MKS Introduces ESI Digital Factory Suite for Flex PCB Manufacturing

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MKS Inc., a global provider of enabling technologies that transform our world, today announced the launch of ESI Digital Factory Suite, a software solution that helps Flex PCB manufacturers turn data from supported MKS’ ESI laser processing systems into useful operational insight.

Digital Factory Suite, or DFS, centralizes critical system status, laser performance, subsystem conditions, and configurable notifications in a single software environment. By making this information easier to see, understand, and act on, DFS helps manufacturing teams recognize important conditions sooner, accelerate investigation, and make better-informed production and maintenance decisions.

MKS will introduce DFS to the Flex PCB industry at TPCA Show 2026, October 20 through October 22 at the TaiNEX Center in Taipei, Taiwan.

Turning System Data into Actionable Factory Insight

As Flex PCB manufacturers produce more complex designs at greater scale, their laser systems generate a growing volume of operational data. Manufacturers that can turn this data into timely insight will be better positioned to improve productivity, maintain process consistency, and respond to changing factory conditions.

Today critical information is distributed across individual systems, logs, and specialized interfaces. Accessing the data is often possible. The greater challenge is bringing it together quickly enough to support action.

DFS brings selected information from supported ESI Flex PCB laser processing systems into a centralized environment. Initial capabilities include connected-system status and diagnostic information; laser performance, energy-delivery, temperature, and utilization data; selected subsystem conditions; and configurable notifications and email alerts.

The software helps operators, engineers, and factory teams better understand system conditions and focus on information that may require investigation or action.

Software Informed by Laser-System and Application Expertise

DFS was developed with direct input from MKS engineering, applications, and product teams. This approach ties software development to knowledge of the laser systems, Flex PCB via-drilling applications, and the production conditions that generate the data.

“Flex PCB manufacturers already have valuable information coming from their laser systems. Our opportunity is to help customers bring that information into clearer view and use it more effectively,” said Joe Hasty, Senior Manager, Engineering at MKS. “Because we understand both the equipment and the via-drilling application, we can add context that is difficult to create from machine data alone. Our role is to work alongside customers and help transform that data into insight they can use.”

Unlike a ground-up custom analytics project, DFS begins with a defined software environment created around supported MKS’ ESI laser systems and Flex PCB production requirements. This purpose-built foundation provides a more direct path from equipment data to operational value, building on the application knowledge and customer collaboration that have long supported ESI laser-system development.

The ESI DFS launch also expands MKS digital factory capabilities across PCB manufacturing and complements the digital manufacturing solutions offered within the MKS’ Atotech portfolio. Together, these capabilities bring expertise in equipment, process, chemistry, applications, and software to complex manufacturing operations.

Improving uptime requires more than knowing whether equipment is running or stopped. It also depends on how quickly teams recognize abnormal conditions, access relevant information, investigate potential causes, and translate insight into action.

DFS brings critical system information into clearer view, helping Flex PCB manufacturers make informed decisions and engineer uptime through faster, more deliberate action.

The goal is not simply to create another dashboard. It is to turn laser-system data into stronger factory performance.

ESI Digital Factory Suite will be featured at TPCA Show 2026, held October 20 through October 22, 2026, at the TaiNEX Center in Taipei, Taiwan. Visitors can learn more at the MKS booth, N-722.