New Antares 700x X-ray Machine at Gatema PCB: Speed and Precision in Inner Layer PCB Manufacturing

In multilayer PCB manufacturing, every micron counts when it comes to the final product’s quality and reliability. To support our commitment to high-precision production, we have integrated the Antares 700x X-ray system from Mach3Lab into our production line.

This system represents a major advancement in the drill registration process by using
X-ray imaging to locate fiducial markers within internal PCB layers. It delivers significantly higher precision, faster processing, and a new level of automation and operator safety by eliminating manual fiducial drilling and reducing layer misalignment risks.

Core Function: Fiducial Detection in Inner PCB Layers

The primary function of the Antares 700x is the detection of fiducial markers in the inner layers of multilayer PCBs using an X-ray camera. Based on the precise identification of these markers, the system automatically calculates the alignment offset between the internal layers and drills precise positioning holes for subsequent CNC drilling operations. This eliminates the previous need for mechanical drilling of fiducial crosses directly on CNC machines.

Significant Time Savings – 5 to 10 Times Faster

Compared to the previous method of manually drilling fiducial crosses, the Antares 700x X-ray is approximately 5 to 10 times faster. This substantial time saving has a direct impact
on overall manufacturing efficiency, especially in high-layer-count builds or jobs with stringent registration requirements.

Elimination of Human Error

With full automation and X-ray-based targeting, the process is no longer dependent on the operator’s manual precision. Previously, drilling accuracy relied on the technician’s ability to manually locate and drill fiducial markers. Antares now fully automates this process, delivering consistent, repeatable, and highly accurate results.

Fast Installation and Startup

The machine was installed smoothly and without delays—less than 14 days from initial connection to full production readiness. Thanks to its intuitive software and strong support from the manufacturer, the transition to routine operation was seamless and efficient.

Multiple Drill Diameters and Easy Maintenance

The Antares 700x supports drilling of up to four different hole diameters, increasing flexibility in fiducial preparation. Maintenance is straightforward: calibration of the X-ray camera relative to the drill spindle is performed monthly, while spindle-to-table calibration is only required during installation or after major technical interventions (e.g., spindle replacement).

Safety First with Antares 700x X-ray Machine

The Antares 700x X-ray is engineered with a strong focus on maximum operator protection. The entire working chamber is constructed from steel of sufficient thickness to ensure effective shielding from X-ray radiation. In addition, the access door features a transparent window made from lead-containing material, allowing the internal process to be safely observed without any risk of exposure.

The Antares 700x X-ray represents a significant advancement in our production environment—not only in terms of precision and efficiency, but also in the overall quality
of the manufacturing process.

With this machine, we are well-equipped to meet new challenges with increased productivity, reduced error risk, and significantly shorter production setup times.