Laminated mirror steel plates: a key component of the PCB precision pressing process

2025-12-16

Overview of laminated mirror steel plates

Laminated mirror steel plates are the core tool material in the pressing process of PCB (printed circuit board) and FPC (flexible circuit board) multilayer boards. As a professional manufacturer, the laminated mirror steel plates we produce play an irreplaceable role in the PCB manufacturing process with their ultra-high flatness and excellent surface finish. This special steel plate is placed between the hot plate of the press and the buffer pad, which is directly related to the uniformity of pressure transfer and the balance of heat distribution.


In the field of modern PCB manufacturing, with the development of line accuracy below 20μm, the flatness and surface quality requirements for laminated mirror steel plates have reached unprecedented heights. A high-quality laminated mirror steel plate not only needs to have extremely high mechanical strength, but also needs to maintain dimensional stability in long-term high-temperature working environments, which puts forward strict requirements for material selection and processing technology.


Key characteristics of laminated mirror steel plates

Ultra-high surface flatness

The laminated mirror steel plate we produce adopts a precision grinding process, and the surface flatness is controlled within 0.02mm/m². This level of flatness ensures uniform pressure transfer during the pressing process, avoiding uneven resin distribution or thickness differences between PCB layers caused by uneven steel plates. This high flatness is especially important for HDI board manufacturing.


Excellent surface finish

Through a special mirror polishing process, the surface roughness of our steel plates can reach less than 0.05 μm, which is equivalent to a true mirror effect. This extreme surface finish reduces friction between the cushion and release film, preventing wrinkles or scratches during pressing, and also facilitates release and reduces resin residue.


Excellent high temperature resistance

Selected high-quality alloy tool steel material, after special heat treatment process, our laminated mirror steel plate can work for a long time in a high temperature environment above 200°C without deformation. Its coefficient of thermal expansion is carefully matched to ensure dimensional stability during temperature changes without affecting the pressing accuracy due to thermal expansion and contraction.


Technical advantages of laminated mirror steel plates

Advanced material formulation

We have developed proprietary alloy formulations that excel in the following areas:


High temperature hardness retention rate of more than 95%


The thermal fatigue life is more than 3 times that of ordinary steel


It has excellent corrosion resistance and is suitable for various pressing environments


Heat conduction is uniform and local overheating is avoided


Precision machining technology

Multi-stage grinding and polishing technology is used to ensure that the steel plates meet the highest quality standards:


Rough machining: ensure the flatness of the foundation


Semi-finishing: Correcting microgeometry


Precision grinding: Achieve sub-micron accuracy


Mirror Polishing: Achieve an optical-grade surface


Strict quality control

Each laminated mirror steel plate is fully inspected before leaving the factory:


3D flatness scanning


Multi-point measurement of surface roughness


Micro hardness test


Thermal deformation simulation test


Verification of actual pressing effect


Application fields of laminated mirror steel plates

High multilayer PCB pressing

For high-multilayer PCBs with more than 16 layers, our high-precision mirror steel plates ensure uniform resin flow and precise alignment between layers. Especially in the manufacturing of high-frequency and high-speed plates, the heat conduction uniformity of steel plates is crucial for controlling the thickness tolerance.


Production of carrier boards and packaging substrates

In the field of IC substrates and packaging substrates, we offer ultra-flat mirror steel plates with surface quality that meets semiconductor-level manufacturing requirements. These plates typically require higher hardness and flatness to accommodate more precise pressing processes.


Special material pressing

For special substrates such as PTFE and ceramic fillers, we have developed a series of special mirror steel plates. These products are specially optimized in terms of material selection and surface treatment to adapt to the curing characteristics of different resin systems.


How to choose the right laminated mirror steel plate

Choose according to the type of product

Conventional FR-4 multilayer plate: standard mirror steel plate, thickness 8-12mm


HDI board: high-precision type, flatness ≤ 0.015mm/m²


High-frequency material: special steel plate with low thermal deformation


FPC/IC substrate: ultra-flat type, surface roughness Ra≤0.03μm


Consider the process parameters

The selection should match the specific pressing process requirements:


Operating temperature range


Maximum pressure demand


Steel plate size specifications


Thermal conductivity


Service life expectancy


Comprehensive benefit assessment

It is recommended to consider the following from a total cost of ownership perspective:


Initial purchase cost


Impact on product yield


Maintenance and renovation costs


Life cycle


There is room for improvement in production efficiency


Maintenance and maintenance of laminated mirror steel plates

Specifications for daily use

To extend its life, follow these operating guidelines:


Handle gently to avoid collision damage


Clean surfaces regularly to keep them dust-free


Use special isolation materials to prevent direct contact


Hang vertically or lay flat on a special rack for storage


Cleaning and maintenance methods

Proper cleaning procedures include:


Use neutral detergents and soft non-woven fabrics


Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools


Dry immediately after cleaning


Perform regular professional-grade deep cleaning


Renovation and restoration

Professional refurbishment can be considered when the steel plate has the following conditions:


The surface is slightly scratched


The local flatness decreases


Reduced surface finish


Thermal performance is slightly attenuated


Industry development trend and innovation direction

With the continuous advancement of PCB technology, laminated mirror steel plates are also facing new development opportunities:


Intelligent steel plate: Integrated temperature sensing network to monitor heat distribution in real time


Nanocoating technology: further improves surface performance and longevity


Composite steel plates: combine the advantages of different materials


Quick Mold Change System: Modular design for increased productivity


As a professional laminated mirror steel plate manufacturer, we not only provide standardized products, but also provide customized solutions according to customers' special process needs. From material selection, heat treatment processes to surface processing, we master core technologies and are committed to providing PCB/FPC manufacturers with the highest quality pressing tools to help customers gain an advantage in the fierce market competition.


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