Taiwan-based Tongtai Machine and Tool Company expects its shipments of laser drilling machines to the PCB sector to top 70 units in 2011 compared to two units shipped in 2010, according to the company.

Sales of laser drilling machines are expected to total NT$1.2-1.5 billion (US$41.3-51.64 million) in 2011, accounting for 16% of Tongtai's total revenues for the year as compared to 1% recorded in 2010.

Half of Tongtai's shipments of laser drilling machines in 2011 will be shipped to its subsidiary in China, which will then deliver the drilling machines to subsidiaries of the Foxconn Group (Hon Hai Precision Industry), the company noted.

In addition clients in China, Tongtai currently is in talks with a Taiwan-based PCB maker for the supply of laser drilling machines, the company said.