PCBA Store Blog

PCB assembly process involves DFA, SMD assembly, solder paste application/inspection, reflow soldering, board cleaning, through-hole component assembly, soldering non-washable components, circuit board testing, and final inspection.

7-step process to evaluate a PCB assembly manufacturer, covering key factors：1. Quality and Certifications · 2. Manufacturing Capabilities · 3. Experience and Industry Reputation · 4. Production and Lead Times · 5. Cost and Pricing · 6. Testing and Support Services · 7. Red Flags to Watch.

Low volume PCB assembly enables cost-effective prototyping and design flexibility with short lead times, while high volume PCB assembly offers low per-unit cost, automation, and consistency for large-scale production. Key trade-offs include customization, setup time, and cost per board.

PCBAStore offers turnkey PCB assembly services covering design, component sourcing, manufacturing, assembly, testing, and global delivery. Fast prototyping (as quick as 8 hours), no MOQ, competitive pricing with bulk component procurement, and 100% refund on quality defects provide cost-effective, reliable solutions for automotive, medical, industrial, and consumer electronics industries worldwide.

X-ray inspection of PCB assemblies detects hidden defects by using high-energy photons to penetrate the board and create detailed images of its internal structure. These images reveal variations in density, allowing inspectors to identify defects like solder bridges, voids, and pin-hole fills. 

Choosing the right surface finish for a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is crucial for its reliability, performance, and manufacturability. Factors to consider include cost, environmental conditions, application requirements, and compliance with industry standards. Popular options include HASL, ENIG, OSP, and immersion tin/silver. 

Plated through-hole (PTH) PCBs use copper-lined drilled holes for inserting and soldering component leads, providing superior mechanical strength and electrical reliability versus SMT. Key process steps include precise drilling, even heat application to lead and pad, and solder flow through the hole forming strong dual-side joints. Equipment includes automated drills, wave and selective soldering systems.

Reflow soldering in SMT assembly uses controlled heating phases—preheat , thermal soak , reflow , and controlled cooling —to form reliable solder joints. Nitrogen atmospheres reduce oxidation and improve wettability but increase cost and may cause tombstoning. Oven types include convection, infrared, and vapor phase, each offering precise temperature control tailored to PCB and component specs.

Flex PCB assembly means putting electronic parts on bendable materials like polyimide or polyester. These boards can bend, fold, or twist, fitting into tiny or tricky spaces. This bendability makes the flex PCB assembly process perfect for gadgets like phones, wearables, and medical tools.

Prevent costly PCB failures with in-circuit testing (ICT)—a method that tests each component directly on the board for fast, accurate defect detection.

Unlock the secrets of double sided PCB assembly and soldering with our easy guide to processes, benefits, and tips for reliable electronics! (134 characters)

Surface Mount Technology powers compact, efficient PCBs but has challenges—learn its pros and cons for your next project!

We hereby sincerely invite you to visit us on Nov.12-15 at the booth B1.183/3 of the electronica 2024 in Munich, Germany.

Many individuals think of soldering as something that is done by professionals, but in reality, it can be an easy process to learn if you know what you're doing. In fact, there are many ways to do soldering on your own without having any special equipment or training. This article seeks to give you everything you'll need to know about lead solder vs. lead-free solder.

Flying probe testing, as its name goes, utilizes test probes that move from one test probe to another by flying. In this method, no custom fixture is needed which implies that it could also be referred to as a fixtureless in-circuit testing when used over an assembled PCB.

The process of PCB panelization is an important step in the PCB design process. Panelizing a PCB allows it to be broken up into smaller pieces to be more easily manufactured and uses materials more efficiently.