Tag Archives: printed circuit board manufacturers

Latest Development in the Printed Circuit Board Industry

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If you look at the history of printed circuit board, you will see continuous development. PCB design has changed with time due to changing technology. These days, manufacturers feel a lot of pressure as they have to build circuit boards with the futuristic demands in terms of function. The latest PCB development is due to IoT (the internet of things).

The digital era is full of smart devices which need compact circuit boards with several layers. It is a great challenge for manufacturers to make smart PCBs maintaining their basic function. PCB assembly becomes hard for those who don’t follow the latest assembly trends. The main approach of the manufacturers is to create low-volume products to test their function before moving to mass manufacturing.

The cost of advanced PCBs is also increasing that’s why manufacturers are using the latest techniques to reduce the cost. Let’s discuss the new trends in design and manufacturing.

Autoplacers are Trendy

Now, design has auto places, as they help in fast assembly and the end product becomes more effective. A design with autoplacers involves automation that helps have autorouters to save assembly time and speed up its marketing. Moreover, CAD software and autoplacers have made it easy to develop a multi-layer PCB.

Boards are Becoming More Powerful

New advances demand high-power circuit boards which can handle a high voltage of up to 48V or above. Today’s devices have high-power boards because they can have more components and high-power batteries to work for longer.

Though a PCB is getting more effective, it’s also getting thinner and lighter than before. The latest PCB is better in terms of heat absorption, as it can tolerate high temperatures and is good at heat dissipation.

Easy Waste Management

It is essential to manage the waste while making electronics, as it affects the environment, causing pollution. So, engineers are making biodegradable PCBs to protect the environment from chemicals. Moreover, biodegradability helps separate metals from waste, such as gold, silver, tantalum, and palladium, and reuse them after refining them. Moreover, there is no hassle of mining such metals, so you can save lots of energy and money.

More Flexible Circuit Boards

A PC Board has to be more flexible to provide smart functions. You can install many components on the board in low-volume production. A flexible circuit board is better than a rigid board as it can manage bending and mode issues. You can have any shape out of a flexible PCB. Besides, the through-hole assembly of a PCB also becomes easier if it’s flexible. Lots of medical equipment have flexible circuit boards, as they help accommodate advanced features.

Some Future Trends of PCBs

PCB is going through massive upgrades regarding design, accessories, components, and advanced electronics. Manufacturers use practical techniques to develop PCBs to meet the new demands, and there is always some growth in this industry. In the future, you will see exciting developments as described below.

  • You will see advanced cameras with PCBs in many industries, such as medical equipment, electronics, and surveillance.
  • Electronic gadgets with 3D-printed circuit boards will have a better design and function.
  • According to research, a flexible circuit board had a huge demand and its market value in 2022 was approx. $27billion.
  • The future will have less traditional and more advanced PCB with a through-hole and surface mount technology. However, new technologies are essential due to the reduced sizes of the devices, so manufacturers should work on them more.

PCB designers are creating more flexible and contemporary boards in alliance with engineers. You will see recyclable materials in small circuit boards having a wireless function. Besides, a PCB is getting more energy-efficient and portable and is capable of providing artificial intelligence AI.

The new technology involves more legal standards, so you have to consider it. The latest technology is making PCB assemblers more expert at managing new design trends and construction techniques. You will see better standards due to continuous development in the PCB industry.

The Growth Trends in a PCB Market

There is a huge market in different industries, such as automotive, industrial, consumer electronics, healthcare equipment, aerospace, defense IT, communication, geography, etc. PCB is either single-sided, multilayer, or HDI, and a multi-layer PCB is increasing in demand due to compact devices.

Now, we will discuss the PCB market in terms of revenue which varies according to its application.

Consumer Electronics: The CTA (Consumer Technology Associates) shows that the revenue of the consumer electronics industry in the U.S. was around 5.2 billion dollars in 2022. Such a revenue happened for the first time, as it was 2.8% more than the revenue earned in 2021 which means more PCBs are in demand.

Connected Vehicles: You will see PCBs in vehicles because of a wireless technology that connects you to each other while traveling. You can connect a vehicle to a smartphone or other such devices. You can track your car, check the weather, unlock the car, check the battery status, and much more just because of smart technology. So, a PCB makes all these wireless and remote features effective.

HDI Circuit Boards: High-density PCBs are also developing faster due to high demand. Such boards help connect smart devices and boost signal transmission, providing effective routing.

Biodegradable PCBs: The market for safe PCB materials is increasing due to pollution and landfills. New materials are easy to reuse, instead of putting them in the waste or burning them. This development will increase in the coming years, giving us more green and recyclable materials.

 Which PCB Market Has More Share?

