File check – Advanced Circuits | PCB Manufacturing & PCB Assembly https://www.4pcb.com/blog Printed Circuit Boards and PCB Assembly Manufacturer Blog Wed, 17 Nov 2021 21:57:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 How to Better Plan Your Printed Circuit Build /blog/how-to-better-plan-your-printed-circuit-build/ Wed, 23 Jun 2021 19:20:41 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2417 Continue reading ]]> Are you wondering what the easiest and most cost-effective way to build a printed circuit board (PCB), also called a printed wiring board (PWB), is? How do you start? Does Advanced Circuits have any PCB solutions?

Start with a Schematic

A schematic uses symbols to designate the components and shows the components used and how they connect in the circuit and is needed to design the PCB.

PCB Design

The PCB designer uses the schematic and specifications of the components to design the PCB manually or with a computer-aided design (CAD) program like the one offered free through Advanced Circuits.

TIP: To make your PCB look professional:

  • Place the components on a 0.10 grid, horizontally (x-axis) or vertically (y-axis), not on angles.
  • Place the components with polarity (anodes) facing the same direction in both axes.

The same with resistor stripes.

Inserting the Components on the PCB

The components are inserted manually or by a machine called an automatic insertion machine. This procedure is called PCB electromechanical assembly.

The component wire leads are soldered in place by hand or a wave solder. Some companies bend the wire leads on the solder side of the PCB to hold the components in place before soldering.

Before the Production Run

The making of a prototyping board before the production run is not only a common but wise procedure. By doing so, any errors in the circuitry or printed circuit board design are more likely to be detected.

TIP: Prototype PCBs often lack a solder mask. Make sure the traces are wide enough to handle the amperage with a solder mask.

Advanced Circuits Can Solve Your PCB Needs

If you are looking for a one-stop shop for your PCB needs, Advanced Circuits is your PCB solution. From the design of your PCB to making your boards to assembly.

Some of the services provided are:

  • PCB Design Layout software
  • Free PCB file checks
  • Barebones PCBs
  • PCB full spec prototyping
  • PCB full spec production
  • PCB assembly
  • PCB stencils
  • 0-10 layers PCB (standard)
  • 0-40 layers PCB (custom)
  • No minimum order
  • DOD contracts ready
  • Space & flight approved PCB supplier

Advanced Circuits is your market industry expert, whether you are a student, hobbyist, or a manufacturer of defense, aerospace, or medical equipment.

Contact us today for more information or to have a live chat with an expert.

 

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After Design: What to Know about Working with Your PCB Manufacturer /blog/after-design-what-to-know-about-working-with-your-pcb-manufacturer/ Thu, 16 Apr 2020 18:35:03 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2137 Continue reading ]]> Once you have designed your printed circuit board, it’s time to send off the schematics to a fabricator, also called a PCB manufacturer. This is the point at which the project leaves your hands – there are no further chances to make changes or to catch errors. You cannot build in any additional functionality, troubleshoot your design work, or anything else. As you might imagine, this is a critical time in the creation of your board, so it pays to know a few things about working with a PCB manufacturer.

Before Sending

Before you send your design to the PCB manufacturer, there are a few things that you should do. Remember – this is your final chance to make sure that your board design lives up to your expectations. To that end, make sure that you:

  • Print Out the Layout: Physically print the board design on paper and make sure that everything fits. If there is even a small amount out of tolerance, it’s time to address that.
  • Check for Functionality: Make sure that your components are all in place, that your traces are properly sized, that you have no 90-degree angles (to avoid partial etching and the resulting shorts), and more. As much as you can, check functionality and placement one last time before sending the design out.
  • Double Check Tolerances: Verify with your PCB manufacturer what their tolerances are and then ensure that your design meets those requirements. In most cases, you can simply build those tolerances into your design with your PCB software, such as our free PCB Artist software. Just run a quick manufacturability check based on those tolerances and you should be alerted to any issues, which can then be rectified.
  • Double Check the Space Requirements: When adding components to your PCB, make sure that you leave enough space between them. You need to account for traces, but also to help alleviate heat buildup, to reduce resistance, and more. Don’t forget that you will also need to leave room for things like buttons and other components that are not part of the PCB layout, too. Accurate size estimation from the beginning stages is essential to success.

