Three printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers – STARTEAM, Würth Elektronik and coating specialist Peters – have joined forces to advance a new inkjet-based technology that could reshape smart manufacturing and reduce environmental impact.
After months of collaboration, the partners have developed a digital coating process known as s.mask, designed to replace conventional solder resist methods with inkjet printing. The approach enables the creation of complex three-dimensional solder resist structures, offering improved functionality, reduced material use, and shorter, less energy-intensive production cycles.
Advocates say the innovation could mark a significant step forward for sustainable electronics manufacturing, delivering measurable CO2 reductions while expanding design possibilities.
Details of the initiative will be showcased at Productronica 2025 in Munich next month, where Peters will present the technology at its booth.
Michael Matthes, Head of Design Services at Würth Elektronik and a member of the s.mask initiative, is scheduled to give a technical presentation at the show.
All three companies say they are confident that digital inkjet printing will gain a firm foothold in PCB manufacturing.
