On May 22, STARTEAM GLOBAL announced it has been honored by Pilz, a global leader in automation technology, as the "Best PCB Supplier of 2024." The award recognizes the company's exceptional performance across multiple dimensions, including product quality, delivery reliability, communication, and global support.

"This recognition reflects not only our strong partnership with Pilz, but also the commitment and hard work of our entire team," STARTEAM GLOBAL stated. "We are proud to be acknowledged for the value we bring to our customers worldwide."

Earlier this month, on May 7, STARTEAM GLOBAL also unveiled a major advancement in PCB manufacturing: the Additive Solder Mask Process, introduced at its newly launched Flero STARTEAM (FST) facility in Italy. Central to this innovation is digital inkjet solder mask printing—a transformative technology that enhances speed, precision, and sustainability.

Unlike traditional subtractive processes that involve coating the entire PCB surface and using photomasks to define patterns, the inkjet method applies solder mask only where it's needed. This streamlines production from multiple complex stages—coating, exposure, development, and curing—into just three: pre-treatment, printing, and curing.

The result is shorter lead times, reduced material waste, and improved adaptability for design changes. Powered by Notion Systems'n.jet platform and Peters Group's Elpejet® inks, the process delivers photo-quality resolution and robust performance, even after repeated reflow cycles. It also allows for varying resist thicknesses while maintaining excellent edge definition and crack-free durability.

The FST factory leverages this capability to serve high-performance applications that demand flexibility in resist thickness, environmental compliance, and crack-free durability. While the capital investment for inkjet technology is notable, STARTEAM emphasizes the long-term value through operational savings, enhanced quality, and faster time-to-market.

With over 35 years of industry expertise, STARTEAM GLOBAL continues to demonstrate leadership in advancing PCB manufacturing. From winning supplier awards to pioneering sustainable production techniques, the company is positioning itself as a trusted partner for customers seeking both innovation and reliability in their PCB supply chain