According to research, PCB in consumer electronics is growing faster, and the industry is making more money than before. This is because smart devices are developing and continue to grow due to the increased population. Research by Ericson experts shows that smartphone users will go up to 7,840 million by 2027, whereas this figure was only 5,950 million in 2020.

PCB manufacturing is increasing due to compact laptops, mobile phones, and tablets. PCB companies are focusing more on design to meet customers’ requirements.

More vendors are there in the U.S. market to fill the demand for consumer electronics, according to the APCI (American Progressive Circuits Inc). Manufacturers get a CAD-based PCB design and convert it into a circuit board in a short time which helps in mass production. So, the latest PCB manufacturing techniques can help you to have more production in a little time. It is easy to have a customized PCB with the help of the latest design software.

The demand for PCB is also increasing due to smart TVs and online TV apps, such as Netflix, Sky Go, Amazon Prime, and Google Play. So smart TVs will adopt the latest PCBs now and in the future.

Research by CTA shows that smartwatches made $7.1 billion in revenue in the United States, in 2022 which was 8% more than revenue in 2021. Whereas the earbuds made 3% more revenue in 2022. So, all these developments show an increase in PCB manufacturing.

Latest PCBs in Asia Pacific

As automotive and electronics are growing fast in the Asia Pacific, the market for PCB is also increasing. This region is also becoming the center of semiconductors in the whole world, increasing PCB manufacturing.

The IoT is getting popular and has become the key factor in enhancing PCB sales in the Asia Pacific. The high-level function of PCBs and their assembly flexibility ensure their future growth.

PCB production and consumption are high in China which is a hub of PCB assemblers and manufacturers. You will see high-tech PCB manufacturers in China who makes various types of boards, such as:

  • High-Frequency PCBs
  • Multi-layer PCB
  • Heavy Copper PCB
  • HDI PCB
  • Metal Core PCB
  • Prototype PCB
  • Flexible PCB
  • Many others

Other than China, India is also making electronics and there is a huge demand for PCBs. Moreover, the automotive and aerospace industries will have increased sales in Asia Pacific and worldwide. All these advancements motivate PCB designers and fabricators to develop highly effective circuit boards and introduce new techniques in this regard.

Final Words

Printed circuit boards go through a design and assembly process which is developing faster due to fast technology. New PCBs are more flexible because manufacturers want them to fit into different types of electronics. PCB is going through massive upgrades regarding design, accessories, components, and advanced electronics. Manufacturers use practical techniques to develop PCBs to meet the new demands, and there is always some growth in this industry.

The cost of advanced PCBs is also increasing that’s why manufacturers are using the latest techniques to reduce the cost. Engineers are making biodegradable PCBs to protect the environment from chemicals. PCB designers are creating more flexible and contemporary products. Besides, a PCB is getting more energy-efficient and portable and is capable of providing artificial intelligence AI.

Would like to know more about the latest development in the PCB industry or printed circuit board assembly? Email us at sales@pnconline.com

Why A printed circuit boards is important in Electronics Industry?

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The smart devices and electronics we use today are functional just because of printed circuit boards. From computers to smartphones, tabs, and other devices, all depend on the PCB. The advanced gadgets are shrinking with time, but all their features work just like their large versions, and the circuit boards made it possible.

These boards have different types to meet the needs of different devices and applications. Circuit boards will develop more with time due to the changing technology. There are many benefits of a printed circuit board that we will discuss here.

1-It Accommodates Components

Electrical devices depend on several components and PCB can contain them all. Instead of wires, there is copper plating and vias that help pass current, so the board provides a compact solution in this regard. Printed circuit boards can have any size according to the device without affecting its function. Even, different industries can use complex circuits in small devices.

2-It Prevents Short Circuits

Since connections are durable, there won’t be any short circuits. However, the manufacturing has to be good and long-lasting. But, if there are wires in a device, they might get loose, resulting in short circuits. It also becomes hard to find connection issues in wires, whereas such issues don’t exist in the circuit boards. Besides, you can easily detect any issue in a PCB and can remove it faster.

3-It Reduces the Cost

You can have cost-effective electronics and gadgets by using printed circuit boards. Even, you can produce many devices at a time if you test the PCB design and function in the beginning. Besides, a PCB does not involve lots of components that help industries develop economical goods and equipment.

4-It Helps save Time

Circuit boards can help you connect various components faster than a traditional method of hand assembling. Though it takes time to design a PCB, you can reduce it by using advanced software. You can also use an online platform for design and both free and paid options are available. In other words, circuit boards are both time and energy-saving that you can use elsewhere.

5-PCB is Effective

Whether it is a small or large product, PCB makes everything functional and compact. The electronics can work for years if they have well-developed circuit boards. So, users get confident while using advanced electrical gadgets as they find them reliable. Even large industrial and military equipment becomes durable due to PCBs. The boards are safe and make the end product reliable compared to the old products without PCBs.

