In that sense, the continuous need for technological advancements and implementation will inevitably call for the advancement of PCBs. In this post, we’ll cover three of the most likely future trends of the circuit board.

What does the future hold for the circuit board?

3D printed electronics

3D printing technology is one of the most interesting and innovative technological advancements in recent years. From 3D printed tools to complex digital designs, 3D printing technology is traversing almost every industry, and PCB manufacturing is no different.

The technology is already being used in PCB manufacturing and is predicted to revolutionize how future electrical systems are designed. The technology allows PCB manufacturers to print a substrate item layer by layer, then add liquid ink on the parts that contain electrical functionalities. Future advancements in this mode of PCB manufacture will pave the way for the innovation of circuits that can take any shape imaginable.

Flexible PCBs

Between flexible displays, wearable electronics and medical applications, the electronics industry is pushing increasingly toward flexible PCBs. Flexible PCBs can handle more stress than their rigid counterparts. They can even be folded into awkward 3D spaces. This makes them very useful in applications where bending is a common occurrence.

Biodegradable PCBs

Electronic waste is one of the biggest environmental concerns in the modern era. Considering the number of electronics a person goes through in a decade, coupled with the industry’s trend for short-lived electronics, we’ll need a drastic solution to minimize electronic waste.

Some scientists are proposing that we attack the pollution problem by changing the PCBs themselves. This would mean switching from traditional PCB manufacturing materials to more environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials. There is also talk about switching up the harmful etching chemicals used in today’s assembly process with more environment-friendly alternatives.

The bottom line

PCBs have come a long way since they were invented. What was once a big rigid blocks is now the slim, compact designs we know today. As the future unfolds, we’ll see further advancements in PCB technology. Are you ready to embrace the future? Call us today for all your PCB needs.

AURORA, CO – Advanced Circuits, North America’s 3^rd largest printed circuit board fabricator, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire certain assets from Micom Circuits of New Brighton, MN.   With over 50 years of excellence in technical advances, Micom Circuits has earned acclaim from some of America’s largest technology companies.  With this agreement, Advanced Circuits, an industry innovator for many years in the commercial PCB area, further strengthens its position in the complex medical and high-reliability, military/aerospace marketplace.

This agreement along with acquisitions in recent years solidifies Advanced Circuits investment in the U.S. economy with its commitment to 100% U.S. based manufacturing.  Advanced Circuits will secure the employment of all Micom Circuits’ personnel, including experienced engineers and technical experts.  Micom Circuits customers will gain access to many of the exclusive services offered by Advanced Circuits including convenient in-house small quantity/quick-turn PCB assembly, free PCB design tools (PCB Artist™ and FreeDFM™) as well as expedited on-time shipping options for prototype and higher volume production.

About Advanced Circuits

Since 1989, Advanced Circuits has been the leading printed circuit board manufacturer specializing in both Prototype and Production quantities and is ranked in sales volume among the top 3 PCB fabricators in North America.   Offering true one-stop convenience and assured quality with in-house fabrication and small quantity/quick-turn assembly services, Advanced Circuits offers PCB solutions that range from the simplest of designs to the most rigorous requirements of the high-reliability medical, commercial, and military/aerospace marketplace.   Advanced Circuits is MIL-PRF-31032, MIL-PRF-55110, AS9100, ISO 9001 Certified, IPC 6012 3/3A, IPC 6018 Class 3 Qualified, and ITAR Registered as well as being DOD Contracts Ready.  The company is well known for its expedited turn time capabilities including Same Day and Weekend Turns and its industry best on-time shipping record.  An innovator in PCB services, Advanced Circuits offers Free Design for Manufacturability checks at www.FreeDFM.com and Free downloads for its popular PCB layout software “PCB Artist™” at www.pcbartist.com.    For more information, visit www.4pcb.com or call 800-979-4PCB (4722).

CONTACT
Roman Perez
Marketing Coordinator
P: 1.800.979.4722 x.1662 | E: roman@4pcb.com