Know the PCB Manufacturing Process

It is important to understand the process followed by the PCB manufacturer once you send your design to them. After design, which is the part you handle, the next step is printing. The PCB manufacturer will check your design to ensure that it meets design tolerances. Note that this check does not necessarily mean that your board works to your expectations – most DFM checks are strictly to ensure that the board fulfills the tolerances necessary for manufacturing. (When you work with Advanced Circuits you can take advantage of our FreeDFM tool, to ensure your design is free of manufacturability issues.)

A plotter printer will then be used to print the PCB. This type of printer uses a transparent film to create a negative image of the board. Black and clear ink are used to represent traces and circuits, as well as non-conductive areas of the board (clear ink). With outer board layers, the colors are reversed, with black indicating non-conductive parts and clear ink used for components. A soldering mask is added, and then a registration hole is punched through the film to help align each one into the appropriate layer.

Next up, the manufacturer prints the copper layer for the board’s interior layers, then unnecessary copper is removed. Finally, the entire thing is sandwiched together into a single board and inspected, the layers are laminated, drilling takes place, and plating occurs. A final etching then occurs, followed by the application of the solder mask, silk-screening, and a final reliability test.

Of course, it helps if you have chosen the right PCB manufacturer in the first place. What should you consider when choosing one?

Choosing a PCB Manufacturer

You’ll find many important considerations when choosing a PCB manufacturer. There are numerous fabricators available, but they are by no means created equal. Some are budget-oriented options, while others are geared for working with major tech companies. Here are a few of the more critical considerations to make before choosing a partner:

  • Lead Time: Some PCB manufacturers have very long lead times. Make sure you know the lead time requirements of any you are considering working with, as this will have a huge impact on your overall project.
  • File Type: Make sure that the PCB manufacturer that you choose accepts the file type(s) that you want to send. Some of the more common types used today include KiCad, Gerber, and EAGLE.
  • Minimum Time to Shipment: In addition to lead time, you’ll need to think about the company’s minimum time to shipment. Basically, this is a specified period that occurs before your order can be shipped. Some companies have very low requirements, but others have lengthy periods that may be a week or more.
  • Order Quantity: How many boards do you need to print? Are you interested in one or two prototypes for testing? Do you need a full production run? Make sure that the PCB manufacturer you choose is able to meet your quantity requirements. Some companies will only print larger quantities, while others are more flexible.
  • Software Availability: Ideally, you’ll work with a PCB manufacturer that makes design software available to you. At Advanced Circuits, we offer one of the most robust design tools in the industry – PCB Artist – free of charge. It can handle all of your design needs and seamlessly export the design when you’re ready to print.

Our Position as an Industry Leader

Ultimately, the right PCB manufacturer will help you bring your designs to life. Make sure that you check their reputation, the quality of their manufacturing process, their lead time and minimum time to shipment, minimum order quantity, and whether they offer access to free design software or not. At Advanced Circuits, we’re proud of our position as an industry leader, as well as our ability to offer our customers the flexibility they need. Whether you’re printing off a handful of prototypes, or you’re ready to go to market with a full production run, we can help.

 

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How to Make the PCB Assembly and Design Process Flow Smoothly /blog/how-to-make-the-pcb-assembly-and-design-process-flow-smoothly/ Thu, 26 Mar 2020 18:47:19 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2128 Continue reading ]]> The process of developing an idea and a design for a printed circuit board (PCB) and then going through the PCB assembly process can seem long and challenging for those who have never had to go through the process before. There often seem to be a lot of moving parts that need to come together to make everything work properly. However, it can be broken down into a much easier to understand set of basic steps. When you understand those steps and follow the basic process, everything will flow more smoothly.

