Turnkey PCB Assembly
Saturday, 28 August 2021
Informative
The world is getting faster everyday, and so, everyone wants the fastest delivery of their products ready to be used. The PCB industry and PCB buyers aren’t any exceptions. PCB buyers now want their PCB Assembly to be fully ready for use as soon as it is delivered.
So, the term “Turnkey PCB assembly’ has become the new buzzword of the industry. It mainly refers to the assembled PCB that buyers may use to manufacturer their devices right out of the box. But, turnkey PCB is much more than its immediate readiness.
We will look deep into the matter and suggest how to find a proper turnkey PCB supplier that will meet your demands and requirements.
Table of Contents
What Is Trunkey PCB Assembly?
To understand what turnkey PCBA means, you have to understand the meaning of turkey firstly. It means any product delivered to the buyer with readiness for immediate use.
That’s where things can get tricky. You may ask that all PCBs are ready for immediate use as you deliver them with full preparedness. But that’s not the reality.
Yes, manufacturers like FX PCB deliver the fully assembled PCB with necessary components as the buyer or device manufacturers ask. But, the printed circuit board is only the tip of the entire processing that links with PCB design, fabrication, fully assembled set up, and final product delivery to the buyer with the detailed diagram of the components on the PCB.
Therefore, turnkey PCB refers to a complete assembly procedure that includes printed circuit board manufacturing, its delivery, the design, component diagram, all components, and anything else that buyers need.
It enables the actual device manufacturers to know and understand their PCBs entirely to use them with immediate effect. On top of it, a fully assembled turnkey PCB allows buyers to focus on their actual manufacturing better since the PCB manufacturer will take care of everything else necessary, such as custom PCB design, and deliver it with all key information for immediate use.
Since the PCB assembly comes with all possible and required information for the buyers, it reduces their manufacturing time and saves money. This readiness of the turnkey PCB has also sped up the electronic world superbly.
Advantages of Turnkey PCB Assembly
Turnkey PCB, with its readiness in use, comes with some definite benefits. It includes-
Reduces Production Time:
The main benefit of the turnkey PCB is it drastically reduces the production time. Most turnkey PCB manufacturers, such as FX PCB, comes with a streamlined production mechanism that helps them deliver the turnkey printed circuit board fully assembled in the shortest possible time.
Turnkey PCB assembler actually assigns their one engineer for one company or buyer. So, within a short period, he will understand what the buyer wants and design the PCBs accordingly. It speeds up the manufacturing and also results in lesser faults during the production phase.
Also, when an engineer with his team is assigned to work with one buyer instead of multiple contacts, they can outsource the essential materials and components that further boost the production speed, which is a great help for the buyers.
Turnkey PCBs are Cost-Effective:
Turnkey printed circuit board service is often streamlined and uniform. So, a group focuses on building a particular type of PCB, and it helps reduce the production cost. The quick and knowledgeable team will help greatly to reduce the cost for each PCB.
Less Prone to Errors:
Perhaps the most striking benefit of the turnkey PCB is its quality maintenance, leading to fewer errors on the circuit board. It is crucial since the tiniest fault in the circuit board could be hazardous for the device.
Also, buyers contacting one company will have less communication and understanding issues which also helps in reducing the errors of printed circuit boards. When you work with a reputed turnkey PCB manufacturing team, they will know exactly how to go about from Step 1 to Step 2 and follow it until the PCB assembly is completed.
Easiness in Work:
The manufacturer will deliver a turnkey PCB fully assembled with a detailed design and diagram for the components. As buyers know the details about which component is located on the circuit board, their device manufacturing works easily and fast. Also, it saves time and removes any hassle during work time.
Steps of PCB Turnkey Assembly:
We have already mentioned that turnkey circuit board assembly is a streamlined process to speed up the delivery time and reduce production costs. Its steps include-
- Parts outsourcing: Firstly, the PCB manufacturer will collect the parts required for buyers’ customized circuit board design as per your requirements. Turnkey PCB assemblers will outsource the components and forward them to the manufacturing team.
- Designing: Next, the engineering team will use PCB design software to create the diagram of the components on the circuit board. Once the design is ready, the actual manufacturing process will start soon.
- Assembly process: The team will work on the PCB design to develop the printed circuit board from scratch and attach the essential components according to the instructions.
- Testing and prototype: After the assembly, engineers will use different testing methods to find the errors on the circuit board if there are any. Once the testing is done, they will create the prototypes.
- Delivery and aftermarket service: When the PCB assembly successfully passes the testing, these will be delivered to the buyers. A good manufacturer, such as FX PCB, will also offer excellent aftermarket service to continue helping the buyers in their necessity.
Final Words
Turnkey PCB assembly, with its readiness for use right after the delivery, has brought a revolution in the electrical and electronics industry. More and more buyers opt for fully assembled printed circuit boards with detailed information on components, design, and a diagram for quick usability. With 10+ years of experience in PCB manufacturing, FX PCB is ready to deliver you the best turnkey PCB service at the lowest cost without compromising quality.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
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PCB Connector Types and Its Uses
Wednesday, 18 August 2021
Informative
PCB, aka the printed circuit board, has become the lifeline to every electrical device we use these days for different use. The PCB helps link among PCB connectors to transfer signals from one component to another to help the entire device work properly.
Depending on their applications, functioning, and construction design, you will find many PCB connector types in a single device. The classification mainly includes board-to-board and wire-to-wire PCB connections, but it also has different subcategories due to versatile uses.
In today’s discussion, you will find the details about the common types of PCB connectors and their uses that will be understandable even for novices.
So, let’s check it out.
Table of Contents
What Is PCB Connector?
A PCB connector will connect electrical components. The connection could be on the conductive track itself. Also, it could be between the pads used in the circuit board. Many devices come with multiple PCBs and use various equipment or connections to link two or more printed circuit boards within the device.
You will find the connectors right on the circuit boards. It aims to transfer power or signals from one PCB to another to help the device function properly. Also, it may transfer the signal from one unit of the device to another via the different boards and connections.
The Two Main PCB Connector Types
Countless devices use the PCB connectors in different ways, which have usurped the development of different connections. That’s why it is essential that the connection type meets the design necessity of the device and is also suitable for it.
The two common types of PCB connectors are-
Board to Board Connections:
As the name suggests, the board-to-board PCB connectors link between two PCBs. It doesn’t use any cable or wire for the connection and transfers signals wirelessly. For the permanent board-to-board connections, manufacturers use the ‘fit and forget’ method.
The connection uses receptacles and pins instead of wires for signal transfer..
Wire to Board Connections:
The connection uses wire or cable to connect printed circuit board and PCB connectors. It is an easy connecting process for different devices and cost-effective too. It is used mostly in normal PCB devices where there’re not so many complex connections.
Apart from these two main PCB connectors, you will also see many connection types for PCB, depending on their functions and designs. The list includes the following ones-
Male PCB Connectors:
The PCV connector comes with a row of pins. The pins are simple and arranged in various spacing within the board. The pin arrangement works with its headers and is also known as pin header connections for the boards. The spacing differs from 0.1 inches to 0.2 to 0.197 inches or even more.