6-Fast Installation

Printed circuit boards are easy to install as they have color codes and markings that help in a perfect installation. Likewise, it’s easy to remove the board while repairing or during some other issue.

7-No Electromagnetic Interference

The electronics have different components which have to face electromagnetic interference due to changing frequencies. Such issues can damage the components, making the device function slow. The printed circuit board can protect the components from electromagnetic interference. So, the products remain safe from damage and last longer.

Printed Circuit Boards and Their Applications 

Each circuit board has different capabilities, depending on its usage. Though the basic elements of all circuit boards are the same, they come up with different configurations due to customization. We will discuss some general PCB applications, so let’s begin.

PCB and Consumer Electronics

Today’s lifestyle can’t be complete if there are no electronic devices. From home appliances to communication devices and entertainment equipment, all have printed circuit boards inside. Below. you will find a few PCB applications though there is a huge range.

Smart Devices: you can’t communicate from a distance without any device, and the PCB helps a device work. From a smartphone to tablets and radios, all have circuit boards. Similarly, the smartwatch also functions due to PCB, as well as all GPS devices’ core feature is a circuit board.

Appliances: It is hard to manage a home without appliances, including refrigerators, microwave ovens, coffee machines, electrical ovens, air fryers, etc. All these products have circuit boards with essential components.

Computer Systems: the core feature of all types of computer systems is a circuit board that contains the rest of the components and elements. From PCs to laptops and workstations and iPads, all work through a PCB. Hence, almost every device with a screen has PCB and so is a peripheral system.

Entertainment Devices: life becomes boring without a TV as it gives you interesting programs, dramas, movies, music, etc. Similarly, DVD players and the latest gaming consoles are so much in demand, as they all entertain people. But, these devices can’t function if they don’t have circuit boards. Whatever smart device you use has a circuit board in it that gives it a compact design. On the other hand, such devices will work slowly with traditional manufacturing.

Printed Circuit Board and Medical Equipment

The medical industry consists of treatment and diagnostic equipment having printed circuit boards. New equipment needs more advanced PCBs, so there is continuous development in this regard. The following medical equipment has electronic parts arranged on the circuit board, such as:

  • Blood Sugar Monitors
  • Pulse Monitors
  • Blood Pressure Monitors
  • CT Scanners
  • X-Ray Machines
  • Ultrasound Equipment

Other than the above, researchers need different instruments in the medical field, such as compressors, microphones, control devices, etc. Remember that a PCB for the medical industry has to be highly durable and functional, as it involves health testing tools.

The devices should be highly reliable to meet medical standards that’s why their design involves more effort compared to the ordinary boards. Smart medical devices have smart and compact circuit boards.

PCB and Industrial Equipment

High-power equipment can’t survive in all environments, but printed circuit boards can help them in this regard. Those in production use heavy manufacturing equipment which depends on circuit boards. Moreover, PCBs provide automation to help an industrial sector make mass production. Let’s see how PCB is effective in the industrial field.

High-Power Equipment: many high-power devices function due to PCB which contains all essential elements. From power inverters to supplies and distribution, all have circuit boards. Similarly, many other power management devices depend on circuit boards to continue their operations.

Industrial Machines: you will see heavy machines in different factories that make multiple products, and that is possible because of the circuit boards. Various equipment like ramps, assembly tools, pressing machines, and many others need electronic elements and components. So, it’s the PCB where different components are installed to pass on heavy currents for high-power tasks.

Measurement Tools or Equipment: you need certain tools to measure the pressure, heat, temperatures, and other variables while manufacturing that further depends on well-designed circuit boards. Such PCBs are highly durable and can tolerate high heat and pressure, such as rigid and flex-rigid circuit boards. In other words, each PCB comes up with a unique design according to its application.

PCB and Automotive Industry

All new vehicles consist of advanced features like navigation tools, media equipment, monitors, and control systems, all having electronic elements.

  • The navigation devices can’t work without circuit boards as they make them smart and compact featuring the same functions as large devices.
  • From radio to media players, all depend on the circuit boards to have a continuous flow of current.
  • Vehicles need certain control gadgets to stay safe, such as fuel regulators, engine monitoring systems, and power supplies. All these elements have circuit boards to manage them, eventually, the vehicle remains functional.
  • Advanced vehicles need built-in monitors or sensors to help you detect the location, distance, and blind spots. All such operations need high-end circuit boards to prevent any issues.

Remember that PCBs for the automotive industry should be able to withstand tough environments having high temperatures, pressures, and vibrations. Generally, a flexible PCB goes well in such environments compared to a standard board. The designer and the manufacturer should develop compatible PCBs to meet automotive standards.

