Glass-ceramic, with its high hardness, heat resistance, and excellent insulation, has become a key material in electronics, optics, and new energy industries. From smartphone screen substrates to new energy battery insulation parts, precise etching of glass-ceramic is essential to meet product size and performance requirements. A common question among manufacturers is: Can the etching depth of Glass-Ceramic Induced Etching Equipment be precisely controlled? The answer is a resounding "yes"—and this precision is what makes the equipment a cornerstone of high-end manufacturing. Let’s explore its applications, how depth control works, and address common concerns.
Key Applications of Glass-Ceramic Induced Etching Equipment
Electronics Industry
In the electronics sector, glass-ceramic is used for high-frequency circuit substrates and semiconductor packaging. For example, when making 5G base station circuit boards, the equipment needs to etch 0.1mm-deep grooves on glass-ceramic substrates to lay copper wires—any deviation over 0.01mm will affect signal transmission. The equipment’s computer-controlled laser and chemical etching synergy ensures depth accuracy within ±0.005mm, meeting the strict standards of 5G electronics manufacturing. It also handles mass production easily, processing 200+ substrates per hour, which aligns with the high-volume needs of electronics brands.
Optics Industry
Optical components like lenses, prisms, and sensor covers rely on glass-ceramic for its transparency and scratch resistance. When producing automotive lidar lenses, the equipment etches micro-patterns with varying depths (from 0.05mm to 0.2mm) on the glass-ceramic surface to enhance light focusing. The precise depth control ensures consistent light refraction across every lens, avoiding errors in lidar’s distance-measuring function. For optical manufacturers making small-batch, high-customization products, the equipment’s adjustable parameters allow quick switching between different depth requirements.
New Energy Industry
In new energy batteries (such as solid-state lithium-ion batteries), glass-ceramic serves as an insulation layer between battery cells. The equipment etches 0.08mm-deep channels on the glass-ceramic to facilitate heat dissipation—too shallow, and heat accumulates; too deep, and insulation fails. Its stable depth control ensures each channel meets specifications, improving battery safety and lifespan. For large battery factories producing 10,000+ insulation layers daily, the equipment’s 24/7 automated operation maintains precision without downtime.
How Precision Depth Control Works
The equipment combines laser pre-treatment and chemical etching to achieve precise depth control. First, a laser marks the etching area on the glass-ceramic surface, weakening the material structure in a targeted way. Then, a controlled chemical solution etches the marked area—since the laser has pre-defined the "etching path," the solution only acts on the weakened parts, and the etching time (controlled to the second) determines the depth. Computer software monitors the process in real time, adjusting parameters instantly if deviations are detected. This dual-control method ensures depth accuracy far beyond traditional manual etching.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can the equipment adjust etching depth for different types of glass-ceramic?
A: Absolutely! It has adjustable laser power and chemical concentration settings. For high-hardness glass-ceramic (used in optics), it increases laser power to weaken the material more effectively, then adjusts etching time to reach the desired depth. For softer glass-ceramic (for electronics), it reduces power and shortens time—no need to replace core components, making it flexible for diverse materials.
Q: How long does it take to switch between different etching depth requirements?
A: Very fast! The equipment’s software has pre-set depth profiles—switching from a 0.1mm depth to a 0.2mm depth only takes 2–3 minutes (just adjusting parameters on the touchscreen). This is crucial for manufacturers who produce multiple products with different depth needs, as it minimizes production downtime.
Q: Does long-term use affect the equipment’s depth control accuracy?
A: No, as long as routine maintenance is done. The equipment is equipped with a self-calibration function that checks depth accuracy every 8 hours and corrects minor deviations automatically. Routine maintenance (like cleaning the laser head and replacing chemical filters every 3 months) takes less than 2 hours, ensuring the equipment maintains precision even after years of use.
Some high-tech equipment manufacturers specialize in such precision laser and etching solutions, focusing on meeting the strict requirements of electronics, optics, and new energy industries. Their products combine automation and accuracy, supporting manufacturers worldwide in improving product quality and efficiency.
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