Female PCB Connector:
The female connector for PCB is also referred to as a socket connection. People also call it the header receptacles for its design. The female connector will accommodate the male connector header tightly within it.
The male and female PCB connections create a safe passage for the electrical components to pass through power and electrical signals.
Backplane Connectors:
The backplane connector helps to connect two different PCBs snuggly. The connection reduces signal loss, and so boosts the data transfer rate between the boards. It is, in reality, a support structure and provides help to connect printed circuit boards.
You can also use it to integrate different electrical components on its plane. The method is known as a daughterboard.
USB Connectors:
In today’s world, USB connection is the heart of many devices. Also, you will see the USB connectors more frequently than most other types of PCB connectors. You can see it in smartphones, laptops, tablets, computers, and where not!
There are four types of USB connectors you will find in modern-day devices-
- USB-A: Computers and laptops have USB-A type connectors along with the female end. The common example includes computer mouse, memory sticks, etc. The female end works as the receptacle, and the male ends as the header to connect devices.
- USB-B: Type B USB connectors are bulky and heavier. It is used in large devices where spacing isn’t an issue, such as music players.
- USB-C: Type C connectors are the latest edition in the USB sector and have been the key of most smartphones these days. Its updated design is strengthened for most demanding jobs. It can transfer power, data, and video at the same time. So, it is the most versatile USB connector s at present. It also doesn’t have polarity, so you won’t have to bother about male or female ends to connect the devices with a USB-C cable.
- Micro-USB: Likewise, USB-C connectors, Micro USBs are also the latest release. You can find it in smartphones, digital cameras, external hard disks, etc.
RCA Connectors:
RCA connectors are amongst the oldest PCB connectors and have been in the industry for nearly a century now. Until modern-day PCB connectors took over in the 21st millennium, almost every device used RCA connectors.
It transmits S/PDIF and stereo audio. It also transmits composite videos. Since the invention of USB connectors, RCA connections have lost their place and are nearly extinct now.
Audio Connectors:
As the name suggests, audio connectors are designed to transmit and transfer audio from one device to another. It has a varied size, and the size will determine where and how the audio connectors will be used.
The invention of Bluetooth and wireless transmission of data have slowly taken over the audio connectors, and they are also on the verge of extinction. There are three different types of audio connectors-
- The 6.5mm connectors are the mainstream connectors and are used in amplifiers and guitars mostly.
- The 3.5mm connectors are actually the headphones. You will see it on smartphones, PCs, laptops, and MP3 players. It is also the most common audio connector type.
- The 2.5mm audio connectors are versatile since it has both headphone and microphone. So, you can use both of these benefits at the same time.
Barrel Connectors:
Barrel connectors for PCB are old but highly versatile. You can find the connector in AC/DC converter adapter. It is adaptable easily in different demanding needs and accommodates various power ratings as well.
Its sleeve works as the covering. The sleeve could be made of either plastic or rubber with 3.55mm or 5.55mm size variations. Its actual connector is the metal part with a 2.1mm pin.
Molex Connectors:
Molex connectors are also among the oldest PCB connection types. You can see it on the computers of the previous generation. The connection has a pin model, and it is used to generate power to various drives of the computer and devices.
The main benefit of this connector is that a high amount of current can pass through it without any damage. So, it is durable and dependable for abusive services.
JST Connectors:
JST connectors are designed and marketed by the company with the same name. If you are looking for permanent applications of the connection, JST connectors with their reliability and compact design will be your best option.
Once you attach the connector within the PCB, it will be extremely difficult to detach it.
IES Connectors:
It is a kind of transmission system that deals with AC power. You can find the IEC connectors in the older TV and computer versions but not in the latest models. It lacks any AC/DC converter, which has resulted in its diminishing in recent days.
Final Words
We have tried to include only the most commonly used and known PCB connector types in the list. However, there’re so many types of PCB connectors that it is nearly impossible, to sum up all of them within one article.
Some common connector types for PCB also include pin header connector, testing connector, screw terminals, alligator clips, IC clips, banana, and SMA connectors. FX PCB excels in developing PCBs to work with different connectors for various devices with reliability and affordability to make your business boom.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
Cheap PCB Prototype
Wednesday, 11 August 2021
Cheap PCB Prototype
PCB, aka, the printed circuit board has definitely changed the course of electric and electronics history forever. From the most advanced electrical vehicles to the engineering university project accomplishment, PCBs are essential almost in every sector. However, students and the first-time maker may not need high-end and expensive PCBs at all. Instead, they can work fine with the PCB prototypes.
Thus, many people look for cheap PCB prototypes. Also, manufacturers and users of PCB want to know the cost of PCB.
Ideally, PCB prototypes are easy to manufacture and cheaply available. Plus, it has limited applications and usability. Nonetheless, we will discuss the lowest PCB price ensuring that you get the best quality with its prototypes.
So, let’s check this out.
Table of Contents
Factors Determining PCB Prototype Cost
When you look to find cheap prototypes, you have to first understand how the costing works for these circuit board prototypes. It will help you fix which side needs more attention and which you can leave to get the prototypes within your budget range.
The most common features that affect the PCB prototype cost includes-
Size of PCB Prototype:
Not all prototypes will be the same size. The size will vary depending on your PCB applications and project needs. As a rule of thumb, larger circuit boards will cost more than smaller boards. It happens because larger boards will need more materials and time for production.
Types of PCB:
Printed circuit boards are available in different types depending on their substrate materials. You can get the prototypes in standard copper, ceramic, transparent glass, and other materials. Usually, copper circuit boards are the cheapest, and ceramic boards are the most expensive ones.
However, for simple engineering projects and students, copper-based PCBs will be the best choice. It is moderately priced and also features just about the right facilities you would want. Some high-end PCBs may include ceramic PCBs. But it won’t serve amateurs’ purpose.
Numbers of PCB Layers:
Next, the number of layers on the prototypes will also determine its cost. As you may imagine, single-layer PCBs are the most affordable. As the layers on the PCB prototype increase, the manufacturing cost of the circuit board will also increase.
For instance, 6 layer blue mask PCB soldering will be 2X costlier compared to the Flex 4 layer PCBs. Thus, your costing for the overall PCB prototype will depend heavily on the number of layers it has. Ideally, high-end electrical vehicles will need dual or four layers on their PCB segmentation. On the contrary, PCB makers on a strict budget will easily get on with the single-layer circuit boards for their regular projects.
PCB Complexity:
The next big factor for PCB cost is its complexity. The complexity of the printed circuit board will refer to the number of components it has, the density of the board, its wiring system, etc. For example, high-end circuit boards will surely have more components which will skyrocket their pricing.
Similarly, the wiring system will define its overall pricing. Next, the substrate density comes forward to add to the costing factor.
