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].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" indicating an expectation for the industry to outperform the overall market [13]. Core Insights - The demand for AI PCBs is driving a tight supply situation, leading to an acceleration in capacity expansion among downstream PCB manufacturers, which is positively impacting the upstream PCB equipment sector [3][4]. - Significant capital expenditure from overseas AI giants is sustaining high demand for high-end AI server PCBs, prompting downstream manufacturers to actively expand production [3][4]. - The current expansion cycle is expected to result in a notable increase in equipment order volumes and an upgrade in high-end PCB production lines, which will enhance the average selling price (ASP) of equipment [3][4]. Summary by Sections Industry Expansion - The PCB industry is entering a period of intensive capacity expansion, with several PCB manufacturers announcing new projects, including notable expansions by companies such as Huadian and Shenghong [4][10]. - Capital expenditures are increasing, with Pengding Holdings indicating a capital expenditure of 5 billion yuan in 2025, a year-on-year increase of 51.5% [4]. Supply Chain Dynamics - Some upstream PCB equipment suppliers are experiencing supply tightness due to the rapid growth in global AI computing demand, which is accelerating the technological upgrades and capacity expansions of high-layer PCBs and high-end HDI boards [5]. - Chip equipment manufacturers like Xinqi Microelectronics are reporting full capacity operations and optimistic business prospects, with order delivery schedules extending into the third quarter of 2025 [5]. Technological Upgrades - AI's requirements for PCB performance are driving upgrades in related equipment, necessitating advancements in layers, materials, and manufacturing processes [6]. - The complexity of structures in high-layer HDI boards is increasing, which is pushing equipment manufacturers to enhance their technology and precision [7]. Beneficiary Companies - Recommended beneficiaries in the PCB equipment market include Xinqi Microelectronics for exposure equipment, Dazhu CNC for drilling and testing equipment, Dongwei Technology for plating equipment, and Dingtai Gaoke for drilling needles [8][10].