The process of printed circuit board assembly is done in several steps, and these are some of the most important ones:
Printed circuit board design
The printed circuit board design is the first step in the process of PCB assembly. This process can be done either by hand or by using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The design files contain all the necessary information to build a printed circuit board.
The printed circuit board design process is an important step because it ensures that the physical dimensions and placement of components on a PCB will be correct. With this in mind, it’s even possible to test the performance of a printed circuit board with CAD software before moving to the next step in the manufacturing process.
PCB fabrication
The printed circuit board manufacturing process involves a number of steps, including imaging, plating, drilling and etching. These steps can be carried out manually or with automated machines depending on the size of the production run and the complexity of the printed circuit board (PCB).
Component sourcing and procurement
Apart from using CAD software to create a printed circuit board design, it’s also possible to use it for electronic component selection. This is especially useful if you want to see how different components will interact with each other on a PCB before actually it actually builds.
The process of printed circuit board assembly involves the application of electronic components on a PCB board. The most common type of PCB is the FR4, which is rigid and has the ability to dissipate heat.
PCB assembly can be done through the following 2 techniques:
Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
In this step, components are attached to the surface of a PCB using solder paste. The solder paste is deposited onto the surface using a stencil that has holes for each pad. A pick-and-place machine will then deposit components into the solder paste. The board is then passed through an oven that melts the solder and permanently attaches the components to the board.
Through-Hole Technology (THT)
This step involves attaching components through holes in a PCB using a soldering iron or wave soldering machine. Through-hole technology was used before SMT became popular because it was easier to build circuits on boards with only through-hole parts. Most modern PCBs are made with only SMT parts but some still require through-hole parts such as connectors, potentiometers, and switches.
3 pointers that can help in the selection of the right company
The electronics industry is huge, and with the advent of consumer electronics, it continues to grow. As it evolves, the demand for printed circuit boards, or PCBs, also grows as they’re a key part of almost all electronics.
That means that PCB assembly services are in high demand — and there are a lot of them out there. So how can you make sure you choose the right one?
Here are 3 tips to help you find the best PCB assembly company for your needs:
Choose cost-effectiveness over cost
As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. If you find a company that offers printed circuit board assembly at rock-bottom prices, it’s probably too good to be true. In order to do quality work, companies have to invest in staff training, purchase top-of-the-line equipment and so on — which increases their overhead and pushes up costs. But that doesn’t mean that you should immediately settle on the first quote you receive (more on that later). Instead, look for value and ensure that the company is giving the best price possible for what they offer.
Choose experience over who’s new on the block
Skills and experience don’t come overnight — they take time to build. You need to invest in a company that can help you build quality electronic products. Your company should be experienced enough to handle deadlines and offers excellent customer support.
Choose a certified one over an uncertified one
Make sure the company you are choosing should be certified. An ISO certificate can work. Not to mention, certification is the surefire way to choose the best company for your business needs.
