Light management

The solder mask does not only have insulation functions.

The colour of the solder mask used on the PCB has a key function in lighting devices and vision systems where it can be called to reflect rather than to absorb light.

In some cases light is precious and needs to be enhanced, in others it is an interference to avoid.

A white solder mask reflects and returns pure white light, which is why it is typically used for LED lighting applications.
A black solder mask on the other hand absorbs light and is the best way to avoid “intrusion” of light into vision devices.

In some cases the two requirements come together on the same printed circuit board which on one side is finished with a white solder mask and on the other with a black solder: it needs to reflect light on one side and absorb it on the other.

Our factory is equipped to produce printed circuit boards with any solder mask colour, in both glossy and matt versions.