Fast Turn PCB Production Is Used in Medical Devices
PCBs are used in a variety of different applications. For example, in automotive equipment they’re used to control infotainment systems and safety features; in the defense sector, PCBs are key to the operation of guided missiles and aircraft flight systems; and in the medical industry, they help with the diagnostics and treatment of various diseases.
Regardless of the application, all printed circuit boards are subject to stringent manufacturing standards in order to ensure that they function correctly and don’t have any safety issues. One of the most important aspects of a quick turn PCB is its ability to be designed, fabricated, and assembled in a short period of time without compromising on quality. Choosing an ITAR certified PCB manufacturer will ensure that your product can be produced and delivered on schedule with the high-quality standards that are required for use in medical devices.
The quick-turn process starts with the PCB design, which is sent to the PCB fabrication company in the Gerber file format. The fabrication company will then carry out a Design for Manufacture (DFM) review and make sure that all of the design specifications are met, including materials, dimensions, and assembly. Once the DFM is complete, they’ll start the actual production of the PCB. This includes drilling, plating, and etching.
How Fast Turn PCB Production Is Used in Medical Devices
The etching step removes all of the unneeded copper from the board and leaves behind the conductive pathways. The layering process then adds solder mask and any other required layers to the board. Once the PCB is plated and etched, it can then be assembled with all of the components. For medical devices, this is usually done using robotic equipment to ensure that the components are placed precisely where they need to be and to maintain precision over time.
Once the PCB is fully assembled, it must undergo inspection and testing to ensure that it meets all of the required quality standards. This typically involves a number of different tests, including a visual inspection and an electrical test. Depending on the type of device, it may also be subjected to an X-ray or magnetic resonance test, or both.
Some fast turn pcb production outsource some of the processes involved in their quick-turn production, but it’s important to find a PCB manufacturer who handles everything in-house. This will allow them to keep the cost down while maintaining a fast turnaround and ensuring that all of the necessary steps are taken for high-quality medical devices.
Medical PCBs must be compliant with a number of different standards, as they could potentially impact human health. The most important standard for medical devices is ISO 13485, which dictates that the manufacturer must adhere to installation qualification, operation qualification, and process qualification standards. This is important because the failure of a medical device could potentially result in injuries or even death. It’s therefore essential that the manufacturer has experience producing high-quality medical devices and knows how to meet these strict standards. A good medical PCB manufacturer will have a robust Quality Management System (QMS) that ensures the quality of their products.