Manufacturing Speed and PCB Numbers:
You have to fix it when you need the circuit board prototypes. Do you need express delivery or regular delivery for the prototypes? Similarly, you have to decide how many prototypes you will need for your projects.
If you need quick production and delivery of the circuit board prototypes, you will have to pay more for it. On the contrary, if you are ready to get the circuit board on a delayed deadline, you can get them cheaply.
On top of it, the number of PCB prototypes you need will also determine its cost. If you need a few pieces of prototypes, its per piece cost will be much higher. But, if you need these prototypes in hundreds, the cost for each PCB will reduce dramatically.
Cheap PCB Prototype:
Since we know understand the factors that determine prototype costs, let’s turn the focus on the cheapest prototypes. But for this, you need to learn the actual price of the PCB prototypes. But it is indeed difficult until you can determine which prototype you want along with its layers, efficiency, and delivery time.
For instance, at times the bare board may cost over $100. On the contrary, the prototype can be gettable in just a few dollars. As the general rule suggests to us, the prototype will cost will depend on the size of the PCB prototype batch. If the circuit board manufacturing batch is large enough you can indeed get it cheaper price.
For instance, FX PCB will deliver you a bare prototype for around $2 to $3, for the standard ones. The costing will remain more or less the same for other manufacturers as well. Nonetheless, you can expect to get a 10cmX10cm by circuit board prototype for around $2.
The actual configuration that you can get with these two dollar for prototypes-
- A 10cm by 10cm board.
- 10 pieces of board
- It will have 2 layers, maximum
- The copper track or substrate will be 1.6mm thick
- Its weight (copper track) will be 1oz.
If you order more circuit board prototypes such as 100 prototypes with the same specifications, the cost for each board will reduce significantly.
FX PCB uses the modern automation system and advanced circuit board designing software to manufacture the prototypes. Plus, our cost-cutting and streamlined production line also help to reduce the circuit board cost. All these facilities help FX PCB to supply the cheapest circuit board prototypes for students and budget makers.
Conclusion
Although many people won’t believe it, you can get a cheap PCB prototype in around two dollars. If you plan for a student project or simply need it for simple device manufacturing, you can get them. FX PCB is ready to deliver the circuit board prototypes of different categories at the least possible price. But it won’t compromise with the quality which will provide you get relief if you are on a strict budget.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
The 5 Best PCB Designing Software
Tuesday, 03 August 2021
The 5 Best PCB Designing Software
The first step to start manufacturing a printed circuit board is to design it. And for this, you will need software to layout the PCB design. However, choosing the right software for PCB designing isn’t easy since the market is full of PCB software. In fact, there’s simply too much software to design printed circuit boards. But sadly, not all of them are recommendable.
Hence, we prepared a guideline on the best PCB designing software to aid you with the cause. If you plan to start PCB manufacturing for your devices, these five recommendations will be a world of good for you.
So, let’s begin it.
Table of Contents
The Five Best PCB Designing Software
You must understand that PCB software is no cheap item. You have to invest nearly $1000 to $2500 yearly for them. Some high-end software may even charge more for you. That’s why you must get the absolute best software which is worth the massive investment.
1. Altium:
Altium was founded in Australia in 1985. Previously their name was Pretol Systems, but the company changed its name in 2001. Also, the software manufacturer operates from America and has become the leader inthe PCB software industry.
As of their 2019 report, they get at least 6000 new PCB manufacturers every year. They aim to get a $20 million turnover by 2020, which has been postponed due to pandemic conditions.
Its main specifications are-
- PCB design with the diagram
- File output for production
- You will get layout, documentation, diagram, and simulating facility
- It uses conversion tools to transfer the data easily
If you are an electronics engineer and work for PCB industrial groups, Altium is the best choice for you. Its cost starts from $7000. However, you can get a 15-days trial to check out its benefits and decide whether or not it suits your necessity.
2. Eagle:
Next on our list is Eagle software for PCB designing. Eagle was founded in 1988, but Autodesk took it over in 2016. The software has around $2 billion of turnover each year, making it the most profitable PCB design software on our list.
Also, note that Eagle refers to Easily Applicable Graphical Layout Editor. You can get the software in three versions, including free, standard, and premium. Its main features include-
- Diagram design and editor
- Changing facility between PCB and diagram with the annotations
- Diagram layout and hierarchy
You can get it $500 for each year with the standard version. However, its interface is not so user-friendly and may not suit beginners.
3. Proteus:
Labcenter Electronics Ltd developed The Proteus electronic CAD solution. The company is based in the United Kingdom and was established by John Jameson. The software has been one of the most popular PCB designers and is used in over 50 countries. It is particularly popular in Asian countries.
Proteus software suite offers two main versions with different specifications and features. It includes-
- Proteus AERES: It offers component positioning on the board with the automatic application. You can also use it for routing solutions of PCB.
- Proteus ISI: You can use it for electric stimulation and creating diagrams.
Proteus software also offers a few other versions for different uses. It includes visual designer, PCB designing, and VSM versions. Also, the PCB designing software allows you to design 16 copper layers at the same time.
4. Design Spark:
It is high-performing CAD software. Number One Systems and RS Components collaborated to design and develop the software. It has now become a popular choice for CAD engineers and PCB developers for its user-friendly interface.
Its best specifications and interfaces include-
- Quick diagram entry with a 3D viewer
- Easy organization of files with project interface
- Drilling file generation for Excellon and Gerber
- Both automatic and routing facilities for component positioning
5. CAD PCB Designer:
ECAD and SDA Systems merged to develop CAD PCB Designer in 1988. The company is listed on NASDAQ and is based in California. It is one of the leaders in the PCB designing industry with a great interface and flexible versions for different users.
Its best features and specifications include-
- BGA assistance and symbol editor
- Component searching and electric simulation
- You can create the PCB design and shapes automatically
- It lets you develop real-time routing with an easy interface
What To Look At While Getting The Best PCB Designing Software
According to PCB designers, engineers, and manufacturers, a PCB designing software should fulfill the following criteria-
- The software must be intuitive and provide an easy userinterface. If the interface is complex, you will need huge time to learn it. The learning curve must be quick and easy.
- The software should follow the standard set for the PCB industry and enjoy widespread uses. If the software is limited to a few manufacturers, its intuitive design will be massively dumped. In this regard, Altium and Eagle enjoy the best suggestions with the most widespread uses.
- The component library should be large. If the software provider has a small component library, you will find designing the pretty difficult. When you have large library access, you can easily use it to compare and find the errors of the newly designed PCB. So, it has a lesser possibility of any errors on the circuit board.
- The software must come with as many features as possible. Altium offers maximum features that you can’t even imagine. Although you won’t use all the features, having more features will provide you confidence and different usability if need be.
- Lastly, the pricing of the software must be reasonable. It is essential since the designing software for PCB is expensive.
When you decide to get a PCB designing software, we recommend using the free trial for the allowed days and seeing how it feels. It will enable you to get the right software at the most affordable pricing and with most features, for sure.
