Line secures lead despite upmarket shift

Despite makers’ move to high-end categories such as HDI and rigid-flex boards, multilayer types continue to rule supply in Taiwan. The segment maintains its 30 percent share of the island’s total PCB output, thanks to its cost efficiency and design flexibility. The computing, communication and consumer electronics industries are the major demand boosters, with mobile phones, LCD TVs and monitors, and laptops as some of the key adopters. New markets such as LED lighting and backlight, and automotive and medical equipment are projected to secure more orders in coming months.

As the industry relies heavily on customization, most suppliers emphasize OEM/ODM services and niche applications, including the medical, industrial and military fields. All product aspects can be tailor-made, from the board material, line width and spacing, hole diameter to surface finish. The number of layers can be specified but mainstream models usually have six, eight or 10 levels.

Taiwan has more than 100 manufacturers in the line. Many international vendors are based there, including Unimicron, Tripod, Compeq, Gold Circuit, HannStar and the Foxconn PCB Group. Over 90 percent of players, however, have set up operations in mainland China. Excluding output from mainland factories, the island accounts for 14 percent of global shipments,according to the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association.