Frequently Asked Questions  

What is a PCB Fabrication?

A board having electrical components is known as a printed circuit board. These components are placed on the PCB through soldering. The board has pads, holes, and tracks to facilitate the current to run a device. It also gives mechanical strength to the product.

Why is PCB a Cost-Effective Solution?

 The printed circuit board can take different components that help manufacturers make compact devices. So, manufacturers don’t need more resources to develop electronic devices. It also helps make mass production and reduces the total cost of all items.

 What are the Most Common PCB Applications?

PCB has many uses, and its applications include different industries, such as medical, automotive, industrial, and consumer electronics.

 Final Thoughts

Since technology is growing fast, the demand for a PCB is increasing that’s why manufacturers should focus on its quality in terms of, material, finishing, safety standards, etc. The design and the DFM are also too important in the circuit board development. Most importantly, you must carefully choose a PCB Manufacturer that has experienced workers and the right equipment. The company should consider each detail and also test the first product before a huge production.

Would like to know more about the PCB Circuit Board or  pcb assembly and its importance? Email us at sales@pnconline.com

Etching Process of a PC Board

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Printed circuit boards are necessary for multiple devices and equipment, including electronics.  PCBs are also core features of smart devices that’s why they should have high-quality manufacturing.  Etching is an important step in the PC Board Fabrication process. It is used to remove unwanted copper from the board and create the desired circuit patterns. This process is also known as photolithography, and it requires a special etching solution and a masking material to accurately etch the board. In this article, we will discuss the etching process in PCB manufacturing in more detail.

Understanding PCB Etching

Etching is the process of removing unwanted copper from the printed circuit board by using a chemical etching solution. The etching solution comes up with different compositions like it can be a mixture of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and ferric chloride (FeCl3). But, there are also other solutions that we will discuss here.

PCB manufacturers apply the etching solution to the board through a stencil, which has a masking material such as photo-resist. This masking material blocks the etching solution from reaching the desired copper traces and protecting them from the etching process.

Etching Process in PCB Manufacturing

Manufacturers use an etching process to create the desired copper traces on the PCB. During this process, they apply a resist material to the board. Such a resist material can either be a photo-resist or a dry film resist. The resist material is then exposed to ultraviolet light, which causes the resist material to harden. This hardened resist material prevents the etching solution from reaching the desired copper traces. The etching solution is then applied to the board, which removes the unwanted copper and leaves the desired copper traces intact.

Advantages of PCB Etching

Etching is an efficient and cost-effective method of creating the desired copper traces on the Printed Circuit Board. It is also very accurate, as it can create very fine details on the board. In addition, etching is a quick process and does not require a lot of manual labor.

  1. 1. Improved Accuracy

Etching is a precise process, which allows for finer lines and more accurate features than other methods. This makes it an ideal choice for complex designs and high-density PCBs.

  1. Greater Flexibility

You can use etching to create a variety of features, including traces, vias, micro-vias, and blind and buried vias.

  1. Cost-Effectiveness

Etching is one of the most cost-effective methods for PCB manufacturing, as it requires it does not involve much production costs.

  1. Reduced Waste

Etching produces less waste than other methods, as it uses a minimal amount of material to create the desired features.

  1. Time-Saving

Etching is a fast method of producing PCBs, as you can complete the entire process in a matter of hours.

  1. Improved Thermal Performance

Etching provides improved thermal performance compared to other methods, as there is less material to absorb and dissipate heat.

  1. Improved Reliability

Etching produces reliable boards with better electrical properties and higher levels of performance.

However, the above benefits depend on the type of solution and the etching technique you are using.

Types Of Etching Techniques

PCB manufacturers use two major techniques to etch or remove unwanted conductive material, such as wet and dry etching. Let’s discuss them in detail.

What Is Wet Etching?

The wet etching technique involves a chemical solution and it is popular among manufacturers as it works fast. It involves different chemicals which vary from each other in terms of properties, such as solvent concentration, ambient, and gripping. Wet etching is further divided into soluble or alkaline etching and acidic etching.

Etching Using Alkaline: It involves a solvent to remove the extra surface material from the board. It needs care as you have to check that the chemical has the right specification. Leaving the chemical on the board for longer can damage it, so watch the duration.

You should also consider other things during alkaline etching, like the quantity of the material to be etched, the spritz, and the nature of the layer. You can have an excellent etching by considering these elements. It involves different solvents, including chloride copper, hydrogen peroxide, water, and hydrochloride. It works fast which makes it an expensive process.

Etching Using Acid: As the name shows it involves acid, however, the main purpose of this method is to etch the inner layer. It is ideal for a rigid circuit board and costs less than alkaline etching. Manufacturers use either ferric chloride or citric chloride for acidic etching. However, it is a time-consuming process compared to others.