Final Words
PCB designing is no easy task. It needs extreme attention, creativity, sound knowledge of PCB, and above all, the right software. Therefore, we recommended you the best PCB designing software to help you with the design layout.
We looked at the user interface and easiness of using the software mostly. Also, these are the five most widely used software for PCB design worldwide. So, you can actually compare them easily and decide which will support your requirements mostly.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
What Is the Standard PCB Thickness
Thursday, 29 July 2021
What Is the Standard PCB Thickness
When you select any PCB for any application, we always look at its construction materials, heat resistance, and thermal conductivity. Yes, these factors determine how a PCB will work. Nonetheless, we often forget one important PCB performing factor- the thickness.
The thickness of the printed circuit board also controls its performance and durability. Hence, most manufacturers will follow a standard PCB thickness in their various PCBs. But what is the actual standard for PCB thickness?
Does it vary due to the circuit board application? Or what factors affect the circuit board substrate thickness? And finally, how does it impact the PCB performance?
Let’s find the answer.
Table of Contents
What Is The Standard PCB Thickness?
When we determine the PCB thickness at a standard level, we must realize that the number of layers on a PCB will be the key player in deciding its actual thickness. Since the layers on PCB depend on its application, the PCB thickness will also vary slightly due to its application range.
For instance, some devices will need thicker PCBs, while other devices may require thinner PCB. Thus, the thickness will vary too.
Nonetheless, the industry standard for PCB thickness is 0.063 inches or 1.57mm. This measurement has been a long-term standard for PCB manufacturers ever since printed circuit boards were invented. The reason is quite surprising.
Yes, it was not the industrial needs or device requirements that set the standard thickness for PCB. Instead, it was the plywood sheet thickness that initially determined the PCB thickness. Initially, plywood sheets were used as the substrate of many electronic devices, and these plywood sheets have 0.063 inches of thickness which later become the standard for PCB thickness.
However, more complex devices on the way and invention of better PCB substrates such as epoxy or resin have developed varied thicknesses for printed circuit boards.
Nowadays, the thickness range of PCB differs from 0.008 inches to 0.240 inches. You can choose the exact thickness depending on your applications and device requirements.
Two things directly influence the thickness of PCBs. These factors are-
- Copper PCB thickness:Copper works as the main application space and functioning of the PCBs. So, its thickness directly affects the circuit board thickness as well. The measurement is calculated on an ounce (oz). First off, 1 ounce of copper is spread over in one square feet space evenly. Then, its thickness is calculated, which is approximately 1.37 mils or 1.37 thousandths of an inch.
- Trace PCB thickness: The designer will determine the PCB trace thickness depending on its necessity in different jobs. As electricity passes through the PCB, the trace may get overheat, and the circuit board may get damaged. Hence, the trace thickness needs to be enough to withstand the circuit board overheating capacity.
What Is The Standard PCB Thickness?
FR stands for fire retardant, and thus, FR4 PCB is meant for fire retardant PCB substrate. Since these PCBs are easy to manufacturer and inexpensive, it is one of the most used and popular printed circuit boards in the industry.
The standard thickness for FR4 PCB varies from 3″ to 10″. Its thickness varies significantly because manufacturers and device designers ask for different thicknesses of FR4 PCB for different applications. Also, its thickness depends on the number of layers it has.
The standard thickness of two-layer PCB:
Multiple layers for PCB have become the new trend for device manufacturers since they can dissipate heat better and have high-performing capacity. So, it is essential that you too understand the standard thickness of two-layer PCBs.
Since it has multiple layers, its standard thickness also varies in different layers. For instance, its top solder mask features 0.01mm thickness and the top layer thickness is usually 0.035mm. The bottom layer and bottom solder mask have a similar thickness. But the core thickness is 1.5mm.
The standard thickness of four-layer PCB:
Four layers of PCBs have become popular in the industry lately. The standard thickness of these printed circuit boards is around 0.125”. The bottom and top layersare made using 1-sheet of 1080 and 2-sheet of 2116 copper metal. The core has a 0.093” thickness.
Factors Affecting the Standard PCB Thickness
There are two types of main factors that will affect the printed circuit board thickness. These two main factors are-
- Design factors: These factors will impact the thickness during the PCB manufacturing and design stage. The list includes mostly weight, flexibility, and circuit board size. Also, the number of layers, materials used on the PCB, and copper thickness play a crucial role in determining the real PCB thickness. Next, the operating environment, signal types, and types of vias also fall into design factors that affect the PCB thickness.
- Manufacturing factors: The manufacturing process of the PCB will also determine its standard thickness. The list includes copper thickness, equipment used to drill holes, number of layers, and panels’ method.
How to Choose the Right PCB Thickness
Since different applications and devices will require the various thickness of the PCB, it is essential to know how to fix its thickness. It would be best if you looked at these facts for this purpose-
- First, consider the board weight. Thinner circuit boards will break easily. So, you must go with a thicker PCB. But, thinner boards are preferable for specific jobs.
- Next, you have to look at the PCB flexibility. Thinner PCBs are generally flexible, whereas thicker PCBs are rigid. So, determine whether you need flexible PCB or rigid PCB and determine its thickness accordingly.
- If the device has enough space, a thicker and larger PCB is preferable. Larger PCBs have better heat dissipation with the large substrate. For smaller PCBs, choosing thinner or smaller printed circuit boards is the right option.
- Also, consider the type and number of electrical and electronic components connections you will mount on the PCB. Usually, a thicker PCB is ideal for an increased number of components and connections as they need more space and better heat dissipation.
- The thickness of the printed circuit board must match its impedance level. The impedance is controlled by the dielectric that is used to manufacture the PCBs. Both impedance and PCB thickness need to match for its durability.
Final Words
The standard PCB thickness was previously 0.063 inches or 1.57mm. But, modern-day PCB has developed different thicknesses for different applications varying from 0.008 inches to 0.240 inches mostly. The layers on the printed circuit board, copper thickness, traces thickness, and the circuit board manufacturing process will control the thickness.
FX PCB has different manufacturing processes for various PCBs, making sure you get the perfect thickness of the PCBs to meet your requirements.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
Low Cost PCB Assembly
Sunday, 11 July 2021
Low Cost PCB Assembly
A printed circuit board (PCB) is the backbone of modern-day electrical, communication, medical and military devices. It has brought breakthrough technologies into possibility which even a decade ago wasn’t considered as reality. However, the cost of PCBs isn’t a cheap one.
In fact, PCB assembly may be pretty costly. Hence, FX PCB has developed and arranged its PCB assembly line to offer you low-cost PCB assembly without compromising its quality. But how do we make it possible?
Also, what is the actual cost of assembling PCB prototypes? This discussion covers answers to all these essential questions regarding PCB assembly costing. Furthermore, we will elaborate on the factors affecting PCB assembly costing.
Table of Contents
How Much A PCB Assembly Will Cost?
