Tag Archives: PCB fabrication

Recycling Unused PCB

Sustainability in PCB Manufacturing: Building a Greener Future for Electronics

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of nearly every modern electronic device—from smartphones and automotive systems to medical equipment and industrial controls. As global electronics demand continues to rise in 2025 and beyond, the environmental impact of PCB manufacturing has become a central concern for manufacturers, engineers, and consumers alike. Today, sustainability is no longer a trend—it is a responsibility. Forward-thinking companies like Board Assembly are embracing eco-conscious manufacturing practices to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Why Sustainability Matters More Than Ever

rework your pcbPCB production is traditionally resource-intensive. It requires large amounts of raw materials, water, energy, and chemical processing. Without proactive sustainability efforts, these processes can contribute to carbon emissions, hazardous waste, and long-term environmental damage. At the same time, many OEMs and end users now demand greener supply chains. Regulatory pressure is increasing, and corporate responsibility expectations are higher than ever. Sustainable PCB manufacturing is now essential to long-term business success and global environmental stewardship.

Key Sustainable Practices in Modern PCB Manufacturing

Material Optimization

One of the most important steps toward sustainability starts with material selection. Today’s manufacturers increasingly rely on lead-free solders, halogen-free laminates, and RoHS-compliant components to reduce toxic exposure and improve recyclability. In addition, unused material from fabrication runs is now more frequently recovered and reused to minimize waste.

Energy Efficiency

Energy consumption remains one of the largest contributors to a PCB manufacturer’s carbon footprint. In 2025, many facilities are modernizing with high-efficiency SMT equipment, LED lighting, and optimized production workflows. Some manufacturers are also incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar power, significantly lowering overall emissions.

Advanced Chemical Management

Etching, plating, and surface finishing require chemicals that must be handled responsibly. Sustainable facilities invest in closed-loop chemical recycling systems, solvent recovery programs, and state-of-the-art wastewater treatment to prevent harmful discharge into the environment. These systems protect both the environment and worker safety.

Design for Sustainability

Engineers now play a direct role in environmental impact reduction through design for sustainability (DfS). Smaller PCB layouts, HDI designs, and optimized trace routing reduce material usage while increasing electrical performance. Multi-functional boards reduce the need for multiple assemblies, helping lower both manufacturing waste and energy consumption.

Recycling and End-of-Life Recovery

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams in the world. Sustainable PCB manufacturers now support recycling programs that recover valuable metals such as gold, copper, and silver from old circuit boards. This circular economy approach reduces demand for new mining while keeping harmful materials out of landfills.

The Business Advantages of Sustainable Manufacturing

Sustainability is not only good for the environment—it also makes strong business sense. Companies that adopt green manufacturing practices benefit from:

  • Lower long-term operational costs

  • Reduced regulatory risk

  • Stronger brand reputation

  • Increased appeal to environmentally conscious customers

  • Improved supply chain stability

In today’s competitive electronics market, sustainability is now a differentiator that directly influences purchasing decisions.

Partner with an Eco-Conscious PCB Manufacturer

PCB Assembly service in Los AngelesBy selecting a manufacturer committed to sustainable production, businesses take an active role in protecting the environment without sacrificing performance or reliability. Board Assembly continues to emphasize environmentally responsible practices across its PCB fabrication and assembly services, delivering high-quality circuit boards that meet both engineering and environmental standards.

To learn more about sustainable PCB manufacturing, visit Board Assembly’s PCB Fabrication page and discover how innovation and environmental responsibility are shaping the future of electronics.

Printed Circuit Board Fabrication

Protecting your PCB with Solder Mask

You might be wondering what solder mask is and why it’s important.  Solder masks are a very important part of protecting a PCB.  Solder mask, or solder resister is a thin covering that protects the PCB from oxidation.  It also prevents solder bridges from forming between solder pads that are close together. One example of other ways that solder masks can be used effectively by companies are how solder masks are traditionally green but are also available in different colors. The Different colors can be used to tell apart revisions easier.

If you have a revision made and already have one board green then the revision done using two white boards, you can tell the difference just by looking at it. The color of the solder masks has no effect on the performance of the PCB itself. However, the difference between the colors is the resolution of the board will be different. Colors like red and blue match the iconic green PCB in resolution. Black and yellow solder masks however have significantly less resolution than green and the clear solder masks have greater resolutions.

Solder Mask on Printed Circuit BoardsThere are many theories why solder masks were originally green. One of the reasons was because when the solder mask was first produced, the base resin was a brownish yellow and the hardener was a muddy brown. When you combined these two components to form the solder mask, it turned green. Another theory was because green has been proven by many scientists that the color is the most visible and noticeable to the human eye. Colors are just different wavelengths and yellow and green are the wavelengths that are most easily noticeable under normal light. Green is the easiest to see, and easy on the eyes so they won’t tire the human out. This factor helps assemblers and quality control inspectors so maybe that is why green is the iconic color that the image of a PCB has come to accept.

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Printed Circuit Board Fabrication

Top Benefits of Using High-Quality PCBs in Your Projects

In today’s fast-paced technology landscape, using high-quality PCBs in your projects is essential for success. Printed circuit boards form the backbone of countless devices, from smartphones to industrial machines, and their performance can make or break your innovation. Ensuring that the printed circuit boards you select meet rigorous standards and are produced under stringent quality control measures is key to delivering reliable, durable, and efficient products.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationWhen working on any tech-driven project, it’s crucial to focus on the longevity and performance of your components. High-quality PCBs offer enhanced reliability, reducing the likelihood of malfunction or failure in the field. This is especially important in industries where downtime can result in costly delays or safety hazards. By sourcing printed circuit boards from a trusted provider like Board Assembly, you ensure that each PCB is meticulously inspected and tested, guaranteeing that it can withstand even the most challenging environments.

