What are printed circuits used for?
Printed circuits are used in a wide variety of applications, from mobile phones and computers to household appliances and medical equipment. Their versatility and precision make them essential in the modern electronics industry.
PCB prototypes are preliminary versions of printed circuit boards that are used to test and validate the design before mass production. These prototypes are essential to ensure that the final design meets all the requirements and works correctly.
Advances in printed circuit board printing technology have enabled faster and more accurate prototyping than ever before. This has allowed companies to reduce development times and increase production efficiency.
In short, the printed circuits and PCB prototypes are key components in the modern electronics industry and have contributed significantly to the creation of more sophisticated and advanced devices.
How are printed circuits made?
There are several methods for manufacturing printed circuit boards, but the general process usually includes the following steps:
Design: The The first step is to design the PCB using PCB design software such as AutoCAD or EAGLE. This design includes the location and size of the electronic components and connections needed to make the device work.
Template generation: Once the printed circuit board has been designed, a template is generated using a process called “scribing and punching”. This involves drawing the traces (copper lines) and holes for the components on the printed circuit board using a scribing and drilling machine.
Electroplating: Next, a layer of copper is deposited on the printed circuit board using a process called electroplating. This is done so that there is enough copper to create the traces of the printed circuit.
Impression: A printing machine is then used to transfer the design from the printed circuit to the copper plate. A special ink called a mask coat is used to cover the areas that should not be covered with copper.
Recorded: Once the printed circuit design has been transferred to the copper plate, a process called etching is used to remove the copper from unwanted areas. This is done using an acid solution or a laser engraving process.
Mounting: Once the printed circuit has been recorded, we proceed to the assembly of printed circuits. This is done by hand or by using robots.
Testing: Finally, the printed circuit is subjected to various tests to ensure that it works correctly and meets all the requirements. If any problem is found, it is returned to the first step and a new design is made.
This is the general process used by PCB factoriesalthough there may be slight variations depending on the manufacturer and the type of PCB being produced.
Why is an electrolytic gold finish preferred for printed circuits?
The electrolytic gold finish is applied to the metal surface of the pcb boards to protect copper and improve conductivity. Gold is an excellent conductor of electricity and has a high resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for this application.
The electrolytic gold finishing process is performed by immersing the printed circuit board in an acid solution containing a controlled amount of gold. Gold is deposited on the surface of copper by applying an electrical current.
The thickness of the gold coating can be controlled by the immersion time and the intensity of the electric current. Generally, thicknesses between 1 and 3 micrometers are used.
The electrolytic gold finish has several advantages. First of all, it protects the copper from oxidation and corrosion, which increases the life of the printed circuit. Second, it improves the conductivity of copper, which can be especially important in high-speed or high-frequency printed circuits.
However, the electrolytic gold finish also has some drawbacks. It is relatively expensive and can be difficult to repair if damaged. It is also less resistant to heat than some other finishes, such as nickel or cobalt.
What are the supply problems of printed circuit boards in China?
There are several PCB supply issues in China that can affect manufacturers and customers:
· Shortage of skilled labor: In China, the demand for skilled workers in the printed circuit board industry has increased in recent years, leading to a shortage of skilled labor. This can delay production and increase costs.
· Shortage of materials: Printed circuits require a variety of materials, such as printed circuit boards, copper, and masking inks. In China, the demand for these materials has increased rapidly, leading to shortages and rising prices.
· Quality problems: In some cases, quality problems have been reported with PCBs made in China. This may be due to a lack of proper quality control or the use of low-quality materials.
· Patent issues: In China, patent protection can be an issue. Some printed circuit manufacturers may use protected designs or technologies without authorization, which can lead to legal problems.
· Compliance Issues: Some Chinese companies may have trouble meeting the quality and safety standards required for some markets, such as the US market. This can delay the entry of products into the market and increase costs.
These are some of the PCB supply problems in China. Although China is an important manufacturer of printed circuits, in Spain we have an increasingly competitive specialized industry, which offers, in addition to high quality, fast and smooth delivery.
