Laser Activation

LDS compatible thermoplastic is doped with a special non conductive organo-metallic complex, which is activated by a physical-chemical reaction induced by the focused laser beam. This cracks open the complex compounds in the doped plastic, and breaks off the metal atoms from the organic linkages. These act as nuclei for reductive copper coating. The laser only ablates the polymer matrix, not the fillers added to the plastic. This creates microscopic pits and undercuts in which the copper is firmly anchored during metallization (see figures).


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