What Is Dry Etching In PCB?

The dry etching of circuit boards involves machines for removing copper and its residues. You can also call it plasma etching according to experts. Dry etching is not as hectic as wet etching, and it is suitable for the high-volume production of circuit boards. You don’t need a lot of effort while removing the waste material as it goes to the airspace, giving you a clean surface to work with.

Popular Etching Solutions

You have to choose an etching solution carefully because it’s often poisonous as its vapors can damage the metallic parts in a PCB. Below, we will discuss some safe solutions in this regard.

Sodium Persulfate: It is a combination of acid and water, and its clear color helps monitor etching during the entire process. Though it is more costly than other solutions, it is compatible with the resist tool. Remember that sodium persulfate is combustible which makes it toxic to the surroundings.

Ferric Chloride: It is a combative solution that can remove a tough material during etching. Ferric chloride is cost-effective and its rustic tone covers the etched residue. It has a blotting property and blots the parts that it touches.

Cupric Chloride: It is also known as inanimate copper chloride and has a dusty yellow tone. Cupric chloride is not combustible and can damage aluminum due to its acidic effect. When you heat it in a fire, it will produce gas, like hydrogen chloride. It helps have hydrogen peroxide during depletion.

Ammonium Persulphate: You can use ammonium persulphate in a tin-resistant method as it helps have visibility. Moreover, it is not very combative and involves high temperatures. It creates toxic vapors and can turn into nitrogen and sulfur during metal decaying which causes ignition.

Benefits of High-Quality Etching

Different devices involve different etching techniques, such as smart devices involving reactive ion and additive methods. Similarly, the same technique is applied to the computer motherboards’ etching. This method got popular due to the Apple Company, and the latest devices need high-end etching as they are multilayered. The applications with thin copper need high-quality etching, including reactive ions and additives.

The mSAP process helps develop compact motherboards for smartphones that helps engineers insert a large battery with a longer life. Today’s PCB design have small traces, like up to 30 microns, which might reach 10 microns in the future.

Other than smartphones, high-quality etching is getting essential for medical equipment and devices, automotive, wearable, and aerospace industries. It can help manufacturers use a six-layer PCB having single or double lamination. Right now, the 10-layer HDI PCB having 4 cycles of lamination is in practice.

HDI PCBs are used in aerospace and military applications that involve fine lines, firm pinouts, and small vias. Such applications also involve PCB stack-ups just like smartphones, and manufacturers try to reduce the layer counts and the number of laminates by adding the layers through mSAP and SAP techniques where subtractive etching goes well.

High-quality etching is also essential for wearable as they are thin, lightweight, and flexible. Printed circuit boards used in medical plants have 20-micron traces with a double-sided design having gold conductors that provide biocompatibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is PCB Etching Important?

PCB etching is essential as it removes unwanted copper from the board and creates the desired circuit patterns.

What Are Popular Etching Techniques?

PCB manufacturers use two major techniques to etch or remove unwanted conductive material, such as wet and dry etching.

Which Solutions Help In Etching?

Some common PCB etching solutions are Sodium Persulfate, Ferric Chloride, Cupric Chloride, and Ammonium Persulphate.

What Is High-Quality Etching?

The latest devices are compact and delicate and need high-quality etching in PCB. HDI PCBs used in aerospace and military applications that involve fine lines, and firm pinouts, need high-quality etching.

Wrap Up

Etching is an important step in the PCB manufacturing process. PCB manufacturers use etching to remove unwanted copper from the board and create the desired circuit patterns. This process is also known as photolithography, and it requires a special etching solution and a masking material to accurately etch the board.

Etching is an efficient and cost-effective method of creating the desired copper traces on the PCB, and it is also very accurate and quick. Various solutions and etching techniques are there in the PCB market.

Would like to know more about the Etching process in PCB or prototype pcb manufacturer? Email us at sales@pnconline.com

PCB Board Assembly Pricing Strategies

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PCB manufacturing is often costly as it involves lots of processes. Especially, some factors increase the cost, such as a large production, PCB with many vias, very small holes and traces, and a circuit board loaded with components. But, the increase in cost is non-linear, if the board quantity is double, it won’t make the total fabrication cost double. As PCB manufacturing involves both fixed and variable costs. The price per PCB reduces with a reduced order due to the tooling cost involved. Fixed costs in PCB Board Assembly include:

  • Stencil-making cost
  • Design testing
  • Tooling
  • Many others

Different pricing strategies can help you reduce assembly costs. PCB design also affects assembly cost, so focus on it. Likewise, you should select the right manufacturer, in this case. Let’s discuss some proven ways and strategies which can help you have an economical PCB.

