Tag Archives: Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication

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!

ACME PCB Assembly

Providing Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Since 1993

Providing Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) Since 1993

The electronic manufacturing services (EMS) industry took off after the late 1970’s. Before this, most electronics manufacturing that was done in large quantity production runs was handled by in-house assembly only.

Now, the electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider offers more flexibility and easier resources to deal with issues for smaller companies who doing limited runs.  An electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider is able to specialize in large manufacturing, raw materials procurement, and resources.

ACME PCB AssemblySince the early 1990’s, the development of Surface Mount Technology (SMT) on PCB has allowed for the rapid assembly of electronics, many electronic components switched to Surface Mount Technology (SMT) from Through hole components.  SMT components are making more and more small footage, more and more fine pitch, the equipment for SMT components are requiring more and more accuracy. For small businesses, it is a good idea to outsource your EMS needs.

Outsourcing all your manufacturing needs to a Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider helps you to save money, it also helps you to control your overhead cost, which in turn reduces your companies overhead cost.  As a result, Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider gives you the opportunity to produce your products at a lower cost.

ACME PCB Assembly in Carson, California has been an Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider since 1993. OEMs are realizing the benefits of outsourcing versus in-house manufacturing. Outsourcing to Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) provider enables OEMs to concentrate on their core competencies by allowing Electronic manufacturing services (EMS) providers to supply manufacturing expertise. The main benefits of outsourcing include a reduction in costs and investment, additional capacity, shorter time-to-market and state-of-the-art manufacturing capabilities.

As your Contract manufacturer, ACME circuit board assembly will become a business partner who has a vested interest in your success. By outsourcing to ACME circuit board assembly, ACME PCB Assembly strive to understand your ever-changing needs in your specific competitive markets. Our objective is to provide not only quality products with a competitive price but become a partner for our customer, from product design to the distribution process.

Contact Us Today

Recycling Unused PCB

The Role of Sustainable Practices in PCB Manufacturing

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics, powering everything from smartphones to medical devices. As technology advances, so does the demand for PCBs, making sustainability in manufacturing a critical focus for the industry. Companies like Board Assembly are taking steps to incorporate sustainable practices in PCB manufacturing, ensuring a greener future while maintaining high-quality production standards.

Why Sustainability Matters in PCB Manufacturing

Turnkey Yun IndustrialThe environmental impact of PCB production is significant due to the use of raw materials, energy-intensive processes, and potential chemical waste. Without sustainable practices, PCB manufacturing contributes to resource depletion and environmental degradation. As businesses and consumers alike prioritize eco-friendly solutions, adopting sustainable methods is no longer optional but essential for the industry.

Sustainable Practices in PCB Manufacturing

  1. Material Optimization
    Sustainable PCB manufacturing starts with the selection of eco-friendly materials. For example, lead-free solders and halogen-free laminates reduce the environmental impact while ensuring product safety. Recycling leftover materials from the production process minimizes waste and conserves resources.
  2. Energy Efficiency
    Reducing energy consumption during manufacturing is another vital practice. Utilizing energy-efficient equipment and renewable energy sources can significantly lower the carbon footprint of PCB production.
  3. Chemical Management
    PCB manufacturing involves the use of chemicals for etching and plating. Sustainable practices include proper chemical management, recycling solvents, and investing in advanced wastewater treatment systems to prevent pollution.
  4. Design for Sustainability
    Creating designs that maximize efficiency and reduce material use is a growing trend. Innovations such as smaller PCBs with higher performance capabilities not only enhance product functionality but also reduce environmental impact.
  5. Recycling and End-of-Life Management
    Manufacturers are adopting practices to recycle old PCBs and recover valuable metals like gold and copper. This not only reduces electronic waste but also supports a circular economy by reusing materials in new products.

The Business Benefits of Going Green

Incorporating sustainable practices in PCB manufacturing offers more than environmental benefits. It helps companies like Board Assembly stand out in a competitive market, attract environmentally conscious clients, and comply with stringent regulations. Additionally, reducing waste and improving energy efficiency can lead to cost savings, creating a win-win for businesses and the planet.

Partner with Eco-Conscious PCB Manufacturers

By choosing a manufacturer committed to sustainability, businesses can play their part in reducing the environmental impact of electronics. Board Assembly emphasizes eco-friendly practices in PCB fabrication, ensuring high-quality products that align with environmental goals.

For more information on sustainable PCB fabrication, visit Board Assembly’s PCB Fabrication page and explore their commitment to innovation and sustainability.

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.

Bare Board

Electronics Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Fabrication

Electronics Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Fabrication

In this Technological era, more and more, fast and faster, new products are being developed to help humanity have better envelopment and better life.  All development of electronics stuff needs to use Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication services to make their products.  Selecting the right Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication house can make for a difficult challenge, it all depends on what type of product you are planning on working with.  If you are one of those companies that have more than a few products that have different requirements ACME PCB Assembly can assist you with all your needs.

ACME PCB Assembly will help you select the perfectly matched Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication house for each of your new jobs.  We currently are working with over 10 Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication houses, so we can closely match all new incoming inquires to an Electronics Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication house.

Each Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication house has strengths in different areas.  All offer great economic cost, flexibility of service, quick turn-around lead time.  There are a variety of factors to help you choose a great Printed Circuit Board (PCB) fabrication shop for each different project needs, but it is one of ACME PCB Assembly’s specialty.

New customer special discount on 2 & 4 layers printed circuit board fabrication. Trust our high-quality standard is the main reason we always have return customer. ACME Printed Circuit Board Assembly has over 25% customers are over 10 years relationship.  Over 25 years in the printed circuit board assembly service business, ACME Printed Circuit Board Assembly knows how to make customer satisfied.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationACME PCB Assembly is in Carson, California and provides the following services and more.

ACME PCB Assembly is an ISO 9001:2008 certified EMS provider, we make sure that you get the best price without compromising the quality. We take full responsibility for your printed circuit board order since we only use ACME PCB Assembly certified suppliers as our domestic and offshore partner.

Contact us today to find out about our other services and how we can help your business.