The cost of PCB assembly depends on different valuables. However, an average PCB manufacturing cost may be around $10 to $50, or even more. Also, some PCBs are available for less than $10.
Also, PCB manufacturers will set the actual price of these boards. Furthermore, its pricing depends on the type of PCB you want, its construction material, county of origin or production, and size mostly. So, you will need to talk to the manufacturer to know how much each PCB will cost.
Also, you have to add the delivery costing with it to know the real scenario. Also, you must realize that the size of PCBs is not always going to determine its pricing. Instead, it’s the complexity of PCB manufacturing that determines its pricing, mostly.
For instance, smartphones and high-end electronic devices require the most complex PCBs which need more hours of labor. Hence, it costs massively despite being a tine PCB.
Variables Affecting PCB Price
We now know the fundamental pricing of PCBs. But what are the actual factors that affect the costing so variably? The following points should help you realize it thoroughly.
Types of PCB material:
Manufacturers use a wide range of materials to manufacture different PCBs depending on their necessity. The most common materials include fiberglass, solders, and polymer or epoxy inks. Also, the base or substrate is made of different elements too.
Manufacturers use copper, aluminum, ceramic, or other materials. Furthermore, they use silver, copper, or gold as the conductive layer. Thus, its price will depend on the type of material the board has. For instance, the gold-plated conductive layer used in PCBs will be costlier than the copper-plated ones.
The use of different materials depends on the thermal conductivity, heat dissipation performance, and reliability in different sectors.
Board hole sizes
Printed circuit boards comprised of tiny holes. If the board is too thick, it will need accurate and high-end drilling to create these holes. These holes are essential to pass electric signals or messages to different components and other circuit boards.
Since the holes require precision and accuracy, it also contributes to the overall costing of the PCBs.
PCB size:
The size of PCB goes a long way to determine its cost. Bigger boards will need more components and materials which contribute to their costing. However, the size of the boards not always contributes to its higher or lower pricing.
Sometimes, even a smaller PCB may cost more than a bigger one. It will depend on the hours of labor needed to manufacturer the board and its complexity level.
The number of layers:
PCBs are of different kinds depending on their layers. Understandably, multi-layer or double-layer PCBs will cost more than single-layer circuit boards. It happens since a single-layer PCB will need fewer materials and manufacturing time. Also, multi-layered printed circuit boards are highly complex and built for higher-end devices.
Hence, the number of layers of a printed circuit board will determine its cost.
Labor cost:
PCB manufacturing is a highly skilled job. Hence, it needs skilled professionals with sufficient knowledge of automated machines. Also, working with inexperienced workers will seriously run the risk of low-quality circuit boards.
Hence, experienced and skilled labor is an integral part of PCB manufacturing. Since it needs such skilled laborers, it obviously affects the overall cost to manufacture these boards. Also, it will vary from one country to another. As American and European laborers receive more wages than Asian laborers, the manufacturing cost of PCBs in China is cheaper than in America or Europe.
Delivery time and order quantity:
If you need a bulk amount of PCBs in a relatively short time you should be prepared to pay more for it. Most manufacturers will demand higher pricing for urgent deliveries since they will need to work overtime and also, accelerate their working speed.
Furthermore, the number of PCBs ordered will also affect its cost. If you order a bulk amount of PCBs the cost for each piece of the circuit board will be much lower. On the contrary, the per piece cost of the PCBs will increase if you only want a few hundred pieces of prototypes.
Low Cost PCB Assembly: How Does FX PCB Make It Possible
First of all, you must understand that low-cost PCBs are a lucrative term but so practical. Hence, FX PCB offers you the most reasonable pricing for all types of PCB boards. We don’t promise to provide you printed circuit boards at the lowest possible pricing while compromising with the quality.
Instead, we maintain steady quality manufacturing and offer you reasonable pricing. Plus, we have our doors open to allow you to set customized pricing. Thus, you can have a quick conversation with FX PCB and see how we both can proceed.
Also, we use automated PCB manufacturing which further helps us to cut the production cost for these PCBs. Additionally, we outsource the essential materials and components directly which helps us to offer the most reasonable PCB pricing in the market.
Final Words
When you need a huge amount of PCBs, low-cost PCB assembly can be a good option. However, you also need to be ensured about the PCB quality. At FX PCB you will get both, low-cost PCBs with the highest possible quality. Also, our streamlined assembly process helps us maintain the deadline with quick and cheap delivery worldwide. It further adds value to reasonably priced PCBs.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
Tips On How To Etch A Circuit Board
Tuesday, 06 July 2021
Tips On How To Etch A Circuit Board
This may seem a wild idea, but you can indeed manufacture circuit boards at home. Yes, the process may seem tough initially, but you love when you finish the circuit board manufacturing. The real question is how to etch a circuit board.
Well, we have solved this issue for you. Yes, today, we will guide you through the steps to etch a circuit board at home. The etching of the circuit board means drawing the design on the copper base to find the actual diagram.
We have simplified the circuit board etching process to make it easy for you, even if you are going to try it for the 1st time.
So, without spending much time, let’s dive deep into the circuit board etching process. Aren’t you excited?
Table of Contents
How To Etch A Circuit Board
When you decide to prepare a circuit board at home, you must maintain its accuracy with the right diagram. It is crucial since the circuit board holds multiple electric components linked to durability with electricity. Any flaws in the circuit board design will lead to the death of the device immaturely.
The etching process includes the following steps-
Step 1: Ensure safety
Since you will work with electricity and highly complex components in demanding conditions, you must never ignore safety. Therefore, we recommend you wear goggles and gloves. It will protect your hands from unnecessary cuts and eyes from any flying objects. Furthermore, the etching solution is a skin irritant which makes wearing gloves even more important.
Also, use surgical gloves to work with the circuit board copper base. It will allow you to work with improved accessibility and comfort with the copper substrate.
Step 2: Work in ventilated space
The chemicals and mixing solution used in etching the circuit board are often high in fume and smoke. It can suffocate you, especially if you work in a crowded place. Hence, make sure you work in a well-ventilated space with proper lighting.
Step 3: Prepare and print the design
To etch the design on the copper plate for preparing the circuit board, you will need to print it on paper. You can get the design from the following suppliers-
- Eagle
- Fritzing
These manufacturers offer free design. Or, if you have time and skills, you can always work on Adobe Illustrator to prepare your design. But it can be tedious since you have to know precisely where to put which component.
Also, you need to use transfer paper to print the circuit board design. Before you print out the circuit board design, don’t forget to flit it. Otherwise, you will end up getting the wrong direction for the diagram.
Step 4: Sanding and washing the copper base
From this point, you will work with the etching solution and copper plate. So, start the suggested surgical gloves from here. On one side, it protects your hands from the harmful etching chemical and saves the copper plate from any oiling.
Use fine-grip sandpaper to sand off the copper plate. Also, sand the edges with better precision. It removes any debris and provides a smoother surface better for etching. Lastly, use rubbing alcohol and water to wash off the plate. You may even use nailpolish remover instead of rubbing alcohol.