Another critical advantage of using high-quality PCBs is their ability to handle complex circuitry while maintaining efficiency. Whether your project involves compact devices or large-scale applications, well-designed printed circuit boards allow for optimal layout, minimizing noise and interference while maximizing performance. Quality control throughout the production process ensures that each board is built to precise specifications, eliminating errors and inconsistencies that could otherwise impact functionality.

Beyond functionality, investing in high-quality PCBs also enhances the overall reputation of your product. By delivering a reliable, robust solution to your customers, you establish trust and credibility, setting your business apart from competitors who may cut corners by using inferior components. The importance of partnering with a company like Board Assembly that prioritizes quality control cannot be overstated.

In conclusion, using high-quality PCBs in your projects isn’t just a technical requirement—it’s a strategic move to ensure long-term success and market differentiation. If you’re looking to integrate printed circuit boards that are built to last, perform reliably, and meet the highest standards, visit Board Assembly today to explore how their expertise and commitment to excellence can elevate your next project.

Cable Harness Assembly

ACME PCB Assembly Offers Cable Harness Services

Cable Assemblies include one or more wires that run together in a single sleeve with a connector or plug on each end.  Cable assemblies could be groups of wires or cables bundled together.  They are wrapped in a thermoplastic or vinyl sleeve, cable assemblies are ideal for directing groups of wires and cables around obstacles.

Cable assemblies are designed to perform specific functions that is determined by the plugs, terminals, and connectors that are found on each end.  They are used in most electronic applications, everything from flat panel displays to the automotive electronic system to integrated cockpit systems to simple LED lighted clothing, costumes and accessories.

What Do You Use Cable Assemblies For?

Cable assemblies intersect or interconnect different circuits or electrical paths, so they work together to transmit signals or power.  They usually only have two ends to connect point A to point B.

Ethernet Cable HarnessFor example, ethernet cable assemblies are designed to provide service supporting bandwidth speeds up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet, such as large data centers, military field units, and medical facilities.  For those applications that require a lightweight, smaller assembly that can transmit clearly and rapidly over great distances, support greater bandwidths, with high voltage isolation, then fiber optic cable assemblies would meet those needs.  A few of the industries that utilize fiber optic cable assemblies, include aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical, and military applications.

Cable harnesses are more complex in nature and may require different machinery and tools to be consistent with production. Creating slits and windows in cables demand specialized equipment to handle the various conductors within the insulation.  We

Located in Carson, California, ACME PCB Assembly utilizes top of the line technology from Schleuniger to perfectly cut, strip, and process any wire or cable you need. After 25 plus years in the business, ACME PCB Assembly has the experience to be your contract manufacturer for cable & wire harness projects. As an IPC-A-610 certified assembler with a certified trainer in house, you can be rest assured the cables and wires that come out of ACME will exceed the standards.

cable assemblies, cable harness assembly, cable harness service Los Angeles, cable harness

Printed Circuit Board Fabrication

Commonly Used Terms in PCB Assembly

What the Heck Is Your PCB Vendor Talking About? – Common Terms for PCB Assembly

Printed Circuit Board FabricationEvery industry has its established lingo, which helps its members communicate more efficiently. If you are on the outside looking in, however, it can seem like they are speaking a foreign tongue. This becomes a problem when you need to work with vendors on ordering printed circuit boards for your device or your prototype. If you’ve gotten lost while trying to speak to your vendor (SMP, SME, SMD?), then you’ve come to the right place. Here is our no-nonsense guide on the most common terms in the printed circuit board industry:

  • PCB – Stands for Printed Circuit Board. Printed circuit boards are found in every single device that uses computing and data. PCBs act as the “highway” in transferring data between components within a device.
  • THM – Stands for Through-Hole Mounting (also known as Thru-Hole Mounting). THM is an older assembly technology that mounts components on a PCB by drilling holes through the printed circuit board and placing component leads into the drilled holes. THM has largely been replaced by SMT assembly, though there are still some situations in which THM is preferred.
  • SMT – Stands for Surface Mount Technology. SMT was first introduced in the 1960s and rose to prominence in the 1980s. Today, it is the dominant form of PCB assembly. SMT does not require drilling holes through a printed circuit board. Its components are smaller than THM and can be placed on both sides of the PCB. This allows for a denser allotment of components and a more powerful PCB.
  • Substrate – The substrate is the actual board upon which wires and components are placed. It gives the PCB its structure and also insulates conductive parts. PCBs can be made from a variety of different substrates. All PCB substrates are non-conductive. Common substrate materials are: FR-4 (a fiberglass-epoxy laminate), Teflon, ceramics, specialized polymers
  • Traces – Traces are the things that electrically connect the connectors to the components. The most common material for the traces is copper. The copper layer of a PCB goes on top of the substrate. In double-sided PCBs, copper traces are placed on both sides of the PCB.
  • Soldermask – Have you ever wondered why almost all PCBs are green? This is the soldermask. This layer goes on top of the copper layer and functions to insulate the copper traces. It prevents the highly conductive copper traces from making contact with other metal components of the PCB.

While this is far from an exhaustive list of common terms used in the PCB industry, hopefully this guide will help you better understand and communicate with your printed circuit board manufacturer.

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