For drilling and routing operations, Pluritec's Multistation meets the goal of flexibility by means of its modular design: each module (station) is an independent machine able to perform both different or the same jobs simultaneously. With its own controller, each module is networked to a node for both data management and operator interface. Each node can have from one (1) up to six (6) modules depending on the production need. Colonial currently manages four modules from a single node.  The large capacity tool holder (drum) ensures that no time is wasted by the operator for loading and/or replacing tools. The operator is greatly helped by an exclusive off-line software package for the release of groups of part-programs (job lists) for each module and the optimization of drill bits in terms of diameter, number and life.

The Inspecta XR is a fully automatic xray unit, with unique features designed to be simple, very accurate, and very flexible.  The main function of the machine is to measure and detect any possible assembly and lamination error in a multilayer panel for the relevant drilling of two or more optimized holes, which are the reliable reference for the drilling process.  Information related to each single layer deformation is stored in a database for statistical analysis of the multilayer process.

Plasma processing (from Advanced Plasma Systems, Inc.) is currently being used in the fabrication of many different products at Colonial:

• Desmearing and etching a wide variety of printed circuit materials prior to metalization.
• Treating PTFE panels to improve plating adhesion.
• Descumming and removing photoresist residue from the fine line panels, such as PCMCIA, prior to etching.

• Treating the surface of panels for better dry film solder mask adhesion.
• Removing residual conformal coating from lands for betterbonding and solderability.
• Cleaning the surface of polyimide inner layers in flex/rigid flex circuits prior to lamination to promote adhesion.
• Cleaning gold contacts for better wire bonding strength.
• Eliminating any opportunity for pink ring formation.