Tag Archives: PCB Assembly Services

Flexible Circuit board

Flex Turnkey PCB Assembly

The design rules for flex turnkey PCB assembly is very similar to the design rules for traditional PCBs.  Traditional PCBs and flex flex turnkey PCB assembly share some similarities in the manufacturing process as well.  To start, the flexible circuit board material (typically copper clad Polyimide) is chosen, drilled, plated, photo-imaged, and imprinted just like the conservative PCB process. Next, both PCBs and flex turnkey PCB assemblies involve the panels being baked to remove any moisture from the wet processes.  This next step is where the original PCB and flex turnkey PCB assembly start to differ.  Flex turnkey PCB assemblies go to the cover lay station instead of going to the fuse mask station, as would occur with traditional PCBs.

A flex circuit board cover lay, also known as a cover film, is a lamination process used to summarize and protect any peripheral circuitry of the flex circuit. The cover lay serves the similar function as the solder mask does for conventional PCBs with the dissimilarity being the added component of flexibility. Naturally, the thickness of the cover lay is prepared of 1 mil thick Polyimide with a 1 mil thick, attach adhesive, but other thicknesses are accessible to meet precise design necessities. The Polyimide and adhesive cover lay is laminated using force and heat.

Flexible circuitThe heat allows for simple flow of the adhesive which is needed because it must fill-in any and all gaps among the traces and pads to stop the trapping of air between layers. To a flex turnkey PCB assembly designer this means the cover lay openings for a characteristic 1 oz. The copper plan must be out-sized by 10 mils, which is appreciably bigger than the typical huge of 2-3 mils used on conventional PCB solder masks.

ACME PCB Assembly manufactures flexible turnkey PCB assembly.  We can take your flexible circuit application from concept to reality with our complete design capabilities.  Our talented team is equipped to work in multiple data formats. We have in-house surface-mount technology (SMT) capabilities  and specialize in turnkey assembly applications.

ACME PCB Assembly will work with you for all of your flexible circuit board needs. We are committed to not only customer satisfaction, but exceeding our customer’s expectations. Our adherence to quality standards is a part of what makes our boards superior to other suppliers.

We provide a complete suite of PCB Assembly Services, including rework and modification, BGA, SMT, Turnkey, Thru-Hole, Lead Free, and Prototype assembly, plus an extensive line of add-on services, such as Injection Molding and Metal Work & Finishing.

Call us today with any questions 1- 310-715-1898  (Sales Extension 210) (Purchasing Extension 160)

 

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!

ROHS-Compliant Assembly Services USA

How Being RoHS-Compliant PCB Assembly Services are Different from Assembly Services?

With everyone’s increasing concerns on the over usage of hazardous materials in the electronic and electrical products and their environmental impact, there have been several stricter regulations being imposed by the leading governmental organizations across the world. The RoHS compliance is one of those important regulations that is currently being imposed on the utilization of hazardous materials in the electronics and electrical products. Are you interested in knowing how this compliance works or what the benefits are?

Being Able to Understand the Materials that are Restricted Under RoHS Compliance

The RoHS compliance has restricted the use of six materials in the PCBs and electronic items. They include Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Hexavalent Chromium (CrVI), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB), and phthalates such as BBP, DEHP, BBP, and DIBP.

The compliance also specifies the maximum levels of these restricted materials in the PCBs and other electronics items.

  1. Mercury (Hg): < 100 ppm
  2. Lead (Pb): < 1000 ppm
  3. Cadmium (Cd): < 100 ppm
  4. Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBB): < 1000 ppm
  5. Hexavalent Chromium: (Cr VI) < 1000 ppm
  6. Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDE): < 1000 ppm
  7. Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP): < 1000 ppm
  8. Dibutyl phthalate (DBP): < 1000 ppm
  9. Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP): < 1000 ppm
  10. Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP): < 1000 ppm

The Many Features of RoHS-Compliant Assembly Services

Many PCB assembly services are utilizing processes and technologies that help them manufacture RoHS-compliant PCB assemblies. The following are a few features that help distinguish these services from others.

  • Lead-free Surface Finishes:Many manufacturers are nowadays using lead-free surface finishes such as lead-free HASL, ENIG, Electroplated Nickel and Soft (Bondable), Hard Gold Immersion Tin (White Tin), and Organic Solderability Preservatives (OSP).
  • RoHS Compliant Substrate Materials:The choice of RoHS material depends on the requirement of the application. There are materials such as Isola IS410, and Polyclad 370HR that assure standard electrical performance; however, materials such as Isola FR415 and Polyclad Getek assure high electrical performance at low loss.
  • Primary and Secondary Services:It has been observed that many RoHS PCB assembly service providers specialized in primary and secondary services such as lead trimming, lead-free wave soldering, and many more.

