Tag Archives: pcb assembly

Printed Circuit Boards

What is a PCB Silkscreen on Printed Circuit Boards?

If you grew up taking apart radios, computers, or video game consoles just to see how they worked, you’ve likely studied a printed circuit board (PCB) up close. Among the intricate metallic traces and soldered components, you might have noticed small white letters, numbers, and symbols printed across the board’s surface. These markings aren’t random—they’re part of a critical layer called the PCB silkscreen.

Understanding the PCB Silkscreen Layer

The PCB silkscreen is a printed layer that provides human-readable information on a circuit board. Typically created with special inks, the silkscreen identifies important features such as:

  • Component reference designators (like R1, C5, U2)

  • Test points

  • Warning symbols

  • Company logos

  • Part numbers and date codes

  • Polarity indicators for diodes, LEDs, and capacitors

Most PCB silkscreens are printed in white ink because it contrasts clearly with the traditional green solder mask. However, silkscreen inks can also be black, red, blue, or yellow, depending on the board’s color scheme or specific customer requests.

Why Is the Silkscreen Important?

The silkscreen acts as a visual guide for anyone who assembles, repairs, or tests the PCB. It tells workers how components should be placed and identifies key features to assist in troubleshooting and maintenance. Without a clear silkscreen, identifying the purpose or placement of components could quickly become confusing, leading to costly mistakes or longer assembly times.

Additionally, the silkscreen enhances safety by marking high-voltage areas or other hazards clearly.

How Silkscreens Are Applied

Printed Circuit Board FabricationAdding the silkscreen is typically the final step in PCB fabrication, done while the boards are still panelized. The ink used must be carefully chosen to withstand the chemicals and heat involved in soldering and assembly. Once printed, the board moves to the final finishing or routing phase.

There are several methods for applying a silkscreen:

  • Manual Screen Printing: Traditional, cost-effective for low-volume runs

  • Liquid Photo Imaging (LPI): Offers higher precision for dense, complex boards

  • Direct Legend Printing (DLP): Uses inkjet printers for extremely accurate and fast printing

Each method is selected based on the PCB’s design complexity, production volume, and budget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Silkscreen Design

Even experienced PCB designers can make mistakes when preparing the silkscreen layer. Some key things to watch out for:

  • Avoid printing over pads: Silkscreen ink can interfere with soldering and create defects.

  • Keep text legible: Fonts should be large enough to read easily, even after solder mask application.

  • Allow for registration tolerance: Slight shifts during manufacturing mean text and symbols should have enough spacing to stay clear and readable.

A well-designed silkscreen makes the PCB easier to work with and improves overall product quality.

Turnkey Yun IndustrialTrust ACME PCB for Quality PCB Manufacturing

At ACME PCB, we take pride in handling every detail of your PCB project—including the silkscreen layer. Our team ensures that every marking is clear, correct, and perfectly aligned, giving you boards that are not only functional but also easier to assemble, maintain, and troubleshoot.

Need a reliable PCB manufacturer that gets the details right? Contact ACME PCB today to get started!

Box Build Assembly

Box Build vs. PCB Assembly

What’s the Difference and When Do You Need Both?

When it comes to producing electronic devices, PCB assembly and box build are two essential processes that play different but complementary roles in bringing products to life. While many people are familiar with PCB assembly — where components are mounted on a printed circuit board — box build assembly takes it a step further by creating the finished product that’s ready for market.

If you’re wondering what separates a box build from PCB assembly, and when you need both services, this guide will break it down in simple terms.

What Is PCB Assembly?

PCB assembly (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is the process of placing and soldering electronic components like resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors onto a bare circuit board. This process can involve surface mount technology (SMT), through-hole technology, or a combination of both.

In short, PCB assembly focuses on the brain of the device — the electronic board that powers everything.

Key steps in PCB assembly include:

  • Solder paste application
  • Pick and place of components
  • Reflow soldering or wave soldering
  • Inspection and testing

PCB assembly is essential for any electronic device but does not complete the final product — that’s where box build comes in.

What Is a Box Build?

