What is a Developing–Etching–Stripping Production Line?
A Developing–Etching–Stripping Production Line is an automated PCB fabrication system that performs three critical processes:
Developing → Etching → Stripping
It is mainly used after photoresist coating and UV exposure during PCB manufacturing.
Developing
The developing section removes the unexposed photoresist/dry film, revealing the copper areas that need to be etched.
Etching
The etching section uses a controlled chemical etchant to remove the exposed unwanted copper, leaving the desired copper circuit pattern on the PCB.
Stripping
After etching, the remaining photoresist is chemically stripped away, exposing the finished copper circuit pattern for subsequent PCB manufacturing processes.
Typical process flow:
Photoresist Coating → Exposure → Developing → Etching → Stripping → Cleaning → Next PCB Process
| Technical Parameter |
Reference Specification |
| Product Name |
Automatic PCB Developing–Etching–Stripping Production Line |
| Equipment Type |
Automatic Inline PCB Wet-Process Line |
| Main Processes |
Developing, Etching, Stripping |
| Working Width |
650 mm |
| Minimum PCB Size |
50 × 50 mm or 120 × 80 mm, depending on configuration |
| Maximum PCB Size |
Up to 650 mm wide; length depends on the model |
| PCB Thickness |
0.2–3.2 mm |
| Conveyor Speed |
0.5–6 m/min, adjustable |
| Conveyor Height |
850 mm ± 50 mm |
| Spray System |
Double-sided spray; oscillating spray system optional or model-dependent |
| Operating Temperature |
Approximately 35–55°C, depending on process section and chemistry |
| Heating System |
Chemical-resistant heater; titanium heating tubes on applicable models |
| Control System |
PLC control with adjustable conveyor speed, spray pressure and temperature |
| Process Monitoring |
Pressure and temperature monitoring; additional chemical monitoring optional |
| Rinsing System |
Multiple-stage water rinsing |
| Drying System |
Air blow-off and hot-air drying, depending on configuration |
| Chemical Circulation |
Process-specific circulation pumps and tanks |
| Filtration System |
Chemical filtration; specification to be confirmed |
| Machine Dimensions |
Approximately 25,000 × 1,700 × 1,850 mm for one published 650 mm model |
| Power Supply |
380 V, 50 Hz, three-phase; other voltages available by configuration |
| Installed Power |
Approximately 45–60 kW for certain configurations |
| Loading / Unloading |
Manual or automatic, depending on configuration |
Main Advantages
① Complete 3-in-1 PCB Wet Process
Integrates developing, etching and stripping into one continuous production line, reducing manual handling and improving production efficiency.
② High Automation
Automatic PCB conveying, spraying, chemical processing, rinsing and transfer help achieve stable continuous production.
③ Uniform Etching
Multiple precision spray sections provide relatively uniform chemical distribution across the PCB surface, helping maintain consistent line width and circuit quality.
④ Suitable for Fine Circuit Patterns
The controlled developing and etching process can support the production of fine-line PCB circuits, depending on the specific machine configuration and process parameters.
⑤ Stable Chemical Control
Chemical circulation, spray pressure, temperature and processing time can be controlled to improve process consistency.
⑥ Reduced Manual Operation
Automatic loading/conveying and continuous processing reduce operator intervention and potential handling damage.
⑦ High Production Efficiency
The inline structure is suitable for high-volume PCB fabrication, especially where continuous board processing is required.
⑧ Improved Process Consistency
Standardized process parameters help reduce variations between production batches and improve PCB manufacturing yield.
Applications
The DES line is primarily used in bare PCB manufacturing and PCB fabrication, rather than SMT component assembly.
Main applications:
- Bare PCB Manufacturing
- Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing
- PCB Fabrication
- PCB Production
- Double-Sided PCB Manufacturing
- Multilayer PCB Manufacturing
- Inner Layer PCB Processing
- Outer Layer PCB Processing
- HDI PCB Manufacturing
- Fine-Line PCB Manufacturing
- High-Density PCB Production
- Copper Circuit Pattern Formation
- Photoresist PCB Processing
- Copper Etching Processes
Typical PCB products
- Single-sided PCBs
- Double-sided PCBs
- Multilayer PCBs
- HDI PCBs
- Fine-line PCBs
- High-density interconnect boards
- Rigid PCBs
- Various copper-clad laminate based circuit boards
Contact
For more detail information and good price, please contact us,
Alina
Mobile: +86 16620793861
Email: alina@hxt-smt.com
www.smtpcbmachines.com
PCB DES Line for High Efficiency PCB Production and Double Sided PCB Manufacturing
Automatic Wet Process Line for Multilayer PCB Manufacturing and Inner Layer PCB Processing
Industrial PCB Processing Equipment for Outer Layer PCB Processing and HDI PCB Manufacturing
Precision PCB Etching System for Fine Line PCB Manufacturing and High Density PCB Production
Automated Copper Etching Equipment for Copper Circuit Pattern Formation
Photoresist PCB Processing Line for Advanced Copper Etching Processes