Some Benefits of Using RoHS-Compliant PCBs

The benefits that are offered by lead-free and RoHS-compliant PCBs are various. The following are a few of them:

  • Helps Reduce Metal Poisoning:As the technology landscape is fast evolving, many customers are discarding their obsolete electronic equipment in landfills. Equipped with various hazardous materials, this equipment helped lead to severe poisoning. Although recycling is being performed, still the equipment may have hazardous substances in them. The RoHS directive has forced OEMs reduce their dependence on hazardous substances. This has helped reduce the impact of these materials on the environment, and people working with them.
  • Improved Product Safety:With RoHS compliance being adopted by many prominent electronics manufacturers in EU and the US, now users can be assured that the product they are using is lead and mercury free. As a result, the sales and popularity of the products from these manufacturers has tremendously increased.
  • Improved Thermal Properties:It is proven that lead-free PCBs have excellent thermal properties than their leaded counterparts. They can easily withstand temperatures between -45°C to 145°C. Nowadays, PCB manufacturers are using specialized halogen-free laminates that have further helped improve their thermal stability up to 300 °C.

The benefits of RoHS-compliant PCBs symbolize a green future.  It is important that you find a trusted RoHS-compliant assembly services provider such as Yun Industrial and ACME PCB Assembly. Our company follows processes that are audited regularly and certified as chemical free.

Call today to find out more about our RoHS-compliant assembly services. 

 

surface mount technology

Choosing the Right Contract Electronic Manufacturing Service Provider

In today’s fast-paced electronics industry, businesses rely on contract electronic manufacturing service providers to streamline their production processes. Whether you need prototypes or full-scale production, partnering with a reliable manufacturer ensures high-quality PCB assembly and efficient turnaround times.

pcb assembly integrated circuitWhat Is a Contract Electronic Manufacturing Service Provider?

A contract electronic manufacturing service (CEMS) provider specializes in producing electronic components, circuit boards, and complete assemblies for various industries. These manufacturers handle everything from PCB fabrication and PCB assembly services to quality testing and final product integration.

Why Partner with a Contract Manufacturer for PCB Assembly?

Choosing a reputable PCB assembly provider brings several advantages, including:

1. Expertise and Precision

Professional manufacturers use cutting-edge technology and industry best practices to ensure precise and high-quality PCB assembly services. Their expertise in surface-mount technology (SMT), through-hole technology (THT), and mixed-technology assembly results in reliable products.

2. Cost Savings and Efficiency

In-house PCB production requires significant investment in equipment, materials, and skilled labor. Outsourcing to an experienced contract electronic manufacturing service reduces overhead costs while improving efficiency.

3. Scalability for Production Demands

Whether you need small-batch prototyping or large-scale production, contract manufacturers adjust their capacity to meet your needs. This flexibility allows companies to scale their production based on demand.

4. Quality Assurance and Compliance

A trusted PCB assembly services provider follows strict industry standards such as ISO 9001, IPC-A-610, and RoHS compliance, ensuring that every PCB meets high-quality benchmarks.

5. Faster Time-to-Market

With streamlined manufacturing processes and supply chain management, contract manufacturers help companies bring products to market quickly without compromising quality.

Printed Circuit Board FabricationIndustries That Benefit from PCB Assembly Services

Various industries depend on PCB assembly for their electronic components, including:

  • Aerospace & Defense – High-reliability PCBs for mission-critical systems
  • Medical Devices – Precision electronics for patient monitoring and diagnostics
  • Automotive – Advanced circuit boards for electric vehicles and infotainment systems
  • Consumer Electronics – Smartphones, wearables, and smart home devices
  • Industrial Automation – Control systems and IoT devices for smart manufacturing

Choosing the Right PCB Assembly Partner

When selecting a contract electronic manufacturing service provider, consider the following factors:

  • Experience & Capabilities – Ensure they offer comprehensive PCB fabrication and assembly services.
  • Certifications & Compliance – Look for ISO, IPC, and RoHS certifications.
  • Prototyping & Mass Production – Check if they can handle both small and large volumes.
  • Customization & Engineering Support – Choose a provider that offers design and engineering assistance.
  • Customer Support & Communication – A responsive team ensures smooth project execution.

Partner with a Trusted PCB Assembly Provider

Finding the right PCB assembly services provider can make all the difference in the success of your electronic products. If you’re looking for high-quality PCB fabrication and assembly solutions, BoardAssembly.com offers state-of-the-art manufacturing services tailored to your needs.

Explore their advanced capabilities and experience seamless PCB assembly services for your next project.