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Why Consider Using Through Hole Printed Circuit Boards?

Why Consider Using Through Hole Printed Circuit Boards?

In the printed circuit board business, there are two primary ways to mount components onto the circuit board: through-hole mounting and surface mounting. Through-hole mounting is the older technology and requires the circuit board manufacturer to drill holes through the PCB and place leads into the holes. More recently, surface mounted technology has taken over the field.

Through-Hole Components

Through-hole components come in one of two types of leads, radial and axial. Axial through-hole components run along the axis of symmetry of the component while radial components protrude in parallel from the same surface on a board.

Components of Surface Mount Technology

When you look at any modern PCB design, you will see SMT technology in most instances. Surface mount technology (SMT) is the most commonly used technology today. These types of boards and components have very small or no leads at all as their primary purpose is to be soldered directly on the surface of a PCB during the design process. This method allows for components to be much smaller, allowing for greater density and better overall performance on a smaller circuit board.

With surface mounting offering so many benefits, why even consider through hole flex printed circuit boards?

The reason is that through hole mounting offers stronger mechanical bonds. This makes through hole flex printed circuit boards the better option for devices that are designed to undergo major stresses, like sudden accelerations, collisions, or extreme temperatures. This makes them worth considering for military, automotive, and extreme sports applications.

Yun Industrial Acme PCB Assembly is capable of two types of printed circuit board assembly services. They are full and partial turn-key services. Full turn-key covers all aspects of PCB fabrication and assembly, including manufacture of PCBs, parts procurement, quality inspections, and final PCB assembly.

Stacked circuit boards

How you Would Create an Electronic Prototype

How to Create an Electronic Prototype

Do you have a big idea for a new electronic product? We all know that ideas are a dime a dozen, so if you really want to get your idea off the ground, eventually you’ll need to create a prototype. A prototype, simply put, is a physical manifestation of a product. There are many important reasons to create a prototype. In this article, we’ll also review some quick tips about how to turn your idea into a prototype.

Why Prototype?

Creating a prototype is an essential step in your journey to bring your product to market. One of the biggest reasons to create a prototype is to simply work out all the bugs and kinks. Designing the prototype will help you determine if you’ve got the size right, if it can really work as you’ve imagined, and what the best materials are.

A prototype is also practically a requirement if you’re looking for seed money. No investor is going to write you a check if you aren’t at least serious enough to show them an early model of your product.

How to Create a Prototype

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A prototype starts with a drawing. You can take an actual pen to paper for this step, but eventually it’s a good idea to either create or commission a CAD drawing (computer-aided design), which will provide greater detail and accuracy.

Next, you may want to try and build a preliminary prototype of y our product just to test out the dimensions and see what it will look like. This will not be a working prototype. If you are handy, you may be able to fashion it yourself using foam, moldable plastic, metal, wood, or parts from other products.

Eventually, though, you’ll want to create a working prototype. This will be important to showcase to investors. Since you are creating an electronic product, it is likely that you’ll want to work with professional prototype developers. These are manufacturers who specialize in developing prototypes. They are experienced in helping entrepreneurs and inventors just like you figure out how to actually create the prototype. For example, they can help you determine the right materials and figure out how the actual product will work.

At Yun Industrial Acme PCB Assembly, we can help you create your electronic prototype. Send us your CAD drawing and other paperwork, and let’s get started on building your product!

Conformal Coating Spray

The Growing Importance of Conformal Coating in PCB Protection

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are at the heart of modern electronics—but as devices become smaller, more powerful, and more widely used in harsh environments, protecting these sensitive components has become more critical than ever. That’s where conformal coating in PCB protection steps in as a game-changer.

Whether it’s a consumer product exposed to daily wear or a military-grade device deployed in extreme climates, PCBs need an added layer of protection. Conformal coating provides exactly that: a thin, durable film that safeguards electronics from moisture, dust, chemicals, and temperature extremes without compromising performance or size.

Solder Mask on Printed Circuit BoardsWhat Is Conformal Coating?

conformal coating maskingconformal coating maskingConformal coating is a protective chemical layer applied to the surface of a PCB to create a barrier against environmental contaminants. It’s “conformal” because it conforms to the shape of the board and its components, coating even hard-to-reach areas without needing bulky enclosures.

At Board Assembly, we apply conformal coatings using precise, industry-approved techniques that ensure full coverage without interfering with the function or accessibility of electronic parts.

Why Is Conformal Coating Becoming More Important?

As electronics continue to expand into sectors like automotive, aerospace, defense, and IoT devices, the environments these PCBs operate in are becoming more unpredictable and challenging.

Here are a few key reasons conformal coating is gaining traction:

  • Moisture & Corrosion Resistance: In humid or marine environments, moisture can cause corrosion, short-circuits, and long-term failure. Conformal coatings seal off the PCB surface, keeping moisture at bay.

  • Chemical Protection: In industrial settings, exposure to cleaning agents, fuels, or harsh chemicals is common. A conformal coating acts as a shield, preventing chemical damage.

  • Dust & Debris Protection: For electronics in outdoor or manufacturing environments, dust accumulation can hinder performance. Coatings protect against particulate buildup.

  • Extended Product Life: By protecting the PCB from environmental damage, conformal coatings significantly increase product reliability and longevity—essential for industries where equipment failure is not an option.

