Photodata order a new Mivatec 28128 direct write imager, allowing direct write to chrome photomask plates at up to 128,000 dpi. Mr Glenn Swanton of Photo Data (left of picture) ordered the new direct write chrome imager during the Micro Manufacturing show in Coventry (MM Live 2008)

Despite the recent slowdown in manufacturing output around the world, Photodata continue to show excellent growth in their photomask and high resolution products at their North England mask division of JD Photo-Tools. With this side of the business still developing and customers demanding finer features and higher accuracy, the Managing Director of the group ,Glenn Swanton, decided that the timing was right to continue their extensive investment plans. This is the single biggest investment made at JD photo-Tools since they began trading over 20 years ago.  

The new direct write mask imager will dramatically cut the smallest features currently offered at JD Photo-Tools from the existing 8um, down to 3um features. The increased resolution of the machine to 128,000 dpi will also give big improvements on edge definition, accuracy and repeatability - with up to a 4 fold increase in some areas. Despite slightly longer exposure times at the highest resolutions, JD Photo-Tools are investing further in people and systems that will allow it to continue to offer a same-day photomask service - which is the fastest service available anywhere. With a bed size of 900x600mm, it is hoped that the new imager will also allow the company to offer it's large area photomasks into the display industries.  

Photodata Test Services Ltd are a specialist provider of services to the bare board PCB industry, and purchased the specialist mask making company of JD Photo-Tools in 2005. They operate out of 2 manufacturing bases, one based in Hitchin and one in Oldham, UK. It's masks are currently used around the world in the production of MEMS, Microfluidics, Semiconductor and related industry products.   

Mivatec Gmbh and are based in Stuttgart, Germany. They are providers of imaging equipment to the PCB and graphics industry, and this sale to Photo Data represents their 7th system to the company since 1990.