Author Archives: Erin

Printed circuit board production

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) vs. Through-Hole Technology: Pros and Cons

In the ever-evolving world of electronics manufacturing, choosing the right assembly method is crucial for optimizing both performance and cost-efficiency. Two prominent techniques in this realm are Surface Mount Technology (SMT) and Through-Hole Technology. Each has its own advantages and drawbacks, making it essential to understand their unique characteristics and applications.

Printed circuit board productionSurface Mount Technology (SMT) has become the industry standard due to its efficiency and versatility. SMT involves mounting electronic components directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs). This method significantly enhances the automation potential, allowing for high-speed production and reduced labor costs. The compact nature of SMT components enables the design of smaller and lighter devices, a crucial factor in modern electronics where space and weight are at a premium.

One of the key benefits of SMT is its superior performance in high-frequency applications. The reduced lead length in SMT components minimizes the parasitic inductance and capacitance, leading to better signal integrity and faster operational speeds. This makes SMT the preferred choice for complex and high-speed circuits commonly found in telecommunications, computing, and consumer electronics.

However, SMT is not without its challenges. The smaller component size can make manual handling and inspection difficult, necessitating advanced automated inspection systems. Additionally, SMT components are generally less robust in terms of mechanical strength compared to their through-hole counterparts, which can be a consideration in applications subject to high mechanical stress.

On the other hand, Through-Hole Technology has been a staple in the industry for decades. This method involves inserting component leads through pre-drilled holes in the PCB and soldering them on the opposite side. The primary advantage of through-hole technology is its mechanical stability. The strong solder joints created by this method are highly reliable, making it ideal for applications where durability and longevity are paramount.

Through-hole technology also excels in high-power and high-voltage applications. The robust nature of the components allows them to handle greater electrical currents, making through-hole technology indispensable in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and industrial equipment. Additionally, through-hole components are easier to handle and inspect manually, which can be beneficial for prototyping and low-volume production.

Despite its strengths, through-hole technology has its limitations. The manual insertion process is labor-intensive and time-consuming, leading to higher production costs and longer assembly times. The requirement for drilled holes also reduces the available space on the PCB for routing signals, potentially limiting design flexibility and increasing the board size.

In conclusion, the choice between SMT and through-hole technology depends on the specific requirements of your project. For high-speed, high-density, and cost-sensitive applications, SMT offers unparalleled advantages. Conversely, for high-reliability, high-power, and mechanically robust applications, through-hole technology remains a superior choice. Understanding the pros and cons of each method allows manufacturers to make informed decisions that align with their production goals and application needs.

For more detailed information on our SMT assembly services, visit our Surface Mount Technology Assembly page. Explore how we can help you leverage the strengths of SMT to achieve your project objectives.

What Does It Mean to Be a Full-Service PCB Assembly Provider?

If you are in need of fully assembled printed circuit boards (PCBs) for your products, but you don’t know where to start, this article will guide you in the right direction. If  you don’t have any printed circuit boards or any of the parts, and you certainly don’t want to burden your limited staff with the task of putting all those PCBs together, you will need a full-service PCB assembly provider.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationACME PCB Assembly is an ISO 9001:2015 certified EMS. We make sure you get best price with highest quality, on time delivery schedule. All PCBs are meet the high standards established by the IPC 600. Since ACME PCB Assembly is a IPC certified trainer for IPC A-610, we know how important the quality of bare board is, and we know what can drive the PCB Assembly labor higher.

Being a full-service PCB assembly provider means that we handle every aspect of the project. You just give us your specs, and we’ll do everything else, including:

At Acme PCB Assembly, we have the experience, the vendor relationships, and the well-trained staff of fulfill your PCB order. The great thing about full-service PCB assembly is that you don’t have to worry about a thing. You don’t have to find the right parts vendors or ship materials to us. We handle everything.

We closely match new incoming inquiries to board house equipment and capabilities, ensuring you receive only those inquiries that you are interested in Acme Circuit board assembly provide PCB fabrication service in the development and manufacturing of quality single, double sided and Multi-Layers printed circuit boards for the computer, medical, transportation, communication, aircraft, aerospace and related industries.

Of course, if you already have printed circuit boards on hand and the PCB components you need, then you can also opt for partial service.

Contact us today to learn about all of our service options, including our add-on services.

