Printed Circuit Board Basics
While most of the printed circuit board basics fall into the hands of the manufacturer, knowing the steps of production may lead to better design. In general, printed circuit boards support components joined by copper pathways that conduct a current. These boards are then used in a variety of electronic devices and appliances.
Depending on the application of the printed circuit board, construction materials may differ. Single- and double-sided boards consist of a core dielectric (insulation) material with copper plating (trace) on one or both sides. Epoxy fiberglass, known as FR4, is a rugged and affordable material commonly used to make printed circuit boards.
Step-by-Step Printed Circuit Board Basics
The basic steps of printed circuit board production include:
- Setup or design
- Imaging
- Patterning or etching
- Lamination
- Drilling
- Plating and coating
- Solder resisting or masking
- Finishing
- Screen printing
- Testing
- Populating
- Protection
- Quality Control and packaging
Testing Occurs at Each Step
Several rounds of testing are done throughout the basic manufacturing process. Initial prototyping makes sure the circuitry works as intended. Pre-board testing looks for shorts in individual components. End-product testing looks not only at how the complete circuit board works, but also whether it meets safety standards. A visual inspection of the boards checks for manufacturing defects. Before an end product is packed in anti-static bags and shipped to the customer, it should verifiably work as intended within the guidelines of the UL and IPC.
Almatron works with customers throughout each step of the production process to ensure a quality product and timely delivery. Thorough testing of all components and fabricated parts reduce the expense and errors of mass production, making it a hassle-free experience.
