Tag Archives: Printed Circuit Board Assembly Service Provider

Recycling Unused PCB

Can You Recycle PCBs? Smarter Solutions for Unused Printed Circuit Boards

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are found in nearly every electronic device—and with demand for electronics continuing to rise, PCBs are everywhere. But what happens when those PCBs become obsolete, go unused, or are left over from discontinued product lines? Is PCB recycling even possible?

At ACME PCB Assembly, we’re not only experts in fabrication and assembly—we also offer solutions that can give unused PCBs a second life, reducing waste and supporting sustainability.

Electronic circuit boardWhat Is a PCB, Really?

Before deciding whether a PCB can be recycled, let’s first understand what it’s made of. A standard PCB is a laminated sandwich of:

  • Copper layers

  • FR-4 substrate (a fiberglass reinforced epoxy resin that’s flame resistant)

  • Tin, silver, and even trace amounts of gold

These materials present both opportunities and challenges for recycling. While metals like copper and precious metals are recoverable, the epoxy and fiberglass components are more difficult to process without specialized facilities.

Can You Actually Recycle PCBs?

Yes—and no. While full recycling of PCBs is complicated and energy-intensive, that doesn’t mean your unused PCBs are destined for the landfill.

There are two smart alternatives:

  1. Repurposing and Reworking
    If the PCB hasn’t been populated with components, or even if it has, ACME PCB Assembly may be able to rework, re-solder, or repurpose it for use in a different product.

  2. Recovering Materials
    Certain recycling centers specialize in extracting the copper and precious metals from PCBs. However, this process often requires high heat or chemical treatment and may not be environmentally friendly if done improperly.

Printed Circuit BoardsWhat Electronics Design Engineers Can Do

Designing with sustainability in mind is a growing priority. Here’s how design engineers can help make PCBs more recyclable:

  • Choose materials that are easier to reclaim

  • Avoid overordering—order what you need and scale as you go

  • Design modular boards that can be reused in other product lines

  • Work with a partner like ACME PCB Assembly to review redesign and reuse options

Got Extra PCBs Taking Up Space?

Let’s say you placed a large order of custom PCBs for a now-discontinued product. You’ve got a warehouse full of unused boards, and you’re wondering if it’s time to toss them.

Don’t trash them just yet. Contact ACME PCB Assembly—our expert technicians are highly trained in de-soldering and re-soldering surface-mounted components. We also have specialized equipment to help re-purpose boards for future use, saving you time, money, and environmental impact.

Partner with ACME for Smarter PCB Solutions

Whether you’re looking to recycle, repurpose, or rework unused PCBs, ACME PCB Assembly is here to help. With over 25 years in the PCB industry, we know how to turn leftover parts into new opportunities.

👉 Give us a call today to see how we can help transform your surplus PCBs into the backbone of your next big innovation.

How to Choose the Right Printed Circuit Board for Your Application

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are at the heart of nearly every electronic device we use today—from smartphones and medical monitors to aerospace controls and industrial machines. Choosing the right PCB for your specific application isn’t just about picking the cheapest option—it’s about ensuring your product functions reliably, efficiently, and safely.

So how do you know which type of PCB is right for your needs? Let’s walk through the key factors to consider when selecting a PCB during the PCB Fabrication process.

Printed Circuit Board Fabrication1. Understand Your Application Requirements

Start by clearly identifying the role the PCB will play in your device. Ask yourself:

  • Will the board be used in a high-temperature environment?
  • Does it need to be flexible or rigid?
  • Will it handle high frequencies or power loads?
  • Are there space constraints or weight limits?

Understanding the physical and functional demands of your application will help guide your PCB design, material choices, and layout.

2. Choose the Right Type of PCB

There are several types of Printed Circuit Boards, each serving different purposes:

  • Single-sided PCBs – Great for simple, low-cost electronics like calculators and toys.
  • Double-sided PCBs – Common in consumer electronics where moderate complexity is needed.
  • Multi-layer PCBs – Ideal for high-performance, compact designs like smartphones, servers, and aerospace tech.
  • Rigid PCBs – Best for durable, permanent structures.
  • Flexible PCBs – Perfect for wearables, medical devices, or curved applications.
  • Rigid-Flex PCBs – Used in high-performance electronics that require both flexibility and strength.

The right type depends on both your performance needs and your product’s design limitations.