 

Stacked circuit boards

How you Would Create an Electronic Prototype

How to Create an Electronic Prototype

Do you have a big idea for a new electronic product? We all know that ideas are a dime a dozen, so if you really want to get your idea off the ground, eventually you’ll need to create a prototype. A prototype, simply put, is a physical manifestation of a product. There are many important reasons to create a prototype. In this article, we’ll also review some quick tips about how to turn your idea into a prototype.

Why Prototype?

Creating a prototype is an essential step in your journey to bring your product to market. One of the biggest reasons to create a prototype is to simply work out all the bugs and kinks. Designing the prototype will help you determine if you’ve got the size right, if it can really work as you’ve imagined, and what the best materials are.

A prototype is also practically a requirement if you’re looking for seed money. No investor is going to write you a check if you aren’t at least serious enough to show them an early model of your product.

How to Create a Prototype

prototype-assembly-YUN-INDUSTRIAL-1

A prototype starts with a drawing. You can take an actual pen to paper for this step, but eventually it’s a good idea to either create or commission a CAD drawing (computer-aided design), which will provide greater detail and accuracy.

Next, you may want to try and build a preliminary prototype of y our product just to test out the dimensions and see what it will look like. This will not be a working prototype. If you are handy, you may be able to fashion it yourself using foam, moldable plastic, metal, wood, or parts from other products.

Eventually, though, you’ll want to create a working prototype. This will be important to showcase to investors. Since you are creating an electronic product, it is likely that you’ll want to work with professional prototype developers. These are manufacturers who specialize in developing prototypes. They are experienced in helping entrepreneurs and inventors just like you figure out how to actually create the prototype. For example, they can help you determine the right materials and figure out how the actual product will work.

At Yun Industrial Acme PCB Assembly, we can help you create your electronic prototype. Send us your CAD drawing and other paperwork, and let’s get started on building your product!

PCB Fabrication and Assembly

Understanding the PCB Manufacturing Process: From Design to Production

PCB Fabrication near mePrinted Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics, found in everything from smartphones to medical devices.

At Board Assembly, we pride ourselves on our comprehensive PCB manufacturing process, which ensures top-quality products for a wide range of industries. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the PCB manufacturing process, from initial design to the final product.

1. Design and Layout

The PCB manufacturing journey begins with the design phase. Engineers use specialized software to create a detailed layout of the circuit. This design includes the placement of components, electrical connections, and layer configuration. Ensuring a robust design is crucial as it sets the foundation for the entire manufacturing process.

Key Steps in Design:

  • Schematic Capture: Creating a schematic diagram to represent the circuit.
  • Layout Design: Using CAD software to design the PCB layout.
  • Design Rule Check (DRC): Ensuring the design meets manufacturing specifications.

For more details on our design capabilities, visit our PCB Design Services.

2. Prototyping

Once the design is finalized, a prototype is created. Prototyping is essential to test the design for functionality and performance before mass production. At Board Assembly, we utilize advanced prototyping techniques to ensure quick and accurate results.

Prototyping Steps:

  • Material Selection: Choosing the appropriate materials for the PCB.
  • Initial Fabrication: Creating a small batch of PCBs for testing.
  • Testing and Validation: Conducting thorough tests to verify the design.

Explore our Prototyping Services to learn how we can assist in bringing your designs to life.

3. Material Procurement

The next phase involves procuring the necessary materials. This includes the substrate, copper cladding, and various components like resistors, capacitors, and ICs. Quality materials are vital for the reliability and longevity of the PCB.

Considerations in Material Procurement:

  • Component Quality: Sourcing high-quality components from reputable suppliers.
  • Supply Chain Management: Ensuring timely delivery of materials.
  • Cost Management: Balancing quality with cost-effectiveness.

Find out more about our Material Procurement Process.

4. PCB Fabrication

PCB fabrication is where the actual manufacturing begins. This process involves several steps to transform the design into a physical PCB.

Fabrication Steps:

  • Etching: Removing excess copper to create the circuit pattern.
  • Lamination: Stacking and bonding multiple layers of the PCB.
  • Drilling: Creating holes for component leads and vias.
  • Plating: Adding a layer of conductive material to the drilled holes.

Learn about our PCB Fabrication Techniques for a detailed overview.

5. Assembly

After fabrication, the PCB moves to the assembly phase. This is where components are placed and soldered onto the board.

Assembly Methods:

Discover our PCB Assembly Services to see how we ensure precision and reliability.

6. Testing and Quality Control

Quality control is a critical step to ensure the final product meets all specifications and performance criteria. At Board Assembly, we perform rigorous testing and inspection.

