Testing printed circuit boards is an essential step in the printed circuit board manufacturing process. Without testing PCBs, there is an enormous risk, and it’s likely your product will run into several errors after hitting the market. Electronics that malfunction can even cause harm to consumers. There are several testing methods your printed circuit board manufacturer...
Designing your PCB with best practices in place is essential for creating a reliable device at an affordable price. While the components and materials matter, make sure you leave yourself time in the design phase to think about and utilize the printed circuit board layout. A well-designed PCB layout means your product has a high potential to...
Moisture exposure has one of the most harmful effects on printed circuit boards. Even the smallest droplet can cause warping, rust, and malfunction. Keeping humidity and moisture at bay when creating, storing, and shipping electronics and PCBs is crucial to ensure your boards and components function correctly. There are many methods to leverage during the fabrication, assembly,...
For a long time, the industry standard for printed circuit boards (PCBs) has been through-hole circuits. This method is relatively simple to implement but becomes time-consuming on a mass scale. PCBs made by through-hole circuits involved drilling holes into the boards, mounting components on one side of the board, then threading the leads through the appropriate...
Over time — during the manufacturing, testing, and storage phases — your printed circuit boards (PCBs) collect dust, debris, and liquid. When contaminants of any sort or in any amount come into contact with PCBs, it leads to corrosion, overheating, and damage. Printed circuit boards must be cleaned to prevent future malfunctions and keep them working...
Many different components must come together when creating printed circuit boards. Some of the most critical components are the chemicals involved in the manufacturing process. There are many different cleaners, antifoams, finishers, replenishers, and other chemicals that are applied when the PCB is in the process of being assembled. Let’s take a more in-depth look at all...
“It’s time for production” is what every PCB designer wants to hear. But before you can start with production, you need to find a reliable and capable electronics manufacturer to help you with this venture. You’ve already completed the most challenging tasks by conceptualizing and designing your product; now, you need an EMS company to get your...
When you’re an engineer, you can be confident that you know your “stuff”—but since that can encompass many different things, it’s likely you’ll run into something you don’t know. Of course, that’s nothing to be ashamed about, especially if you’re straight out of school or haven't been in the industry for long. The electronics manufacturing...
Imagine getting your product all the way through to the final stages—and you’re set to finally deliver it to the market. Suddenly, you find errors, leading to a host of challenges and delays. It’s no secret in the manufacturing industry—especially in the PCB (printed circuit board) arena–that issues arise at the worst possible moments. You may...
Preparing for failure is part of the job as an engineer. Sometimes it’s inevitable and anomalies happen, although fortunately, each instance of PCB failure can be a learning experience. It’s all part of the process. But embracing PCB failure doesn’t mean you can’t minimize those occurrences where possible. To help you better prepare for when things...