Consider Cost While Designing a PCB

Design is the first step of any PCB, so you should do it carefully in terms of cost. You must see if your design will have standard manufacturing or not. The DFM is important in this case, as it guides you about assembly costs and how to reduce them. The following design considerations can help you have a low-cost PCB.

  • The number of layers affects the PCB cost, so more layers mean an expensive board.
  • The type of vias is another element that affects a board’s cost. If the PCB has small diameter vias, its cost will increase. Similarly, a large number of vias also increase the PCB cost. You can reduce the board price by managing the via count without compromising the board function.
  • PCBs should have an appropriate size according to the assembly equipment. The design has to be functional and cover the required area. You can add panels only if they are essential. Smart devices have small and complex PCBs which are not cheap as many people think.
  • The shape of the PCB also can increase or decrease the cost. Traditional circuit boards are either square or rectangular, and they are economical. However, PCBs having special shapes are expensive.
  • The finishing material is another factor involved in PCB pricing. The surface finish helps in a better electrical function and also makes the soldering process effective.

You can also use other design strategies to reduce the PCB cost according to your experience.

BOM is Mandatory

You must have the bill of materials ready before PCB manufacturing and smt assembly. The BOM consists of materials, components, and assembly items. Makes sure that BOM has all important entries, such as

  • The Manufacturing Firm’s Name
  • Part Numbers
  • Components Quantity
  • Reference Designators
  • Notes Or Comments
  • Package
  • BOM Level
  • Footprints
  • Components Replacement
  • Some Others

You can also use the already available BOM template provided by assemblers and it can also help you get the right quotation. Don’t forget the component replacement while preparing the BOM, as advanced electronics result in the rapid upgrades of PCB components. The assembly time might prolong if you don’t find the replacement item, so they need an evaluation before time. A fast quote can help you have your PCB assembly faster.

Know the Component Distributors

You must know where to get cost-effective and durable components for a circuit board. You can also trust the manufacturer or assembler in this regard, as they know how to get cheap components at a wholesale price. Eventually, you can have a PCB within your budget. You can also ask the manufacturer to give you the invoice for all purchases.

Learn To Manage the PCB Volume

More PCBs mean a cost-effective assembly, as you can assemble them all with the same tools. Your order can be low, medium, or high, depending on your requirements.

Manage the Lead Time

Different assemblers calculate the lead time differently, and you should know what is more effective. You should also know if PCB manufacturing will start the same day when you pay or if it’s the order day, or else. Generally, a longer lead time will reduce the PCB price.

Check For Inspection Costs

Both designers and manufacturers test a PCB to see if it works well. If you are getting a testing service, be aware that its price will affect the final price of the board. Generally, the PCB inspection increases its final cost but you can control it by getting your product inspection service from the manufacturer. Individual PCB inspecting companies can cost you more, besides, it involves more effort.

You can have a product test according to your needs and design standards to ensure that it’s exactly what you want. Some inspection methods are as below:

  • Automated optical inspection
  • Visual test
  • Automated X-ray

You can choose whatever suits you according to the nature of the Printed Circuit Board like it can be simple or complex. In the case of high-volume production, you can inspect the initial or first article before a full-volume inspection. As it reveals the issues that you can resolve in the beginning and prevent big damage. Eventually, less money would waste, and you will have an effective circuit board. It would be better to have a long-term PCB assembler, instead of changing it quite often.

Select An Economical Assembler

  • There are many firms that offer PC Board assembly and manufacturing of which some charge very high, some are normal, and some are cheap. Try to select an assembler according to your budget without sacrificing the quality of the circuit board. Make sure the company is reliable and has professionals who can well handle the entire process.
  • You must check if the assembler has a proper certification in this field or if he is just a quack. Some standard certifications in the U.S. are UL, ISO9001, RoHS, and others.
  • Make sure the assembler uses advanced tools to create an effective PCB. As SMT is popular in this regard, it should be done with the right equipment.
  • The manufacturer should be capable enough to develop all types of PCBs, as some boards have complex designs. Moreover, he should be able to handle a large volume of production.
  • Make sure you get a design from a professional, instead of getting it from the manufacturer. A professional engineer should be your choice if you want a flawless and functional circuit board.
  • The labor cost is also important, especially in hand assembly which is often higher than the automated cost. Generally, the labor cost is low in Asian countries than in the U.S. or Europe.

What Drives The Fabrication Cost Of Printed Circuit Boards?