3. Select the Proper Materials

In PCB Fabrication, the choice of materials affects durability, conductivity, heat resistance, and cost. Common materials include:

  • FR-4 – A widely used fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate; affordable and versatile.
  • Polyimide – Offers better flexibility and heat resistance, great for aerospace and military uses.
  • Ceramic – Provides high thermal conductivity and is used in high-frequency or high-power applications.

Choosing the right substrate and copper thickness is crucial to match your performance and environmental needs.

4. Consider Signal Integrity and Thermal Management

For applications involving high-speed signals or high power, signal integrity and heat dissipation become critical. Your PCB layout, trace widths, spacing, and use of thermal vias must be optimized to prevent overheating and maintain performance.

This is especially true for industries like automotive, aerospace, and medical—where failure isn’t an option.

5. Work with an Experienced Manufacturer

Your PCB is only as good as the partner who fabricates and assembles it. At BoardAssembly.com, we specialize in high-quality PCB Fabrication tailored to your application’s unique needs. Whether you’re working on a prototype or full production run, we deliver precision, reliability, and expert support throughout the process.

Electronic circuit boardChoosing the right Printed Circuit Board isn’t just a technical decision—it’s a strategic one. By understanding your application, selecting the right materials, and working with a trusted manufacturer, you’ll set your project up for long-term success.

Ready to get started? Visit our PCB Fabrication page to learn more about our capabilities or contact us to discuss your project.

Medical equipment setup with monitors and various instruments.

The Crucial Role of Printed Circuit Boards in Medical Device Manufacturing

In the world of medical device manufacturing, few components are as essential as Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). These small but powerful platforms are the backbone of modern medical technology, ensuring that devices perform accurately, safely, and reliably—especially in life-saving situations.

Today’s medical devices, from pacemakers and defibrillators to wearable monitors and diagnostic equipment, rely on compact, high-performance PCB fabrication to function at their best. But what exactly makes PCBs so critical to this industry?

PCB Fabrication near meCompactness and Efficiency in Medical Technology

As medical technology evolves, devices are becoming smaller, smarter, and more portable. This push for miniaturization demands printed circuit boards that are both compact and capable of handling complex operations in tight spaces. Whether it’s a handheld diagnostic tool or an implantable medical device, PCBs allow engineers to integrate multiple functions within a single, space-saving platform.

Custom PCB Fabrication for Specialized Medical Applications

Every medical device has unique requirements. That’s why custom PCB fabrication is essential in this industry. Each board must be carefully designed to meet strict technical and regulatory standards.

From high-resolution imaging systems like MRI machines to portable glucose monitors, custom-designed PCBs ensure accuracy and functionality across diverse medical environments. Tailored layouts, trace designs, and component placement all play a role in the precision performance of the final device.

Uncompromising Reliability and Quality Standards

When patient health is on the line, there’s no room for error. PCBs used in medical devices must meet the highest standards of reliability and consistency. Any malfunction or failure could lead to serious consequences.

As a result, the PCB fabrication process for medical devices follows rigorous quality control procedures. Every board undergoes careful inspection and testing to ensure it performs flawlessly, even in demanding conditions such as sterilization, extreme temperatures, or high electromagnetic interference.

Safe Materials and Sterilization Compatibility

Medical PCBs must also comply with safety and sanitation requirements. Materials are selected based not only on performance but also on biocompatibility and sterilization resistance. For example, boards used in surgical tools or implantable devices often need to withstand autoclaving, UV exposure, or chemical cleaning agents.

This adds complexity to the PCB fabrication process and highlights the importance of working with a trusted partner that understands the specific needs of the medical industry.

Printed Circuit BoardsSupporting the Shift to Digital Healthcare

Modern healthcare relies heavily on real-time data—whether it’s monitoring patient vitals, powering sensors, or supporting communication between devices. High-speed printed circuit boards enable fast, accurate data transmission, ensuring that medical staff and patients receive reliable performance from their devices.

As medical devices grow smarter and more connected, the role of PCBs in supporting digital innovation continues to expand.

Driving Innovation in Medical Device Manufacturing

The demand for next-generation medical technology is pushing PCB design and fabrication into exciting new territory. With advancements in flexible PCBs, high-density interconnects (HDI), and miniaturized components, today’s boards are helping bring cutting-edge solutions to life.

At the heart of this progress is reliable, high-quality PCB fabrication—the foundation for medical devices that deliver life-saving care with precision and confidence.

