Andrew McIntosh Soutar

Title: The Innovative Contributions of Andrew McIntosh Soutar

Introduction

Andrew McIntosh Soutar is a notable inventor based in Singapore, SG. He has made significant contributions to the field of technology, particularly in the area of printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing. With a total of 6 patents to his name, Soutar's work has had a lasting impact on the industry.

Latest Patents

One of Soutar's latest patents is a process for silver plating in printed circuit board manufacture. This innovative method protects the pads and/or through-holes of a bare board prior to the mounting of other components. The silver plating process involves applying a silver plate from a plating composition through a replacement process, where silver ions oxidize copper and deposit a layer of silver at the surface. The aqueous plating composition maintains silver ions in solution by incorporating a multidentate complexing agent. Additionally, the compositions may contain a silver tarnish inhibitor and are free of reducing agents capable of reducing silver ions to silver metal. This allows surface-mounted components to be soldered directly to the silver-coated contact using commercially available solder. Notably, silver does not deposit onto solder masks, but only onto metals that are less electropositive than silver.

Another significant patent by Soutar is a UV curable coating composition. This method involves coating an inkjet print head using a UV curable coating composition that contains a (methyl)acryloxy or vinyl functionalized silane, silica, and a polyurethane acrylate oligomer with at least two acrylate groups. This innovation enhances the performance and durability of inkjet print heads.

Career Highlights

Throughout his career, Andrew McIntosh Soutar has worked with prominent companies such as Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. and Finisar Corporation. His experience in these organizations has contributed to his expertise and innovative capabilities in the field.

Collaborations

Soutar has collaborated with talented individuals, including Min Qian and Guangjin Li. These partnerships have likely fostered a creative environment that has led to the development of his patents and innovations.

Conclusion

Andrew McIntosh Soutar's contributions to technology, particularly in PCB manufacturing and inkjet print head coatings, showcase his innovative spirit and expertise. His patents reflect a commitment to advancing the field and improving manufacturing processes.