There are some core factors that drive the fabrication cost of a PCB, so you should consider them while calculating the manufacturing price, such as:

  • The type of plating can also increase the PCB cost. Like, OSP, ENIG, or immersion silver can increase the PCB cost, by up to more than 8%. Whereas tin-lead plating has standard prices.
  • Small vias increase the per PCB and tooling price
  • Smaller conductor means more cost
  • Heavy copper increases the PCB cost
  • The substrate materials like Roger’s can increase the PCB cost, whereas FR4 is cheap.
  • However, more boards mean less cost per PCB.
  • More components per board can also decrease the PCB cost.

What Drives The Assembly Cost Of Printed Circuit Boards?

Similarly, some factors drive the assembly cost of a PCB, and you should consider them while calculating the manufacturing price, such as:

  • The quantity of unique parts also affects the PCB pricing. Such as, if the unique components are more in quantity, they will increase the assembly cost. However, you can reduce it by ordering high-volume production.
  • The type of assembly also matters in calculating the PCB pricing. SMD can cost you 50% higher than a through-hole PCB assembly.
  • A double-sided circuit board costs more than a single-sided PCB as it goes through an assembly process twice. Moreover, the NRE price is also high for a double-sided assembly.
  • The cost of a single and a double-sided BGA becomes 20% higher than SMD and it is an additional cost as the premium cost is already there.
  • Hand assembly can cost you more than machine assembly, especially in larger productions. Whereas, automated assembly won’t make the cost double if the PCB order is doubled. Generally, automated assembly involves different types of costs, including machine programming.

However, these strategies don’t end here, as there are still so many other factors that can affect the total price of a PCB. You can also follow your own experiences in this case. You can easily manage the total cost of the circuit board if you know each process well, from design to assembly and the selection of the material.

Final Thoughts

Many factors can increase the PCB cost, but you can reduce it by following various strategies. Hand assembly can cost you more than machine assembly, especially in larger productions. The type of assembly also matters, such as SMD can cost you 50% higher than a through-hole PCB assembly. You should also select an assembler according to your budget without sacrificing the quality of the circuit board.

Would like to know more about the PCB pricing strategies or printed circuit board assembly? Email us at sales@pnconline.com

PC Board

Legend Printing- PC Board Fabrication Process

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If you’re looking for the most advanced and efficient PCB manufacturing process on the market, look no further than the legend printing-multilayer PCB manufacturing process. This new process is revolutionizing how printed circuit boards are manufactured, offering superior performance and reliability over traditional methods. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of this new process, how it works, and why it’s the best choice for your PCB manufacturing needs.

The legend printing of multilayer PCB is revolutionizing the way printed circuit boards are made. This cutting-edge manufacturing process is making it possible to create circuit boards that are more reliable, cost-effective, and easier to use than ever before. With this process, legend printing can provide customers with superior circuit boards for a wide range of applications.

What Is Legend Printing?

Legend printing is a specialized multilayer PCB manufacturing process that combines the benefits of advanced technologies such as laser direct imaging (LDI) and inkjet printing to produce high-quality printed circuit boards. The process creates layers of fine traces on the Printed Circuit Board, allowing for a high level of detail and accuracy, along with excellent signal integrity.

The key benefits of legend printing include increased resolution, trace widths down to 5 mils or less, a wide variety of solder mask and surface finish options, and minimal time required for prototyping and production. This makes it an ideal choice for high-density designs where reliability and performance are important.

The process starts with laser direct imaging (LDI), which involves a laser beam used to create the desired pattern on the PCB’s surface. Next, an inkjet-printed layer is applied to the board before it is processed through the reflow oven. Finally, a solder mask is applied and cured, providing a protective coating to the finished product.

Legend printing ensures a superior level of quality for multilayer PCBs, giving designers the confidence to push the boundaries in their design requirements. With its combination of advanced technologies, it’s a reliable and cost-effective solution for producing complex electronic components. It also offers quick turnaround times with many fabrication capabilities, including small batch sizes and quick turnarounds. It’s no wonder why many leading companies rely on this cutting-edge technology to get them from concept to market quickly and efficiently. Moreover, if you’re looking for top-notch prototype PCBs, you can’t go wrong with legend printing.

Inkjet printing has many benefits that other processes cannot match. It provides a quick turnaround, allowing projects to go into production quickly, and allows designers to produce from a single-layer board or up to 10-layer boards. It helps make use of acid-free and water-based inks that deliver rich blacks, sharp text, high gloss finishes, and precise graphics. However, these advantages can increase the printing price. Like, an inkjet printer starts at about $10,000 and requires a costly startup investment. When these costs are factored in with maintenance fees, servicing needs, and running costs like ink replacement, this solution could prove to be too pricey for many companies.

The Multilayer PCB Manufacturing Process

Legend printing involves an advanced automated production system to ensure consistent and reliable results for customers. Generally, the process starts with a substrate, which consists of several layers of epoxy resin-bonded copper foil. Manufacturers then use imaging equipment to print the design onto the substrate and etch away the excess copper.

