Pcb Board Assembly Manufacturing Evolved Over Time
The circuit boards that electronics manufacturers rely on to build their products have evolved over the years. They started out as rudimentary point to point wiring boards, but have since been transformed by advances in technology and the need for a better way to assemble devices with electronic components. Understanding how the PCB has changed over time can help you appreciate the unique role that this important technology plays in modern life.
In the beginning, pcb board assembly manufacturing involved manually soldering components to bases made from wood or other materials. This process was labor-intensive and limited in scalability. As a result, it was not ideal for the creation of complex electronic devices. However, this early experiment helped pave the way for the next evolution of pcb board assembly manufacturing.
After the introduction of electricity, the demand for more efficient ways to assemble and wire electrical circuits increased. This led to the invention of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Initially, these were constructed from any material that could be drilled into and riveted flat brass wires onto. Eventually, a process was developed that plated copper on the walls of the drilled holes, which allowed electric conductivity to travel through them. These plated through-holes became the standard for printed circuit boards, and eventually, the first double-sided PCBs were made.
How Has Pcb Board Assembly Manufacturing Evolved Over Time?
During the 1960s, PCBs began to be constructed with more layers of conductive material, increasing their efficiency and flexibility. At the same time, hot air soldering was becoming more popular, which allowed for a more efficient production process and easier repair of faulty circuits. By the 1980s, small surface mount parts replaced through-hole components on PCBs, resulting in smaller boards that offered the same functionality and lowering production costs.
The turn of the century saw a growing awareness of environmental sustainability, which called for a reevaluation of many manufacturing processes including PCB assembly. This era also saw the introduction of lead-free solders, which have since become the industry standard. Today, a variety of new technologies are shaping the future of pcb board assembly manufacturing, including flex circuits that can be bent to fit inside irregular shapes and 3D printing that allows PCBs to be made from conductive plastics rather than metals.
The most common step in traditional PCB assembly is the application of solder paste. This can be done either manually with THT or by machine with SMT. Once the paste is applied, components are then placed on the board. In the case of THT, this can be accomplished by hand, a process that requires incredible precision. With SMT, robotic systems are used that can place components with a great deal of accuracy. In either case, a visual inspection is then performed to ensure all components are in the correct position on the board. After the final inspection, the board can be soldered to its components using reflow soldering. Then, the board is cooled, which solidifies the solder and cements the components in place.
