Smaller, Thinner PCB Fabrication Service and Circuit Manufacturing

Fabulous PCB Fabrication Process

Circuit Design, Circuit Board Prototype & Fabrication

Printed circuit board (PCB) is a component made of one or more layers of insulating material with electrical conductors.

PCB fabrication can be a source of assembly problems, particularly with regards to oxidation and misapplication of solder mask. Printed Circuit Board engineering and machine operators who understand fabrication learn to make careful inspection of the raw board as the first step in troubleshooting SMT solder ability problems. Regardless of the test method you use, the process engineer should evaluate the test's level of complexity, the time required and cost compared to the negative impact of the solder ability problem.

The insulator is typically made on the base of fiber reinforced resins, ceramics, plastic, or some other dielectric PCB materials. During PCB manufacturing the portions of conductors that are not needed are etched off, leaving printed circuits that connect electronic components.

Step 1: PCB Film Generation

The film is generated from the design files (gerber files) which are sent to the PCB (printed circuit board) fabrication house. Usually buyers will have the circuit designed and PCB Prototype made before the massive circuit manufacturing. One film is generated per layer.

Step 2: PCB Substrate

Copper foil bonded to fiberglass. Raw Material Industry standard 0.059" thick, copper clad panel.

Step 3: Drill Holes

Using NC machines and carbide drills to drill holes according to the drill spec sent to the PCB / circuit fabrication house.

Drill machine

Step 4: Electroless

Copper Apply thin copper deposit in hole barrels.

Step 5: Apply Image

Apply photosensitive dry film to panel and use a light source and the film to expose the panel.

Step 6: PCB Pattern Plate

Electrochemical process to build copper in the holes and on the trace areas. Apply tin to surface.

Step 7: PCB Strip and Etch

Remove the dry film, and then etch the exposed copper. The tin protects the copper circuitry from being etched away.

From left to right : dry film exposure machine and auto etch machine

Step 8: PCB Solder Mask

Apply a solder mask area to the entire board with the exception of solder pads.

Step 9: PCB Solder Coat

Apply solder to pads by immersing into tank of solder. Hot air knives level the solder when removed from the tank.

Step 10: PCB Nomenclature

Apply white letter markings using screen printing process.