Then, they apply a layer of insulation material over the etched copper layer, followed by the insertion of conductive vias which electrically connect the layers. Finally, a solder mask is applied to protect the board from any accidental damage.

Through a multilayer PCB manufacturing process, you can produce intricate designs with high levels of accuracy and repeatability. This helps to ensure that your product will perform as expected when it reaches its final destination. The versatility of a multilayer PC BOARD manufacturing process also means that you can work on a wide range of different products.

Some industries that use legend printing include automotive, telecommunications, and aerospace applications. Each of these markets demands unique requirements and specifications, but they all require reliability and dependability. To keep up with the demands of each industry, we have developed innovative solutions through our experience in research and development. For example, aircraft are very sensitive structures, so some companies offer low-volume and pre-production testing services using the RISC or a rapid prototyping service. With such a service, you can reduce the lead times for tooling; maintain quality control during assembly, and reduce the risk exposure during the production ramp-up time.

The Benefits Of Legend Printing

The Legend printing-multilayer PCB manufacturing process offers several benefits for businesses looking to create complex circuit boards. By using this process, industries can ensure very high quality and accurate production.

The first benefit of using this process is that it allows for smaller board components. By using a multilayer system, more complex circuits are easy to create on smaller boards. This makes the boards easier to package and transport, saving the companies time and money.

Moreover, by using the legend printing-multilayer PCB manufacturing process, businesses can produce boards with superior electrical performance. This process can achieve high levels of precision and accuracy, leading to fewer errors and better overall performance.

Finally, this process allows for faster turnaround times. By utilizing multiple layers of production, businesses can quickly assemble complex circuits and get their products to market faster. This ensures that companies remain competitive in their industries and are able to capitalize on market trends quickly.

Overall, the Legend printing-multilayer PCB manufacturing process is an excellent option for businesses looking to maximize efficiency and quality when creating complex circuit boards. By utilizing this process, you are confident that your products are of the highest quality and are produced as quickly as possible.

Why Choose Legend Printing For Your Multilayer PCBs?

When it comes to designing and manufacturing multilayer PCBs, choosing the right manufacturing process is essential. Legend printing is a leading provider of multilayer PCBs, offering a comprehensive range of services that can help you get the most out of your multilayer PCBs.

The best legend printing companies use state-of-the-art equipment and processes to ensure quality, reliability, and performance. Our advanced Circuit board fabrication process starts with a detailed design and layout phase, allowing us to create high-quality multilayer boards with accurate dimensions.

Expert engineers use advanced manufacturing techniques and equipment to fabricate the boards. After production, they subject each board to a rigorous quality assurance process to guarantee that it meets all of your specifications.

The result is a multilayer PCB that is reliable and performs as expected in any application. Engineers also use advanced testing and inspection techniques to ensure that every product is up to high standards of quality and performance. By hiring a good printing company, you can trust that your multilayer PCB will be delivered on time and meet all of your requirements.

What To Consider While Making Legend Prints

You have to consider a few things during legend printing, be it new or some modifications, such as:

  • Texts should have the same orientation in the entire board, like reference designator, part numbers, brand details, etc. You should arrange the text from top to bottom.
  • Manufacturers often have to deal with overlapping texts that need editing. You can avoid it by moving the reference designator to the right side.
  • Though you can add legend printing on both sides of the board, it becomes expensive. So, you can reduce the cost by using only one side.
  • Markings should have standard shapes and colors to have readable and low-cost printing.
  • You can reduce printing faults through measurements. Keeping the space a few mils can reduce the errors.
  • Avoid placing text in four directions as it can make repair complex.
  • The text should not overlap the holes or vias, or it will lose its significance.
  • Try not to write the text on the fast signal paths, as it can cause dielectric loss, affecting the impedance level.

Legend printing involves different text styles, depending on the circuit board manufacturer and customers. Designers should check the styles before sending the Gerber files to fabricators.

Final Thoughts

Legend printing is a specialized multilayer PCB manufacturing process that combines the benefits of advanced technologies such as laser direct imaging and inkjet printing to produce high-quality printed circuit boards. The process creates layers of fine traces on the PCB, allowing for a high level of detail and accuracy, along with excellent signal integrity. You have to consider certain things during legend printing.

The legend printing-multilayer PCB manufacturing process is an excellent option for businesses looking to maximize efficiency and quality when creating complex circuit boards. By utilizing this process, you are confident that your products are of the highest quality and are produced as quickly as possible. If you’re looking for a reliable and cost-effective solution for your multilayer PCB needs, then look no further than legend printing.

Would like to know more about legend printing or PC Board assembly? Email us at sales@pnconline.com.