Testing Techniques:

  • Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): Using cameras to inspect the PCB.
  • X-Ray Inspection: Checking for hidden defects.
  • Functional Testing: Ensuring the PCB performs as intended.

Visit our Quality Control Process page to learn more about our commitment to excellence.

7. Final Product and Delivery

Once the PCBs pass all tests, they are ready for delivery. We ensure that each board is packaged securely and delivered on time to our clients.

Delivery Considerations:

Learn more about our Delivery and Support Services.

The PCB manufacturing process is complex and requires meticulous attention to detail at every stage. At Board Assembly, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality PCBs that meet your specific requirements. Whether you need design assistance, prototyping, or full-scale production, we have the expertise and technology to bring your projects to life.

For more information on our services, contact us and let us help you with your next PCB project.

ROHS-Compliant Assembly Services USA

How Being RoHS-Compliant PCB Assembly Services are Different from Assembly Services?

With everyone’s increasing concerns on the over usage of hazardous materials in the electronic and electrical products and their environmental impact, there have been several stricter regulations being imposed by the leading governmental organizations across the world. The RoHS compliance is one of those important regulations that is currently being imposed on the utilization of hazardous materials in the electronics and electrical products. Are you interested in knowing how this compliance works or what the benefits are?

Being Able to Understand the Materials that are Restricted Under RoHS Compliance

The RoHS compliance has restricted the use of six materials in the PCBs and electronic items. They include Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and phthalates such as BBP, DEHP, BBP, and DIBP.

The compliance also specifies the maximum levels of these restricted materials in the PCBs and other electronics items.

  1. Mercury (Hg): < 100 ppm
  2. Lead (Pb): < 1000 ppm
  3. Cadmium (Cd): < 100 ppm
  4. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB): < 1000 ppm
  5. Hexavalent Chromium: (Cr VI) < 1000 ppm
  6. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE): < 1000 ppm
  7. Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): < 1000 ppm
  8. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): < 1000 ppm
  9. Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): < 1000 ppm
  10. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): < 1000 ppm

The Many Features of RoHS-Compliant Assembly Services

Many PCB assembly services are utilizing processes and technologies that help them manufacture RoHS-compliant PCB assemblies. The following are a few features that help distinguish these services from others.

  • Lead-free Surface Finishes:Many manufacturers are nowadays using lead-free surface finishes such as lead-free HASL, ENIG, Electroplated Nickel and Soft (Bondable), Hard Gold Immersion Tin (White Tin), and Organic Solderability Preservatives (OSP).
  • RoHS Compliant Substrate Materials:The choice of RoHS material depends on the requirement of the application. There are materials such as Isola IS410, and Polyclad 370HR that assure standard electrical performance; however, materials such as Isola FR415 and Polyclad Getek assure high electrical performance at low loss.
  • Primary and Secondary Services:It has been observed that many RoHS PCB assembly service providers specialized in primary and secondary services such as lead trimming, lead-free wave soldering, and many more.

Some Benefits of Using RoHS-Compliant PCBs

The benefits that are offered by lead-free and RoHS-compliant PCBs are various. The following are a few of them:

  • Helps Reduce Metal Poisoning:As the technology landscape is fast evolving, many customers are discarding their obsolete electronic equipment in landfills. Equipped with various hazardous materials, this equipment helped lead to severe poisoning. Although recycling is being performed, still the equipment may have hazardous substances in them. The RoHS directive has forced OEMs reduce their dependence on hazardous substances. This has helped reduce the impact of these materials on the environment, and people working with them.
  • Improved Product Safety:With RoHS compliance being adopted by many prominent electronics manufacturers in EU and the US, now users can be assured that the product they are using is lead and mercury free. As a result, the sales and popularity of the products from these manufacturers has tremendously increased.
  • Improved Thermal Properties:It is proven that lead-free PCBs have excellent thermal properties than their leaded counterparts. They can easily withstand temperatures between -45°C to 145°C. Nowadays, PCB manufacturers are using specialized halogen-free laminates that have further helped improve their thermal stability up to 300 °C.

The benefits of RoHS-compliant PCBs symbolize a green future.  It is important that you find a trusted RoHS-compliant assembly services provider such as Yun Industrial and ACME PCB Assembly. Our company follows processes that are audited regularly and certified as chemical free.

Call today to find out more about our RoHS-compliant assembly services.