Inside all the electronic devices in use today, you will find a PCB which makes it to function effectively. This printed circuit board is the core of these electronic devices. No matter the device, smart speakers for use in the home, intelligent thermostat, or your car’s digital speedometer. Sure, when you create a functional electronic device, it needs more than just throwing some resistors and components together.
It is important to get the printed circuit assembly manufacturing process from the start. Just one mistake could cause malfunctions, possible accidents, and no functionality. For the purpose of this article, we will be considering the most significant steps in the printed circuit assembly manufacturing. Also included are other important points you need to know.
Printed Circuit Assembly Manufacturing vs Board Manufacturing
First of all, you must know that printed circuit assembly manufacturing is not board manufacturing. You must understand that the process of printed circuit assembly manufacturing occurs during a time period in developing electronic devices. This isn’t just about manufacturing which takes place first
For example, at RayMing PCB & Assembly, we deal in circuit board manufacturing, which include all necessary layers, creation of the traces, all other very significant steps, and then works on the PCB assembly.
In summary, printed circuit assembly manufacturing has to do with the combination of everything altogether in one place. Also, it involves the creation of something that is functional from many components. This involves the taking of a board that is newly manufactured. The addition of resistors and components and then ensuring it does what it should do.
Comprehending the Printed Circuit Assembly Manufacturing Technologies
When you assemble a printed circuit board, it needs something more than just a properly designed board and some raw components. Also, it needs you to make use of the most appropriate technology. For cases like this, there are different options that you can select from. Each of these brings something unique. For example, SMT and manual soldering, as well as using the pick and place machines.
Though some printed circuit assembly manufacturing processes need just one technology, then others need a combination of at least two technologies. Having a good understanding of how, where, and when to incorporate these technologies becomes a very important consideration whenever you are making a choice of company to help out with your production or project.
Also, it is very important to have a good understanding that the steps of PCB assembly involved in these technologies are different as well. In this article, we have outlined some important steps in printed circuit assembly manufacturing, and ways in which they differ between each technology.
Printed Circuit Assembly Process
Printed circuit assembly manufacturing is a process that involves several steps. Each of these steps is essential in achieving a successful printed circuit assembly manufacturing. .
Solder paste application
The first step in printed circuit assembly manufacturing is solder paste application. This step is not necessary for THT. However, surface mount technology requires the application of solder paste.
Placement of component
After the application of solder paste, the next step is the placement of the components on the printed circuit board. You can place components manually or with the help of a pick and place machine. The pick and place machine automatically picks components and places it directly on the surface of the printed circuit board.
Also, assemblers place components by hand in THT. Therefore, this requires extreme precision and accuracy. The automatic placement of component is faster than the manual method.
Reflow
The next step here is reflow. This step involves melting and resolidifying the solder. Here, the board passes through an oven in which the solder becomes liquid. This ensures that the connections are properly formed. After the board has passed through an oven, it passes through coolers that help to solidify the board and hold the components in place.
THT doesn’t integrate reflow soldering. In THT process, the second step would be the inspection of the board and the rectification of component placement. Also, the rectification is important due to the manual placement of component employed in THT.
Inspection
In a traditional printed circuit assembly manufacturing process, visual inspection of the printed circuit board is the next step. This step is crucial in both SMT and THT process.
Through-hole part inspection
The traditional printed circuit assembly manufacturing process demands that assemblers insert through-hole manually reflow and inspection has taken place. In THT process, assemblers solder manually. They integrate wave soldering in THT.
Wave soldering
The THT process integrates wave soldering. Also, wave soldering is suitable for through hole technology. In this step, the whole printed circuit board passes over the solder and then passes through coolers. The coolers ensure the molten solder transforms into a solid form.
Final inspection
In a printed circuit assembly manufacturing process, the last step is the final inspection of the printed circuit board, the components, and the solder joints. Also, the assembler ensures the printed circuit is well cleaned to remove excess solder and debris. Cleaning is also an important step in the PCB assembly process.
What is the Right Printed Circuit Assembly Manufacturing Process for Your PCB Project?
The two main types of printed circuit assembly manufacturing process is the through hole technology and surface mount technology. The right PCB assembly process for you depends on the requirements of your application. Both assembly processes have their advantages and disadvantages.
SMT is more accurate and faster than THT. However, THT creates a stronger bond between components than SMT does. The THT process might be a better option if you need to assemble a single prototype PCB. Also, SMT method requires the use of automated machine to carry out PCB assembly. Therefore, it is a more accurate and precise process than THT.
Conclusion
At Rayming PCB & Assembly, we know that the goals, budgets, and needs of different individuals vary. This is why we are good at providing customers and clients with the exact solutions they desire. We are always there for all needs, be it single prototype to meet the needs of proof of concept or you want full production. Reach out to us today to see ways in which we can render our services