Step 5: Transferring the design into the copper plate
You will require a laminator during this process. Put the design down facing the copper plate. You will need to pass it through the laminator five to seven times at least. You have to continue passing the design and copper plate through the laminator until it becomes hot.
You may even use an iron instead of a laminator. The use of iron is preferable for home use since most homes may lack a laminator.
Step 6: Prepare the solution
Now you will need to prepare the etching solution. The aim is to rinse off the remaining copper from the plate and leave the design only. You will need-
- One part of hydrochloric acid
- Two parts of hydrogen peroxide
You need to prepare enough solution to submerge the laminated copper plate in it. Also, remember that the mixed solution will release chlorine gas. So, it is toxic and highly skin irritant. Moreover, it would be best to prepare the solution in a plastic container to avoid misspells and damage.
Step 7: Start agitating the circuit board
Now, submerge the copper plate made circuit board in the solution. Agitate the circuit board gently for the next 1- to 15 minutes roughly.
Keep your face away since the solution will produce a fume as it gets warmer during the agitation process. Or it may burn your face. Hence, be careful.
Step 8: Continue to string the solution.
You will need to continue the hydrogen peroxide and hydrochloric acid solution for some more minutes. You must stir it until the copper on the circuit board has completely dissolved. It is essential for a flawless design.
The solution will turn into more of a green tinge as you stir it to dissolve the copper. Never take off your goggles and gloves during the entire process.
Step 9: Clean-up the circuit board
Run cold water from the water spout. Place the board under it the running water as you wear gloves. Make sure you have cleaned off the entire etching solution from the copper board. Now, use a clean rag to wash and dry off the board.
In a separate bowl, mix one part of acetone with one part of rubbing alcohol. Use a towel to wash off the board with the cleaning solution. Dip the towel in the solution and rub it on the board gently. As you continue rubbing the solution-mixed towel on the board, it will slowly remove the marker from the inscribed board.
Step 10: Get your circuit board ready
When you continue rubbing the mixture on the copper board, you will soon get the circuit board design inscribed on it. Use a clean rag to wipe off any remaining solution, and the circuit board design will be ready for use.
Final Words
Etching a circuit board at home isn’t as difficult as it seems. This guideline on how to etch circuit boards at home should make the process easier for you. The only concern of you is maintaining proper safety features since the solution used to etch the copper board will be highly toxic.
Hence, you have to dispose of the solution properly. You must use a good plastic bottle to collect the remaining solution. For the dumping, label it ‘Chemical wastage.’ Also, you can add hydrogen peroxide to it and store it for future use.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
Best Led Lighting Circuit Boards Company
Friday, 02 July 2021
Best Led Lighting Circuit Boards Company
LED or Light Emitting Diodes have brought revolutionary changes in the lighting industry with a variety of lights. Also, it has reduced electricity bills quite unthinkably. But have you ever thought about how did LEDs make it possible?
LED uses the most updated circuit board formation that has enabled it to deliver such outstanding performance. However, you will need to find the best LED lighting circuit boards company, if you want the best LED lighting in your devices and other applications.
Various manufacturers develop LED circuit boards to meet the requirements of this ever-growing industry. Hence, selecting the best companies among them may be a tough task for you.
But, don’t worry. Or the article will make it easy for you.
Table of Contents
What Is LED Lighting Circuit Board?
Since you came here we would expect that you understand LED circuit boards manufacturing and its applications. Yet, there’s no harm in describing it shortly to bring back the memories for a deeper understanding.
LED (Light Emitting Diode) refers to a solid-state lighting type. It uses a semiconductor to convert electricity into lighting sources. The LED will reduce the use of electricity by as much as 80% compared to the traditional light bulbs. This way it saves both your money and the environment.
Also, LED lights usually have a 25X longer lifespan than regular light bulbs. It is another extensive benefit of the LED lights.
But how does LED works so efficiently?
Well, printed circuit boards (PCBs) play the most crucial role behind such remarkable performance of the LED lights. The PCBs used in LED is mostly a thin board holding different electrical components and is made of fiberglass, ceramic, metal or other elements. It not only holds the essential electrical components but also uses a substrate to dissipate the heat from the components and offers protection.
The Fundamentals Of LED Lighting Circuit Boards
The circuit board used in LED lighting is available in various formats depending on its different applications. But its basic remains the same both in terms of construction and working criteria. It includes-
The Core:
The LED circuit board may use different elements at its core or substrate depending on its various applications and requirements. The material used to develop the circuit board core will largely attribute and control its characteristics and ability.
The most common materials are-
- FR4: FR4 is made using epoxy and fiberglass. The element is fire-retardant and is the most common material used to build PCBs’ substrate. Also, it is cheap but lacks efficiency in transferring heat.
- Metal-core: The metal-core circuit board is the most efficient LED base. It is made using aluminum alloy substrate and usually has laminated copper and other metals too. The metal base provides brilliant electrical insulation and thermal conductivity along with efficient heat transferring ability. Naturally, these circuit boards used in LED lighting are the most expensive ones. But they offer maximum protection and enhance the LED functionality also.
- Epoxy-core: Epoxy cores sit right between the FR4 and Metal-core made circuit boards. Usually, epoxy cores are less costly than both FR4 and metal core PCBs. However, it lacks the necessary durability for heavy-duty LED lighting applications.
Since metal core PCBs is the most common component of LED circuit boards and it uses mostly aluminum as its base, let’s check out its common features and advantages.
The aluminum-made core used in LED PCB uses aluminum alloy as its base. The alloy base is made using aluminum, silicon, and magnesium. Since it uses three various materials, you will get the advantages of all three elements in one circuit board used for LED lighting.
The aluminum LED circuit board is commonly made using the following layers-
- First comes the base layer and it is usually made aluminum alloy sheet. The entire PCB design will sit on it. It will dissipate the heat generated during LED applications.
- Next comes the thermal insulation layer. It usually has a ceramic polymer. Its goal is to safeguard the entire LED board from mechanical and thermal damages to prolong its lifespan. It absorbs and disperses the heat to the aluminum base as electricity passes through the electric components on the LED.
- Finally, the actual circuit boards will sit upon the thermal insulation layer. It will contain the necessary electronic components as designed by the LED light manufacturer.
The aluminum LED circuit board could be single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer depending on its application and users’ requirements. The assembly process uses either thru-hole or surface-mounting assembly to manufacture the LED circuit boards.
The Best Led Lighting Circuit Boards Company
LED PCB or circuit board definitely comes with multiple benefits. But you can avail and extract all of these core benefits only when you work with the leading LED lighting circuit board company. It allows you to take full advantage of the LED applications.
Since the lights built with LED technology are temperature and heat-sensitive, it often requires the most complex construction. Only an experienced and committed manufacturer may offer you such a complex design with minimum flaws. Also, the company must have world-class engineers, workers, and above all, the best equipment and material to manufacture such LED circuit boards of highcomplexity.
