Core Viewpoint - The PCB industry is experiencing continuous expansion driven by the demand for AI computing infrastructure, with major companies increasing production capacity to meet this demand [1] Group 1: PCB Equipment Market - The expansion in PCB production is primarily focused on high-layer HDI boards, leading to increased requirements for aperture size and corresponding rises in equipment quantity and prices [1] - Exposure equipment accounts for 10%-15% of the PCB equipment value, with high-end PCB boards requiring higher precision and line width, benefiting leading companies that secure top-tier clients [2] - Drilling equipment constitutes about 25% of the PCB equipment value, with the demand for laser drilling equipment increasing due to the limitations of traditional mechanical drilling methods as PCB complexity grows [2] Group 2: Key Companies and Developments - Domestic companies benefiting from the expansion include Chipbond Technology (688630.SH), Dazhong CNC (301200.SZ), and Tianzhun Technology (688003.SH) [2] - Major players in the drilling needle sector, such as Dingtai High-tech and Jinzhou Precision, are expanding production capacity in response to the rising demand for high-end drilling needles driven by AI server PCB upgrades [3] - The PCB electroplating equipment market is also evolving, with vertical electroplating equipment dominating and companies like Dongwei Technology (688700.SH) seeing significant order growth [4]

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" indicating that the industry is expected to outperform the overall market [2][9]. Core Insights - The PCB industry is experiencing continuous expansion driven by the demand for AI computing infrastructure, with major companies like Huadian and Shenghong investing significantly in new projects [3]. - The expansion is primarily focused on high-layer HDI boards, leading to increased requirements for equipment quantity and pricing [3]. - The exposure segment of PCB equipment, which accounts for 10%-15% of the total equipment value, is seeing higher demand for advanced exposure equipment due to stricter requirements from high-end PCB boards [3]. - The drilling segment, which constitutes about 25% of PCB equipment value, is benefiting from the increasing complexity of PCB designs, with a shift towards laser drilling technology [3]. - The PCB drill needle market is experiencing growth due to the surge in AI demand, prompting manufacturers to expand production capacity [3]. - The electroplating segment, which represents around 10% of PCB equipment value, is seeing increased demand for high-end equipment as AI applications require thicker copper and finer lines [3]. Summary by Sections PCB Expansion - Continuous expansion in the PCB sector is driven by AI computing needs, with significant investments from leading companies [3]. Exposure Equipment - Exposure equipment is critical for high-end PCB production, with domestic companies improving their capabilities to meet rising demands [3]. Drilling Equipment - The drilling process is evolving with a shift towards laser technology, driven by the need for smaller apertures and tighter tolerances in PCB manufacturing [3]. Drill Needles - The demand for high-quality drill needles is increasing, with manufacturers ramping up production to meet the needs of upgraded AI server PCBs [3]. Electroplating Equipment - The demand for advanced electroplating equipment is growing, particularly for high-end applications in the AI sector [3].