Applications Across Industries

From automotive control units to aerospace avionics, and from wearable medical devices to outdoor smart home systems, conformal coating in PCB protection is now a standard best practice in many industries. As miniaturization and high-performance demands increase, protective coatings are no longer optional—they’re essential.

Why Work With Board Assembly?

At Board Assembly, we offer advanced PCB assembly solutions that include precision-applied conformal coatings to ensure your product performs reliably in any environment. Whether you need protection from moisture, vibration, chemicals, or dust, our team ensures your PCB is ready for real-world conditions.

Want to learn more about how conformal coating can improve your product’s performance and durability? Contact us today to discuss your PCB protection needs.

Flexible Circuit board

Flexible PCB Assembly: Benefits and Challenges

As modern electronics continue to shrink in size while growing in complexity, Flexible PCB Assembly has emerged as a game-changing solution. From medical devices and smartphones to aerospace systems and wearables, flexible printed circuit boards (FPCBs) are paving the way for innovative designs that were once considered impossible with rigid boards. But like any technology, flexible PCB assembly brings both impressive advantages and unique challenges.

At BoardAssembly.com, we specialize in delivering high-quality flexible PCB solutions tailored to meet the exact specifications of our clients. Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering flexible PCB assembly for your next project.

Benefits of Flexible PCB Assembly

1. Design Versatility

Flexible PCBs can bend, twist, and fold, making them ideal for applications where space is limited or irregular. Their lightweight and thin profile enable designers to build products that are more compact, ergonomic, and durable.

2. Space and Weight Savings

Compared to traditional rigid boards, flexible circuits significantly reduce the overall weight and size of the electronic assembly. This is crucial in industries like aerospace, military, and medical technology, where every gram matters.

3. Improved Reliability

Because they eliminate the need for connectors and cables between separate rigid boards, flexible PCBs reduce connection points—one of the most common sources of failure. Fewer solder joints also mean fewer opportunities for mechanical failure.

4. Cost-Effective for Complex Assemblies

Although the upfront costs may be higher, flexible PCB assemblies can ultimately reduce the total cost of ownership by consolidating components and simplifying assembly processes, especially in high-density designs.

Challenges of Flexible PCB Assembly

1. Complex Manufacturing Process

The materials and manufacturing techniques required for flexible PCB assembly are more advanced than for traditional rigid boards. Precise handling, specialized equipment, and expert design are necessary to avoid defects.

2. Higher Initial Costs

Due to the specialized materials and processes, flexible PCBs generally cost more to prototype and manufacture than standard PCBs. However, these costs are often offset by savings in assembly and system integration over time.

3. Thermal and Mechanical Sensitivity

Flexible boards are more susceptible to damage from excessive heat or mechanical stress during the assembly process. Controlled environments and skilled technicians are crucial to maintaining the integrity of the board.

Is Flexible PCB Assembly Right for You?

If your project demands lightweight construction, space-saving design, and high reliability, Flexible PCB Assembly may be the perfect fit. At BoardAssembly.com, we combine technical expertise, cutting-edge equipment, and a commitment to quality to provide custom flexible PCB solutions that meet today’s toughest demands.

Whether you’re working on wearable tech, compact medical devices, or next-gen consumer electronics, our team is ready to help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn how flexible PCBs can transform your design and production process.

Is Through-Hole Assembly Still Important to Use?

 

Before the 1960s, the through-hole assembly process for mounting components onto printed circuit boards was the only game in town. It was labor-intensive and required a lot of space, but it was the only option. That all changed with the rise of surface mount technology (SMT), which allows for components to be mounted directly onto a printed circuit board’s surface. Since SMT doesn’t require drilling holes through a PCB, its components are much smaller and can be mounted on each side of the board. The result is a denser, smaller PCB that can perform much better than a PCB using through-hole technology.

When SMT came on the scene, many engineers believed it would harken the death of through-hole PCBs. However, while SMT does reign supreme, through-hole is still with us today. In very specific circumstances, through-hole PCBs are a better choice than their SMT counterparts.

A Few Important Uses for Through-Hole PCBs

Through-hole PCBs may be bigger and clunkier than SMT PCBs, but they do offer up one important advantage. Through-hole components are attached far more securely than SMT, which gives them a much stronger connection between layers. SMT connections are strong enough for the vast majority of products that people use in their day-to-day lives, but for machines that must operate in extreme environments, through-hole is the more reliable and stable option.

For example, through-hole PCBs can be commonly found in machines in the military and aerospace industries. Oftentimes, these machines must survive extreme temperatures, forceful collisions, and rapid accelerations. Through-hole is the ideal reliable and resilient mounting option for these types of products.

Prototypes

The other area where you are most likely to find through-hole mounting is in product prototypes. Through-hole is often preferred in prototyping, because it is much easier to adjust and replace components as the prototype undergoes testing and design alterations. If you are dreaming up an exciting new product, you’ll want to reach out to a printed circuit board vendor that is adept at through-hole mounting. This will give you more flexibility as you put the prototype through its paces.

Find Your SMT and Through-Hole Vendor

No matter what your industry or product line, it is smart to look for a printed circuit board manufacturer with both SMT and through-hole experience. This will allow you more choice and more control over your final product. At ACME PCB Assembly, we offer extensive experience in both SMT assembly and through-hole assembly.

Contact Us Today!