Develop a Strong Idea

Perhaps you have a great idea for a printed circuit board that you want to create for a large project you are developing. Maybe you need to make improvements to the boards you are currently using. Regardless of the reason, a circuit board always starts with a need and an idea. This is a very important phase, as it will be when you are making choices and decisions that can affect the rest of the design process.

Create a strong idea and have an understanding of how to make it work, but do not become so married to the idea that you are not willing to make changes that will make the end result that much better.

Turn the Idea into a Design

Once you have a strong idea, it is time to turn it into a design. Creating the design of the PCB itself is easier than ever today thanks to various types of software that are available. If you are looking for quality software, consider PCB Artist from Advanced Circuits. It has the largest component library of software in its category and it is easy to use. There are also tutorials on how to use the software right on our site. PCB Artist has more features and options than expensive software options that sell for thousands. One of the best things about our option is the price. It is entirely free.

You can take your time to learn how to use the software properly and to create your design. You might even find some ideas that you hadn’t thought of before.

Make Sure the Design Works

Once you have built your design, it is important to make sure that it works. The file check software we offer, FreeDFM, will help with this. You can run the checks and make changes to the design to make sure it works properly. That will then provide you with a printout of the design. It makes it easy to see if there are any issues that will need to be fixed. If there are, that is the time to make those changes. You want to be sure that you have a high-quality file that will actually work.

One of the benefits of working with Advanced Circuits is that there is around-the-clock support. This means that you can always reach someone in person at the company. You can be in contact with a CAM engineer at any time of day if you have questions or concerns about your design that you want us to manufacture. The files will even be checked by an engineer before moving forward.

This is a huge benefit that is not available everywhere. There are some companies that will take the files, move forward to the PCB assembly, and provide circuit boards that do not even work properly. Knowing that everything is working properly gives you confidence going forward.

Get a Quote

You will be able to get an instant quote, so you have a good idea of how much you will have to pay for the services that you have chosen. Keep in mind that our company is able to provide both large and small orders. In fact, you can even get a prototype if you would like. If you only need to have a prototype right now for your project, you can get one. It will then be possible to come back and order more of the PCBs as needed. Having a prototype that you can test out with the other components in your design is a huge benefit. It will give you more confidence in going forward with the design.

Move Forward with Manufacturing and PCB Assembly

After you are certain that the design works properly, you can then move ahead through the manufacturing and PCB assembly process. While there may be other companies offering these types of services, there are a number of benefits to choosing to work with Advanced Circuits. We do all of our work in-house since we have a large facility and the capabilities. This means that we aren’t a broker and you never have to worry about your items being made by a company that has been outsourced to.

There are many features and options available through the company that can help to make us the ideal choice for your PCBs from the initial stages all the way through PCB assembly. One of the other benefits is the speed of shipping that we can offer. In some cases, it is possible to have the items shipped on the same day. Even if you do not have same-day shipping, you will find that it takes just a short time for the PCBs to be made and then sent to you. This means less wasted time before you can start using those boards in your company’s projects, whatever they might be.

Get Started

It takes time to develop a circuit board design, and it takes time to make sure that the design is right. You will find that by working with the right software, such as PCB Artist mentioned above, and by working with Advanced Circuits, many of the more difficult elements can be made quite a bit easier. Take some time to look at all of the services and options that are offered through Advanced Circuits and get started. It’s time that you moved ahead with your design. It might surprise you just how easy it is.

 

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A USA PCB Manufacturer Is a “Hands-On” Design Option /blog/a-usa-pcb-manufacturer-is-a-hands-on-design-option/ Thu, 30 Jan 2020 18:10:27 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2103 Continue reading ]]> Lots of products require PCBs or printed circuit boards, and the design process can be difficult and costly. This is why so many manufacturers and inventors will settle for a “no-touch” process. In other words, we do not get to ensure the function, effectiveness or even appropriate design of our PCBs until the single prototype, small-batch, or mass production has been completed. It is a major source of buyer’s remorse, lost momentum, and (naturally) wasted money. Yet, many producers and manufacturers see it as a necessary evil, and it is why a USA PCB manufacturer is becoming a popular choice.

