Photo-Imageable Solder Mask Market - By Type: Liquid Photo-Imageable (LPI) Solder Mask, Dry Film Photo-Imageable (DFSM) Solder Mask, Inkjet and Sprayable Imaging Masks; By Substrate Type: Rigid PCBs, Flex PCBs, Rigid-Flex PCBs, Others; By End Use Industry: Consumer Electronics, Automotive & EVs, Telecom & 5G Infrastructure, Industrial Controls, Aerospace & Defense, Others; By Region: North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific Latin America and Others
1 | Market Overview
Photo-imageable solder masks (PSMs) are high-performance coatings applied to printed circuit boards (PCBs) to insulate and protect circuitry during manufacturing and final use. Unlike traditional solder masks, PSMs can be patterned using photolithography processes, which enable fine resolution, high-density wiring, and improved solder resistance. These materials are essential for producing advanced electronics such as smartphones, automotive ECUs, servers, and wearable devices.
PSMs are available in both liquid and dry film forms, and their demand is driven by miniaturization trends, multilayer board complexity, and higher thermal stability requirements. The increasing use of flexible and rigid-flex PCBs in next-generation electronics further enhances the relevance of photo-imageable systems.
2 | Market Size and Forecast
|
Year |
Market Value (USD Million) |
Notes |
|
2019 |
680 |
Growth tied to high-end PCB manufacturing |
|
2024 |
940 |
CAGR 6.7% (2019–2024) |
|
2031 |
1,810 |
Projected CAGR 9.6% (2024–2031) |
3 | Primary Market Drivers
4 | Market Challenges
5 | Competitive Landscape
|
Company |
Est. 2024 Share |
Competitive Strengths |
Recent Move |
|
Taiyo Ink Mfg. Co., Ltd. |
27% |
Global leader in liquid PSMs for HDI boards |
Released ultra-low halogen PSM for EV applications |
|
Sun Chemical (DIC Corp.) |
20% |
Strong in dry film PSM and inkjet masking |
Expanded EU line for high-frequency PCB production |
|
Hitachi Chemical |
14% |
Known for solder mask compatibility in flex circuits |
Introduced hybrid PSM for Rigid-Flex designs |
|
Eternal Materials Co., Ltd. |
11% |
Prominent in APAC with budget and HDI solutions |
Focused on EV, smart wearables, and IoT devices |
|
Others |
28% |
Regional PCB chemical suppliers |
Serving local fabricators in telecom and consumer hardware |
6 | Market Segmentation
By Type
By Substrate Type
By End Use Industry
7 | Regional Analysis
8 | Technology and Innovation
9 | Regulatory Environment
Regulated under RoHS, REACH, WEEE, and local environmental waste management standards, PSMs used in automotive and aerospace must comply with IPC-SM-840 and ISO 16750-3 (thermal performance).
10 | Recent Developments (Q4 2023 – Q2 2025)
11 | Strategic Outlook
PSM manufacturers must invest in hybrid inkjet systems, low-temperature curing resins, and AI-compatible imaging workflows. Growth opportunities lie in EV and 5G electronics, prototyping labs, and ultra-thin smart devices. Environmental safety, fine-line compatibility, and LDI readiness are top priorities.
12 | Methodology
Market estimates compiled from PCB fabricator surveys, solder mask usage trends, and interviews with 80+ engineers, OEMs, and chemical suppliers. Adjusted for miniaturization trends and HDI PCB forecast growth.
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