Prototype printed circuit boards are what happen when an engineer takes some wire, copper, and plastic components and incorporates them together to create a working device. Circuit boards are found in all aspects of technology, and even though they are popular, each prototype PCB must be assemble

Circuit board prototyping is a great way to launch into the field of electronic engineering. However, there are many terms that are crucial to understanding PCB fabrication and assembly, so we have compiled a comprehensive list of commonly used definitions in the world of prototype printed circui

In our previous post, we explained some common definitions that are used in the manufacturing of prototype printed circuit boards. Here we continue our list: Glass transition temperature: this is the temperature at which an amorphous polymer changes from a hard and brittle condition to a rubbery

It seems that everyone nowadays has a smartphone. Whether it is your grandmother learning how to text, or your niece and nephew taking selfies during Christmas dinner, smartphones have become a detail of our everyday life. As a result, smartphone manufacturers are struggling to impress consumers

Any circuit board prototyping engineer knows the importance of a coating and finish. In general, the PCB usually has a copper coating and is crucial to the overall efficiency of the board as it protects its components from being exposed to oxygen and other elements. Certain areas on the prototype

Even though some information concerning circuit board prototyping has been around for a while, it can be pretty confusing to get direct answers. There is a lot of information out there, and even the most experienced of engineers can have a problem differentiating between what information is right

Any PCB shop can fabricate simple 2-layer FR4 printed circuit boards, but is your PCB vendor best suited for your specific project? Can they fabricate boards with more advanced features such as HDI, via-in-pad, microvias, or rigid-flex? Here is a list of signs that may indicate your PCB vendor i

Printed circuit boards, both rigid and flexible, have been prevalent since the United States Army developed the Auto-Sembly process in the mid-1950s. Since their invention, printed circuit boards have made their way into nearly every electronic device you use in your daily life. One of the most i

Printed circuit boards don’t generally conjure thoughts regarding the foundational hardware of our technological existence. What is a circuit board? Once upon a time, computer microchips were anything but micro. Wires entangled all around, computers resembled an electrical jungle.   P

When you want to manufacture the best prototype circuit boards for your project or business, you may find yourself wondering which is better: a single-sided PCB or a double-sided PCB? You’re not alone. There are advantages to each, though both options inevitably serve the same function. Her

PCBs are in nearly every technological device we use today. Their primary functions are: 1. To electrically connect electronic components and 2. To provide mechanical support (e.i. the electronic components are permanently soldered to the board). PCBs are built in layers similarly to a lasagna. T

When you chose to invest in your prototype printed circuit boards otherwise known as PCBs, you might wonder how your PCB assembly process is so precise. The PCB manufacturing process has changed greatly over the years, and it’s thanks to new technological innovations that have allowed circu

Single-sided, double-sided, and multilayered are the three main types of PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards). There are several individual stages deployed in the course of PCB assembly. All of them need to function as a team to produce an overall integrated process. Every stage needs to flow into the n

There are many manufacturers of printed circuit boards — so many that when you need to find one fast, it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed. How do you choose the right one for your project? Believe it or not, not all PCB manufacturers are created equal. Before you place your printed circ

PCB manufacturing has seen multiple technological overhauls over the years. Each one has revolutionized how PCBs can function and gives us the technology we have today. Currently, PCB manufacturing utilizes the SMT process. Now, you might be wondering, “What does SMT stand for in PCB manufacturin

When you make a printed circuit board (PCB) design, there will come a point when you need to test it to ensure that it works the way you need. The most common and efficient testing method is to order a few prototype PCBs based on your design. Plenty of companies offer this service, so it’s good t

Whether you’re using a PCB design software or making one by hand, PCB design’s complex and takes proper planning. There are many different factors that influence the function of a PCB, and your design should balance them all. One trick that helps manage all these factors is using these five steps

Aluminum can be shaped through a wide variety of process, including: Casting Extrusion Forging Rolling For any type of metal, casting is arguably the most versatile of all of the forming processes, and results in the greatest variety of parts. In fact, the US Department of En

All metal casting processes have their own unique characteristics. When designing a new part for casting, the most appropriate process should be determined by a number of factors, including: Tooling costs Labor costs Design characteristics Desired appearance The goal of the m

Turning has been practiced by machinists for centuries on many different materials. Originally, turning acted on wood to create complex, cylindrical designs for use in tools, handles, furniture. Today, turning is a vital part of the metal manufacturing process, and a major tech