electronics manufacturing terms

The 4-1-1 on Electronic Manufacturing Acronyms: EMS, OEM, CEM, and More

There are a plethora of acronyms in the electronics and manufacturing industries, and keeping track of what they mean and what the differences are can get very overwhelming for those making their way into the industry. The terms OEM, EMS, ODM, and CEM, are seemingly used interchangeably — but are they the same? Knowing the differences and...

soldering techniques

Different Soldering Techniques for PCBs

When designing or manufacturing printed circuit boards, there are many factors in the process to consider to ensure your product works properly. Soldering is a crucial component in the electronics manufacturing process. Soldering is the process of attaching two or more components together using a glue-like metal substance called solder. The soldering technique you choose depends on...

surface mount technology

What Is Surface-Mount Technology Assembly? (SMT)

In the electronics manufacturing world, there are so many acronyms to keep track of — but we’re here to help.  Surface-mount technology (SMT) is a staple term in the electronics manufacturing technology (EMT) industry. SMT is a modern and efficient process used in electronics assembly.  Traditionally, electronics were assembled using through-hole technology (THT) mounting. THT involves drilling...

printed circuit board uses

The Most Common Uses of PCBs in Different Industries & Applications

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) play a vital role in today’s society — even more than you may realize. PCBs are found in all electronic devices, from everyday consumer products to intricately designed aerospace aircraft. As devices get smaller and more intricate, PCB designers, engineers, and manufacturers must learn to cater to these requirements. Let’s dive into ways printed...

semiconductor shortage

What You Should Know About the Current Shortage of Electronic Components

Many industries have been seeing shortages across the board as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare facilities experienced a shortage of sanitizer, medical equipment, and other supplies while common household items like toilet paper were in short supply. One of the industries that have most recently seen a shortage in supply is the electronics industry; components...

how to reduce electronic manufacturing costs

How To Reduce Electronic Manufacturing Costs

Every engineer knows how important it is to minimize costs during a project. And in the world of printed circuit boards, the difference between $0.03 and $0.05 can have a profound impact on a product. When you’re manufacturing on a mass scale, every penny counts. Reducing costs will increase revenue and make your products more appealing...

types of pcb testing

What Are the Different Types of PCB Testing Methods?

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...

pcb design

Factors To Consider for Your PCB Design and Layout

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...

protect pcb against moisture

How To Protect PCBs From Moisture

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,...

benefits of surface mount technology

The Benefits of Surface Mount Technology (SMT)

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...