Domestic producers, and especially those that do not subcontract or outsource, can guarantee a hands-on opportunity. In the past, those in need of PCBs might visit the production facility, bring along designs, and work with engineers to problem solve or troubleshoot designs long before production is initiated. Today, that is out of the question, and so producers make a leap of faith where their choice in a USA PCB manufacturer is concerned.

The good news is that such a leap (and risk) is no longer required. Advanced Circuits rates as one of the top at the game, and is a USA PCB manufacturer that provides clients with an entirely “hands-on” experience. We do this by offering an array of premium services and resources. As a simple example, our clients can rest assured thanks to the following features of our service offerings:

  • 24-hour support – Customer service around the clock is essential, but we also feature a live tech support team that features an actual CAM engineer at any hour of the day or night.
  • We are never a broker – We never sub out work but instead rely on our world-class, 62k square foot production facility that guarantees the speed and quality most customers want but don’t always receive.
  • No tooling charges – When an order features Standard Specifications, we are glad to waive tooling charges and always cancel out such fees on reorders of Standard Spec as Custom Spec items.
  • No minimum orders – There are no minimum lot requirements, meaning that clients are not forced to invest in huge orders with more PCBs than they might need or use.
  • Best shipping record – Advanced Circuits has the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry, and is now shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we say we “put our money where our mouth is . . . and we ship Standard Spec orders on time or it’s FREE!”

Because we produce everything onsite, there is no need to worry that a “no-touch” process is required. We facilitate the design, production and assembly process and ensure fast turnaround times, too.

Work with a USA PCB manufacturer for Worry-Free Production

As one of the most recognized names in the PCB, prototype assembly, and SMT technologies industry, we will provide both fabrication and assembly. Yet, it is our printed circuit board design features that eliminate the risks of a no-touch approach.

How? The resources we make available as a USA PCB manufacturer include:

PCB Artist – Whether a first-time designer or an experienced team, most clients love the free access we provide to this innovative PCB design software. As a client, you enjoy unrestricted use, with capabilities of up to 28 layers and more than 500k parts, a controlled auto-router function, multi-page schematics, and more. Those unfamiliar with it find it amazingly easy to use, and it is frequently described as the very best printed circuit board design tool. It reduces the risk of error and enables us (as a preferred USA PCB manufacturer) to streamline production.

FreeDFM  – If a client uses their own Gerber file software (or other design tools), this free resource provides a comprehensive and fast design assessment. It works easily by uploading a copy of the design files, ensures they feature all essential data, makes corrections when possible, and generates a report of any potential glitches. If the order for production is then run through this program to our offices, the client receives an email with a special discount code for the order.

Additionally, every single order receives a free engineering file review before the fabrication process is initiated. If a client decides to use Gerber files without any other resources, our team of engineers still does a full check of the plans ahead of any production runs. This guarantees that customers never experience the kind of financial or production pains they might have previously experienced when working with or through outsourcing and/or brokers. Rather than dealing with useless products full of potentially correctable design flaws that were left unchecked in the design and fabrication processes, we are a USA PCB manufacturer guaranteed to deliver the desired outcomes.

Don’t Want a Learning Curve?

It is entirely natural that many producers will want the benefits of a free design tool and free design checks, but don’t want to deal with the learning curve associated with new software or new processes. The good news is that this is not required in order to enjoy the benefits of such a top-tier USA PCB manufacturer.

As noted, you can always use existing Gerber files or use PCB Artist and enjoy its printable tutorials and video options that walk even a beginner through the complex process of PCB design and manufacturing. Whether the design has SMT technologies, HDI requirements or is a simple and straightforward process, the software makes it easy and fast to handle.