Partner with a PCB Fabrication Expert You Can Trust

At Board Assembly, we understand the critical role Printed Circuit Boards play in medical devices. Our U.S.-based team is experienced in fabricating and assembling PCBs that meet the exacting standards of the healthcare industry.

Whether you’re developing a new device or improving an existing design, we’re here to help you build with reliability, safety, and innovation in mind.

Box Build

Modifying and Reworking Electronic Printed Circuit Boards in USA

There is constantly a need for all circuit board repair and rework.  ACME PCB Assembly provides common rework and modification services for your existing printed circuit boards.  We will custom fit our service to our clients needs by using a wide variety of leading-edge technology.  We have highly skilled staff that will complete your project on time or as a 1-day assembly.

ACME PCB Assembly provides refinishing and repairs of all types of electronic printed circuit boards, which usually involves de-soldering and re-soldering of the surface mounted electronic components.  Manual techniques by expert personnel using appropriate equipment are required to replace defective components; area array packages such as ball grid array (BGA) devices particularly require expertise and appropriate tools.

A hot air gun or hot air station is used to heat devices and melt solder, and specialized tools are used to pick up and position often tiny components.  Before you consign circuit boards to the scrap barrel, call ACME PCB Assembly , because today no company can afford to throw money away.

310.715.1898

pcb-prototype

PCB Design Best Practices: Tips from the Experts

PCB Assembly service in Los AngelesPrinted Circuit Boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronic devices. From smartphones to industrial machinery, PCBs ensure that electrical components are connected and function properly. Whether you’re developing a small prototype or scaling up production, good PCB design practices are critical to success. Here are some expert tips to help you design efficient, high-quality PCBs.

1. Plan Your Layout Strategically

The layout of your PCB can make or break your design. Start by organizing components based on their function and proximity to each other. Grouping similar components minimizes the length of signal paths, which helps reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and improves overall signal integrity. Additionally, ensure that your printed circuit boards have enough space to accommodate each component without overcrowding.

Visit our PCB Layout Services to learn how we can assist with optimizing your design layout.

2. Prioritize Signal Integrity

Signal integrity is essential to the reliable performance of your circuit. To maintain high signal quality, route sensitive traces such as clock signals away from high-current traces. Consider using differential pairs for high-speed signals to minimize noise. Proper grounding and shielding techniques can also help reduce noise and improve signal integrity.

Discover how our PCB Assembly Services can help ensure the highest levels of signal integrity in your projects.

3. Optimize Power Distribution

Power distribution is often overlooked but is crucial for maintaining the stability of your PCB. Design a robust power distribution network with ample decoupling capacitors placed near power pins to minimize voltage fluctuations. Use wide traces for power and ground planes to reduce resistance and ensure reliable power delivery.

Learn more about our PCB Power Distribution Solutions that can help you build a reliable power network for your design.

4. Minimize Crosstalk

Crosstalk occurs when signals on nearby traces interfere with each other, leading to performance issues or even complete system failure. To minimize crosstalk, increase the spacing between parallel signal traces or route them perpendicularly across different layers. You can also add ground planes between signal layers to shield traces from interference.

For more expert insights on reducing crosstalk, check out our PCB Expert Advice.

5. Use Design for Manufacturability (DFM) Principles

DFM ensures that your PCB design is optimized for easy and cost-effective manufacturing. This involves following industry standards for trace widths, hole sizes, and pad dimensions, as well as minimizing the use of unnecessary vias. Working closely with your manufacturer during the design phase will help avoid costly errors and delays later in production.

For expert guidance on DFM, contact our team at Board Assembly.

6. Test and Simulate Early and Often

Testing is a critical part of the PCB design process. Use simulation tools to verify the performance of your PCB design before manufacturing. Early testing helps identify potential issues such as signal interference, power integrity problems, or thermal issues, allowing you to make adjustments without incurring costly rework.

Check out our PCB Testing Services to learn more about how we ensure the reliability of your PCBs.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationFollowing these PCB design best practices can lead to more efficient, reliable, and manufacturable printed circuit boards. Whether you’re designing a simple prototype or a complex multi-layer PCB, keeping these tips in mind will help you achieve optimal results.

If you need expert support with your PCB design, assembly, or testing, visit Board Assembly and explore our wide range of services. We’re here to help you bring your designs to life with precision and quality.

Ready to get started? Contact our team at Board Assembly for professional PCB design and manufacturing support.

Continue reading →