Abstract:
Process for the production of fine-line circuit plates or the like having selected sharply defined metallized areas on an insulating base and the metallized plate so-produced. The process generally comprises applying a layer of a photoresist onto the insulating base and then applying a layer of a light and developer permeable, metallizing ink repellant material (i.e., a silicon oil in xylene) onto the photoresist layer. The coated base is then selectively exposed to light, rendering the exposed photoresist areas chemically changed in its solubility to a suitable developer. The exposed coated base is then contacted with the developer and the soluble photoresist areas are removed, along with the superimposed areas of repellant material supported thereby. The resultant base, having selected areas completely exposed and other areas covered with the non-exposed photoresist and repellant material, is then contacted with a metallizing ink (i.e., an aqueous solution of lithium polymolybdate) and the resultant areas of metallizing ink on the base are air dried. Next, the partially metallized base is annealed at temperatures sufficient to completely remove the remaining photoresist and repellant materials and burn-in the metal on the base.