Box BuildA box build (also known as system integration or electronic box build assembly) involves assembling all the necessary components — including the PCB — into a finished, fully functional product.

Think of box build as the final stage of electronic manufacturing. Once your PCB is assembled, tested, and functioning, box build assembly packages everything into its enclosure, adds wiring, and includes other mechanical and electrical parts.

Key elements of box build assembly include:

  • Enclosure assembly (metal, plastic, custom housing)
  • Mounting of PCBs, displays, switches, and other modules
  • Wiring and cable harness assembly
  • Installing connectors, power supplies, fans, and other accessories
  • Full system testing and verification

For more about box build services, check out https://boardassembly.com/box-builds/.

Box Build vs. PCB Assembly: What’s the Difference?

Feature PCB Assembly Box Build Assembly
Focus Assembling components on a circuit board Assembling final product including PCB
Includes Only the electronic board and components PCB + wiring, housing, connectors, and more
End Result A working circuit board Fully assembled, ready-to-use product
Additional Work No enclosures, no system integration Full system integration, packaging, labeling
Testing PCB-level electrical tests System-level testing to verify total function

When Do You Need Both PCB Assembly and Box Build?

Most finished electronic products require both PCB assembly and box build to be market-ready. If you are producing any of the following, you will likely need both services:

  • Consumer electronics (smart devices, home gadgets)
  • Medical devices (monitors, diagnostic tools)
  • Industrial equipment (control panels, automation systems)
  • Telecommunication devices (routers, communication boxes)
  • IoT devices (smart sensors, connected devices)

Here’s when both services are essential:

  1. Product Readiness: If you want a product ready for sale or shipment — not just a circuit board — you need box build after PCB assembly.
  2. Complex Wiring Needs: If your device requires wiring, cable assemblies, and mechanical enclosures, a box build is necessary to integrate these parts.
  3. Testing & Compliance: Final system-level testing (functional tests, safety tests) happens during box build, ensuring the product works as intended before it reaches customers.

Why Work with a Partner Who Offers Both?

Choosing a manufacturing partner like Board Assembly that offers both PCB assembly and box build services can save time, reduce costs, and improve quality control. Here’s why:

  • Streamlined communication: Manage one relationship instead of coordinating between separate vendors.
  • Faster turnaround: PCB and box build handled under one roof means fewer delays.
  • Lower costs: Combined services often mean better pricing on components and assembly.
  • Better quality assurance: One team ensures your product is built and tested according to your specifications.

Box BuildWhile PCB assembly focuses on building the electronic board, box build assembly brings all components together into a finished, functional product. Most companies need both services to ensure their devices are ready for customers.

If you’re looking for a reliable partner for box builds and PCB assembly, Board Assembly has the expertise to handle your project from start to finish — simplifying your production process and delivering high-quality results.

Contact Us to Learn More

➡️ Ready to start your next electronic box build or PCB assembly project? Contact Board Assembly today to discuss how we can help streamline your manufacturing and bring your product to life!

ACME Go Green for the Environment

ACME PCB Assembly: A Greenhouse for Sustainable Electronic Manufacturing

BGA assemblyACME PCB Assembly is setting a remarkable example of sustainability in electronic manufacturing by leveraging renewable energy. Their solar panel system, which generates 64.2KW, offers incredible environmental benefits. Over the next 30 years, this PV system is projected to offset 4,136,092 pounds of CO2 emissions, reduce particulates linked to asthma by 817 pounds, and equate to taking 21.8 cars off the road for 25 years or planting 35.5 acres of trees. Impressive, isn’t it? A well-deserved round of applause for ACME PCB Assembly!

The drive to “go green” stems from more than just a desire to conserve nature. It’s about fostering economic growth, ensuring social and physical well-being, and securing a sustainable future. As industries like electronics heavily rely on natural resources, the shift to eco-conscious practices is both necessary and urgent.

According to EcoWatch, the depletion of resources vital to powering economies and improving livelihoods is an escalating environmental and economic concern. Non-renewable materials, essential for many industries, are being exhausted at alarming rates. Even renewable resources face challenges, as their replenishment often requires significant time. The experts emphasize the pressing need for industries to adopt sustainable strategies to mitigate these risks.