FX PCB with its 10+ years of experience in the PCB industry outsources the best PCB materials from the best suppliers. These elements are then tested in our laboratory to ensure maximum quality. Finally, it goes through our extensive and inclusive manufacturing process using the best PCB machinery. And before delivering it to our respected customers, we will check the quality of our produced LED lighting circuit boards in our laboratory again to ensure maximum durability and flawless operations.
FX-PCB is FDA-registered for quality maintenance. Also, you will get both fixed and customizable offers from us. Therefore, you can order either a bulk amount of LED light circuit boards or only a few hundred prototypes just to check our quality.
Why Should You Use LED Light Circuit Boards
- LED lights use around 75% to 80% less electricity compared to conventional light bulbs. The US. Department of Energy reported that the transformation from conventional incandescent lights to LED lights could reduce electricity consumption by 348 tera-watts worldwide by 2027. It will go a long way to protect our planet earth too.
- A general LED light enjoys a 20-25 times better lifespan than regular lights. So, it offers durable performance and also, brings down the maintenance cost. It could be a great value for money for large commercial spaces and industrial areas.
- The regular lights convert 10% of its supplied electricity into light and the rest 90% is converted into heat which is a major loss. LED lights are opposite to it. It generates minimum heat and converts the supplied energy into light more. So, it is more efficient as well.
- LED fixtures are best known for directing light right where it needs to be. So, even a smaller LED light can brighten up a larger space effectively. Plus, it comes in handy when you need a spotlight facility.
- LED lights are pretty compact. It saves massive space and offers a greater lighting facility. So, these lights come as an immediate space-saving deal for commercial and industrial spaces where space management plays a key role.
Final Words
LED lights are the new-normal equipment. Hence, LED light producers are on the lookout for the best LED lighting circuit board company for their needs. Unfortunately, they’re only a LED PCB manufacturers who can meet the growing demands of the industry with high-quality, durable, and affordable LED circuit boards.
FX PCB is committed to bringing the best LED light circuit board manufacturing service to meet your needs and applications successfully. Our customizable offers will truly serve your needs and that too within an affordable pricing and flawless quality.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
- Published in Informative
Metal Core PCB Manufacturer
Tuesday, 29 June 2021
Metal Core PCB Manufacturer
Although the LED industry has developed tremendously, quick and effective heat dissipation of the LED boards has remained a concerning issue to most manufacturers. Since the LED board sees heat rise rapidly, it needs to be dissipated quickly to save the circuit board.
The application of metal core PCB has helped solve this LED issue to a great extent. However, not all metal core PCB manufacturers can provide you with high-quality, reliable, flawless, and durable metal core PCBs.
You need to look at a few factors of the manufacturer for metal core PCB to decide which supplier is going to meet the high-end requirements for the devices. Plus, you might be keen to learn the advantages and manufacturing process of metal core PCB briefly.
This write-up comes with the answer to all these super-important questions.
Table of Contents
What Is Metal Core PCB?
A metal core printed circuit board is also referred to as MCPCB or thermal PCB. The name comes from its metal incorporated base. The metal base diverts and dissipates the heat generated in the circuit board quickly and fast to safeguard the electrical and electronic components.
The metal base actually diverts the excessive heat from the more important circuit board components to the less important areas on the same board. These areas include metallic core and heat sink backing locations mostly.
Hence, in short, the metal core PCB is used to manage the excessive heat generated in the circuit board components.
If it is a multilayer PCB, each layer will have an even distribution of the metalcore. For instance, in a 4-layer MCPCB, two layers will be on the top and the other two on the bottom of the metalcore. It will allow the metal core PCB to manage and dissipate the heat evenly and quickly. It protects the components and expands their lifespan.
Metal core PCB has several names in the industry-
- IMS or insulated metal substrate
- IMPCB or insulated metal PCBs
- Thermal clad PCB
- Metal clad PCB
Metal Core PCB Manufacturing
Metalcore PCB comprises different manufacturing stages. Its structure includes-
- Solder mask
- Circuit layer
- Copper layer
- Dielectric layer
- Metal core layer
The copper layer varies from 1oz to 6oz, mostly. The metal layer is used as a heat spreader or sink. Depending on the number of layers the MCPCB has, the copper layer is adjusted to make space for the multiple layers.
If the LED MCPCB is single-sided the copper foil will attach to the dielectric material. It is thermally conductive to dissipate the heat quickly. Then another metal layer will attach with the existing dielectric layer. This metal layer can be-
- Aluminum 5052: It has 138 thermal conductivity (W/mK) and 25 coefficient of thermal expansion (µm/m-°C)
- Copper C1100: Its thermal conductivity (W/mK) is 386 and coefficient of thermal expansion(µm/m-°C) is 17.
- Aluminum 6061: Its thermal conductivity and coefficient of thermal expansion are respectively 167 and 25.
The manufacturing tips of MCPCB includes the following suggestions-
- If you plan to develop single-layer SMT designs, the design should follow the standard single-layer PCB construction. You don’t need to experiment with it.
- For 2-layer MCPCB there will be an aluminum core inside. The manufacturing process including pre-drilling and which is highly costly. The other steps include filling up the gap with insulation and then, finally, re-drill the holes. These plated through holes are used to avoid shorts.
- If the MCPCB comprises 2 or more layers, it should follow the standard PCB manufacturing process. It uses an essential thermal dielectric layer instead of the standard FR4 layer. It also has a laminated metal plate. Manufacturers will attach it to the bottom of the layer. It is used as a medium for thermal transferring to keep the components safe.
The metal core PCB is a brilliant solution when it comes to cooling off multi-layer
The Best Metal Core PCB Manufacturer:
You should already realize that manufacturing MCPCB isn’t an easy-going task. Hence, you must opt for the right metal core printed circuit board manufacturer. It will help you expand the lifespan and quality of your produced devices.
- The manufacturer must use premium aluminum or copper as the dielectric material. FX PCB uses only the laboratory tested and premium copper or aluminum. It will withstand the excess heat to protect the circuit board components.
- The manufacturer needs to have proper experience in different PCB producing. If the manufacturer lacks experience, it would fail to identify the needs of the growing metal core PCB industry. FX PCB with its 10+ years of experience in the PCB industry excels in producing various types of MCPCB.
- The manufacturer needs to deliver the ordered supplies within the timeframe. Also, the supplier should have flexible schemes for both bulk amounts and customized orders.
FX PCB promisesto offer the best budget-friendly metal core PCB schemes without any drop intheir quality and performance. Hence, you can expect the best MCPCB manufacturing with us.
Advantages and Applications of Metal Core PCB:
The most practical benefits and advantages of MCPCB includes the following ones-
- The metal core has higher thermal conductivity. So, it dissipates the heat quicker.
- The metal base will control the heat of the components for better IC management.
- Metal core PCBs use copper or aluminum instead of ceramic core. So, the metal core PCB is lighter than most other types of PCBs.
- MCPCB is manufactured from non-toxic metals. It is also safe for health. So, you can use them safely with any device.
