reduces human error variables
  • Clean room compatibility – Meets ISO 5 contamination standards for medical applications
  • ESD-safe processing – Protects sensitive electronic components throughout cutting
  • High-speed throughput – Optimized cycle times for volume manufacturing demands

These laser cutting benefits translate directly to reduced manufacturing costs, improved product quality, and faster time-to-market for your electronics projects. Our non-contact laser processing technology is particularly valuable for high-reliability applications in medical, automotive, and aerospace industries where precision and cleanliness are critical.

 

 FAQ

What are the advantages of laser cutting and panel cutting in PCB manufacturing?


Laser cutting offers significant advantages for cutting printed circuit boards:

Quality:

•    Precise, burr-free, and clean cut edges with no dust
•    Extremely fine contours and radius-free inner edges
•    Smooth, vertical edges even with complex geometries

Material preservation:

•    Contact-free – no warping even with thin boards
•    Low thermal impact prevents delamination
•    Separation of double-sided PCBs 

Cost-effectiveness:

•    Maximum board utilization – only very small cutting channels required
•    Different material thicknesses in a single operation
•    High throughput with cost-effective contract manufacturing

LaserMicronics has been offering this service since 1989 for flexible printed circuit boards, rigid-flex boards, rigid substrates, films, as well as HF and composite materials.

 

How does contactless laser cutting of printed circuit boards using UV or UVC lasers work?


The UV laser and UKP laser vaporize the material precisely and without contact during PCB cutting:

Clamping:

Unassembled materials: Vacuum table without clamping tools is possible
Assembled PCBs: ESD-compliant carrier system protects components and holds individual sheets securely in place (developed and manufactured in-house)

Process:

A focused laser beam cuts through all layers in one or more passes
Adjustable to defined depths
Vaporization prevents burr formation
Minimal heat-affected zone protects against delamination

Result:

Precise contours without mechanical stress or warping – a clear advantage over milling or punching.

 

What types of materials can be cut with the laser in our services?


LaserMicronics has been cutting a wide range of materials as a service provider since 1989:

PCB types:

  • Flexible printed circuits (FPC)
  • Rigid-flex boards
  • Thin rigid substrates
  • Multilayer boards


Special materials:

  • HF materials (High Frequency)
  • Composite materials
  • Film materials


Processing options:

  • Separation of splices and full-cut
  • Multi-layer cutting of multi-layer systems
  • Various material thicknesses and combinations
  • Assembled and unassembled printed circuit boards
Why is laser cutting particularly well-suited for fine and complex contours in electronics manufacturing?


Laser cutting is the most precise method for cutting PCBs with fine contours:

Extreme precision:

  • Extremely fine contours thanks to a precisely focused and guided laser beam
  • Virtually radius-free inner edges – impossible to achieve with milling
  • Maximum dimensional accuracy even for the most complex geometries

Contact-free:

  • No vibrations or mechanical stress
  • No warping of thin, delicate boards
  • Clamping device required only for assembled PCBs


Design freedom:

  • Maximum board utilization – only very small cutting channels
  • Any outer and inner contours
  • Different material thicknesses in a single operation


Quality:

  • Burr-free without post-processing
  • No delamination due to minimal thermal impact
  • Clean cut edges
     
What innovative laser cutting processes does LaserMicronics offer for different materials?


UV Laser Cutting:
A versatile solution for most types of printed circuit boards – vaporizes material burr-free with a minimal heat-affected zone.

UKP Laser Cutting (Ultra-Short Pulse):
For maximum precision and edge quality – exceptionally low thermal impact, particularly suitable for sensitive films and medical applications

Multi-layer cutting:
Reliably cuts through all layers, adjustable to defined depths – ideal for multilayer and composite materials.

Panel cutting with ESD protection:
ESD-compliant carrier system for populated PCBs – securely holds individual panels in position and protects components (developed and manufactured in-house).

Film cutting:
Specially designed for thin, sensitive materials – contact-free and without warping.

Separation of populated boards:
ESD-safe separation of double-sided populated boards without damaging components.

 

What is the clean-cut process in laser cutting, and what advantages does it offer?


The Clean-Cut process is the premium solution for cutting printed circuit boards that meet the highest quality standards.

Advantages:

Maximum Cleanliness:

  • Extremely clean cut edges Ideal for all applications with the highest quality requirements


Highest edge quality:

  • Perfectly smooth, burr-free edges
  • No delamination or edge discoloration

Material preservation:

  • Minimal heat-affected zone
  • Material properties preserved right up to the cut edge

Applications:
High-end electronics, medical technology, aerospace


 Discuss Your Project Requirements

Neil Heine
Sales Manager Laser Cutting and Structuring Technology
LPKF Laser & Electronics SE
Osteriede 9a
D-30827 Garbsen
Germany
 
Fon: +49 (0) 5131 7095-2522
Fax: +49 (0) 5131 7095-29
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