Key Properties of Photoresist Dry Film for PCB Manufacturing

Introduction

Photoresist dry film plays an important role in PCB circuit pattern formation. Its performance affects pattern transfer, plating, etching, and final circuit quality.

Infographic showing the key properties of photoresist dry film for PCB manufacturing, including photosensitivity, adhesion, development, plating and etching resistance, hole covering, stripping performance, and resolution

Photosensitivity

Photosensitivity refers to the ability of dry film to undergo structural changes when exposed to a specific wavelength of light. Stable photosensitivity supports clear and consistent pattern transfer.

Adhesion

Dry film needs to adhere closely to the copper surface. Good adhesion allows the film to conform to the copper surface and fill surface marks created during previous processing.

Alkaline Development

Unexposed dry film can dissolve in a weak alkaline sodium carbonate solution. During development, the unexposed portion is removed while the exposed portion remains.

Plating Resistance

Dry film can act as a protective layer during copper and tin plating, protecting selected areas while allowing exposed copper areas to undergo plating.

Acid Etching Resistance

For direct etching, dry film protects circuit areas that should remain while exposed copper is removed.

Hole Covering Capability

Dry film has a degree of toughness and can provide hole-covering capability during development and etching.

Stripping Performance

After plating or etching, the cross-linked dry film needs to be removed in a strong alkaline environment. Reliable stripping supports clean downstream processing.

High Resolution

High-resolution dry film can form fine circuit patterns, helping PCB manufacturers meet the requirements of high-precision circuit production.

Conclusion

Dry film performance should be evaluated as a combination of photosensitivity, adhesion, resolution, process resistance, and stripping behavior.