- The metal-clad is more durable and thermally conductive compared to the epoxy bases. So, you can depend on them for long-lasting applications.
The applications of metal core PCB include-
- In LED for general and backlight units
- In automotive industries especially for hybrid cars
- Devices used in power supplies such as converters, switching regulators, and voltage regulators.
- In solar panels and motion control sensors.
- The solid-state relays also use the metal core PCBs.
Final Words
Metal core PCBs have broughta revolution in the printed circuit board industry, especially, in LED devices. But for the best devices, you also need to opt for the right metal core PCB manufacturer. You can rely on FX PCB to get your right and required MCPCB supplies.
Also, the metal core PCBs are highly dependable for heat-dissipating and heat management to prolong the lifespan of devices. So, it is the future of the PCB industry.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
Our Recommended Products for You
- Published in Informative
LED PCB Manufacturer
Saturday, 19 June 2021
LED PCB Manufacturer
The expansion and unthinkable development of PCB technology has seen breakthrough products in the market and the LED PCBs is one of them. Nowadays, LED printed circuit boards enable manufacturers to develop and design an array of products that even a decade ago were not in existence. And it has seen massive demand for LED PCBs.
Following the trend, different LED PCB manufacturer has tried their luck in the market. But not all of these LED printed circuit board manufacturers are reliable and may offer you versatile PCBs for LED. So, to make your decision easier we dedicated this write-up to the development, uses, and ways to find the right manufacturer for LED PCBs.
If you need bulk or a few pieces of LED PCBs, but don’t know where to dig in, this article will be the goldmine for you. So, let’s get to it.
Table of Contents
What Is LED PCB?
LED PCB is one of the breakthroughs and latest technologies in the printed circuit board industry. Hence, we must understand the actual meaning of the LED PCB. It will help you know how the LED board works in its real-life application.
So, start with LED that means Light Emitting Diodes. It has semiconductor diodes. When you solder these LEDs on using soldering materials on the printed circuit board, the board will illuminate with the added light. Thus, the LED PCB refers to a printed circuit board with LEDs soldered into it.
But soldering the LED on the PCB isn’t the only importance of this high-tech product. There’re important properties of the board too. Manufacturers usually use a thermal heat sink along with the ceramic base for these circuit board production.
The thermal heat sink works with the ceramic base to reduce the temperature and propels the electric signals to intensify the circuit board efficiency. The heat sink and the ceramic base are attached much like a chip and soldered into the printed circuit board. It connects electrically with the board and passes the light.
The temperature control of the LED PCB is extremely crucial since these boards tend to get overheated in quick time. Thus, manufacturing the LED PCB needs special technology to control the cooling heat capacity and not all manufacturers can handle it. Only a handful of PCB manufacturers such as FX PCB have the right technology to tackle the cooling heat impact of this high-end circuit board.
FX PCB uses metal-core circuit boards to produce the LED PCB for its heat conductivity. Also, we will use Aluminum PCB mostly because aluminum has high thermal conductivity. Thus, the dielectric metal easily and comfortably dissipates the extreme heat to keep the LED board cool and efficient.
LED PCB Manufacturing Steps and Process:
When you want to get the best LED PCB manufacturer, you need to dive into the manufacturing process and understand it properly. Otherwise, you will not find the manufacturer properly.
- Firstly, the properties and materials need to be assembled properly for the PCB only. If you are unsure about which materials to source and from where FX PCB is always ready to offer you the best ones for the LED PCB. Once the manufacturer has all the components ready, they will assemble them using the conventional assembling process.
- PCB manufacturers might provide you with a prototype of the circuit board and ask whether or not it will work for your requirements. When you approve the prototype, the manufacturer will begin the massive production.
However, you need to look at a few points for the manufacturer of the LED PCB-
- Decide the number of layers you will need for the LED PCB. These are available mostly in one-layer, two-layer, and four-layer designs. The four-layer PCB LED is applied mostly to create the outdoor screens.
- The importance of lumen in the LED PCB is highly important since the main duty of these boards is to create lighting. Manufacturers usually apply ‘super white solder mask’ technology to achieve the added lumen.
- You must also ask the manufacturer to add more lights to the circuit board. It will depend on the size of the board mostly.
Also, you can get hybrid LED PCBs if you need them. You need to clarify the manufacturer to get the hybrid ones in proper conditions. A hybrid LED circuit board has one side made of a standard metal (aluminum) base and the other side has a non-thermal material.
Advantages of LED PCBs:
Different types of LED printed circuit boards bring different benefits for the users. The most common advantages may include-
- Hybrid LED PCBs with their double siding is one of the most rigid circuit boards. Hence, these are more durable than most other circuit boards.
- PCB with LED will offer you, the manufacturer,different lighting equipment. You will find their uses in medical, lighting, and even in military sectors.
- Flexible LED PCBs offer supreme flexibility and also saves money and space with their advanced properties.
Applications of LED PCBs:
The possible applications of the LED soldered PCBs are overwhelming. It includes-
- The medical sector has several applications of the LED PCB. The lighting in the surgery room is more of LED PCB for its efficiency and bright lighting. Also, different medical equipment uses these boards too.
- Telecommunications sectors also use LED PCB mainly for its high heat-dissipating ability and efficiency. Also, telecommunication devices use these boards in the screen and display for space-saving and durable applications.
- The automotive industry has integrated LED PCBs as their inseparable part. You will see these boards in the indicator and brake lights of most automobiles.
- ICT and tech industries also have massive applications of the LED PCB. Modern-day PCs and laptops use these boards to minimize the heat and enhanced the device lifespan.
- The aviation industry has a great application of Led printed circuit boards. The lights, indicators, and interior décor depend heavily on the LED boards.
Tips on Choosing the Right LED PCB Manufacturer
- The PCB manufacturer must meet your requirements for the LED PCB correctly. It includes the color-coding, power rating, and appropriate dimensions of the holes.
- You must be assured that the manufacturer will design, develop and deliver the circuit boards in the shortest possible time. In such cases, FX PCB is reliable with its fastest delivery rate.
- LED PCBs are not so cheap. Hence, you need to get a manufacturer who will at least keep the costing reasonable. Also, the manufacturer must have the flexibility to supply bulk or customized orders on time.
Final Words
LED PCB is the latest breakthrough in the circuit board industry. When you get the best LED PCB manufacturer such as FC PCB, your device making will become easier and comfy. Also, our LED PCBs are made using high-end soldering technology to reduce the heat impact. Thus, the LED circuit boards offer durability and lasting performance too. Also, with these versatile applications, these printed circuit boards are the future of the PCB industry.
Peter Gong
I am Peter Gong. I have been working in PCB and PCBA industry for 15+ years now. I have been a part of the PCB revolution with my dedication to circuit board technologies and creative ideas. I write in FX PCB to impart my knowledge on PCB and PCBA for all circuit board lovers, manufacturers, and users.
Our Recommended Products for You
- Published in Informative