Sunday, April 14, 2013

All About Printed Circuit Board Fabrication

By Adele Madden


Throughout the recent developments in the electronics industry, printed circuit board fabrication is growing in leaps and bounds. With the numerous benefits that it brings, more and more manufacturers are making use of this method. Accordingly, the varieties of PCBs are many. It is indeed difficult to define a single standard board as their configuration may vary depending on their specific use and function.

For increased precision, most layout designers use a computer-aided design system in creating PCB outlines. As per the product's specific requirement, there are many materials that may be used in fabricating printed circuit boards. Copper is among the leading materials used for this purpose. To extend its use, the surface is normally coated with a thin layer of lead to prevent oxidation. Nickel and gold may also be used with their excellent conductivity.

The entire process of printing the circuit board is complex. It needs accuracy and precision. The process must also take place in a clean and controlled environment. Designers see to it that the components they use are free of any kind of contamination that could potentially affect the product's performance. In fact, even its packaging follows a strict protocol in handling the materials.

The parts and components of a breadboard are highly sensitive. Minor and major damages alike can subvert its functionality deeming it useless. To prevent such damages, the boards have to be secured in a specially designated protective bag all the time. Its storage and shipment must be controlled to maintain its quality, especially when transporting to far-off locations.

Aside from the immaculate and painstaking layout, the designer must also look after the quality of the printed circuit boards. Quality control is a very important aspect to ensure superior performance. This entails thorough ocular inspection from the start of the manufacturing to its electrical testing towards the post-production phase. There could be flaws that must be corrected in the process.

Even the littlest details must be checked by the designers. Misplaced parts must be corrected. Excess solder paste should be cleaned out as it can possibly lead to various performance issues. Another common mistake that needs close monitoring is overheating of solders. It helps to do random tests on the products.

Furthermore, safety considerations must be taken into account. Every designer must be familiar with the proper use and handling of the materials. From its delivery to its disposal, there is a standard process being followed. Some of the components used in soldering may contain harmful toxins such as lead.

To help conserve the environment, the manufacturers must also be prudent in dealing with waste materials. It is highly encouraged to recycle obsolete boards instead of stowing them away into landfills, which may contribute to pollution and other environmental problems. To do away with the risks it carries, there are newer and safer varieties being introduced nowadays.

With the projected increase in technological advancements, there is a bright future ahead of printed circuit board fabrication industry. In order to remain in the lead, you must be constantly updated with any recent developments. There is no telling where this can lead the industry of electronics a few years down the road. Amazing strides await that could potentially influence the PCB production.




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