Why Sustainability Matters

The electronics industry relies heavily on natural resources, making the shift to sustainable practices both urgent and necessary. According to environmental experts, the depletion of non-renewable resources is accelerating, while even renewable resources require significant time to replenish. Without action, industries risk exhausting the materials vital to powering economies and improving livelihoods.

At ACME PCB Assembly, we recognize this challenge and are taking proactive steps to address it. By adopting green manufacturing practices, we’re not only conserving resources but also inspiring others to follow suit.

Join the Green Revolution

Sustainability is the future of manufacturing, and ACME PCB Assembly is leading the way. By leveraging renewable energy and eco-friendly processes, we’re proving that innovation and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.

Learn more about how we’re transforming electronic manufacturing at ACME PCB Assembly. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future.

At ACME PCB Assembly, sustainability is not just a buzzword—it’s an operational standard. By integrating green practices into their processes, they are not only reducing their ecological footprint but also inspiring others to follow suit.

Curious to learn more about how ACME PCB Assembly is leading the way in green electronic manufacturing? Contact us today and discover how sustainability can power innovation.

Contact us for more information how we go green in our processes.  

 

pcb-prototype

Make 2025 the Year You Bring Your Big Idea to Life

Have you been sitting on the next big invention idea, waiting for the perfect time to bring it to life? With 2025 fast approaching, there’s no better time to turn your dream into reality. While creating a new product can feel overwhelming, there are experienced companies ready to help you every step of the way.

PCB Fabrication and AssemblyOne of the most critical stages in a product’s lifecycle is the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase. This is the exciting yet challenging transition from concept to production, where your idea starts to take shape. At Yun Industrial / ACME PCB, we specialize in making this process seamless. With decades of experience, we’ve helped countless entrepreneurs, inventors, and startups prototype the printed circuit boards (PCBs) their inventions rely on.

Not sure about the exact design or schematics for your PCB? Don’t worry—that’s where we come in. From initial planning and design to building and testing, we’ll guide you through the entire process. For other components of your product, we can connect you with additional vendors, ensuring you have complete support from start to finish.

Once your prototype is ready, you’ll be in a strong position to pitch to investors, test your product, and move closer to market success.

We offer a full range of PCB Assembly Services, including rework, BGA, SMT, Turnkey, Thru-Hole, Lead-Free, and Prototype assembly. Beyond PCBs, we provide add-on services like Injection Molding and Metal Work & Finishing. With over 26 years of expertise in Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS), Yun Industrial and ACME PCB are trusted partners for turning ideas into reality.

Don’t let another year pass with your invention stuck in your head. Contact us today to start prototyping the PCBs you need and make 2025 your year of innovation!

Declaration of Metal Conflict-Free Metal

Declaration of Conflict-Free Metal

Acme PCB Assembly hereby declares that the metal used in our production line is Conflict-Free

Acme PCB Assembly had investigated and will continue to monitor our supply chain to ensure that metal such as gold(Au), Tungsten(W), Tantalum(Ta), cobalt(Co), and Tin(Sn) are not derived or sourced from mines in conflict areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo, or exported through illegal means or trade routes that are controlled by non-governmental military group, unlawful military factions.

As Yun Industrial Co., Ltd. dba: Acme PCB Assembly registered in the united States of America, the trade routes that are considered “Non Conflict Free” include direct export from Congo, as well as exports through Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. (metal exports from these countries are deemed by U.N. Security Council as part of Democratic Republic of Congo- mined minerals.)

We hereby confirm that the metals used in our products are ” Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict-Free”

We seek to be a valued partner to our customers by continuously striving to provide superior quality products and services with on-time delivery at very competitive prices.

As a full-service contract electronics manufacturer of both surface mount (SMT) and thru-hole (PTH) assembly, to support our mission, we continually acquire state-of-the art equipment to assure that we have the best resources to meet all of your PCB assembly requirements.

Supplier Company: Yun Industrial Co., Ltd. dba: ACME PCB Assembly