More Reasons that Advanced Circuits is an Optimal USA PCB Manufacturer

There are so many reasons to take advantage of the benefits offered by Advanced Circuits. Whether a client requires just a few prototypes or a large number of PCBs, Advanced Circuits is the kind of comprehensive, domestic USA PCB manufacturer that eliminates the hassles of outsourced or brokered production. Orders arrive on time or are free, and every single board receives expert evaluations and will be produced to exact specifications.

 

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Turnkey PCB Assembly Made Easy /blog/turnkey-pcb-assembly-made-easy/ Fri, 24 Jan 2020 17:37:39 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2100 Continue reading ]]> Any firm that uses PCBs knows that quality is the most important factor. It is the PCB that runs whatever gear or object it has been fitted into, and so a well-made PCB is essential. Yet, many of the firms using PCBs want a streamlined solution, and so a turnkey PCB assembly process is highly appealing. Unfortunately, this is hardly a fast or rapid process.

Why should turnkey PCB assembly be a challenge? There are many steps involved. Just consider a few of them:

  • Initial design
  • Output to design for manufacturing or DFM checks
  • Film creation
  • Mapping of copper paths
  • V-scoring
  • Testing, and all of the phases between and after

Not surprisingly, any firm that offers same-day turnarounds for turnkey PCB assembly seems like an impossible thing, but at Advanced Circuits, we offer just that, and more.

A One-Stop Turnkey PCB Assembly, Design and Shipping Shop

We offer more than 25 years in the circuit boards industry and rank among the largest of the one-stop solutions for manufacturers in need of prototypes, stencils, supplies, and turnkey PCB assembly. We operate within a facility that includes tens of thousands of square feet of production space and offer clients a turnkey PCB assembly system that includes everything from design testing and submission to packing and shipping.

We offer clients such vital services and options as:

  • One day PCB – We are one of the few PCB makers that can manufacture and assemble circuit boards and ship them out in as little as a single day.
  • Full support – Unlike many other manufacturers, our team works with orders of any size, every step of the way. We begin with a quote based on initial design uploads, and take a project to final production and turnkey PCB assembly phases.
  • Quality – Our design process is not of the “no-touch” variety where the designs are sent in and run into production right away. Every single order (whether one-off or thousands of PCBs) gets our full CAM review, as well as visual inspections of the final circuit boards produced.
  • Transparent pricing – Also unlike many other producers, we do not ask for stenciling fees, setup fees, and other hidden, but ultimately unnecessary, charges on turnkey PCB assembly projects.

We are truly a one-stop system, ensuring a seamless process under one roof. Clients’ orders or projects remain in the hands of our engineers from beginning to end, and even before, as we have 24-hour service offered by authentic CAM engineers who take questions at all hours. Without any outside vendors (we are not a broker) and with production and full turnkey PCB assembly in a single space, there are almost no risks of delays, problems, and mistakes.

What We Include in Turnkey PCB Assembly

The speed and ease offered by a turnkey PCB assembly team are invaluable, but we also make some incredibly handy resources available too.

  • PCB Artist Software – The cost of PCB design software is part of doing business, and it can be a huge expense. Advanced Circuits’ clients enjoy free use of our proprietary design software (an industry best) in an unrestricted format and entirely for free. It downloads to the desktop (Windows only at this time) and offers up to 28 layers in a single design. The program has over 500k parts from which to choose, integrates a controlled auto-router function to speed up design processes, and offers multi-page schematics for more complex projects. With a complete library of tutorials to train those using the program, there is almost no learning curve and even if errors are made, there are steps to the turnkey PCB assembly process that catch mistakes before
  • Ordering through the software – When a client runs the proprietary software available through the site, we also provide them with a discount for ordering through it at the same time. Designs still get a CAM engineer review and crucial checks for errors, too.
  • FreeDFM – For those already using a CAM program, turnkey PCB assembly is still supported by this design testing option. Files are imported as Gerber files (industry standard) and then loaded to the online software. This will review the entire file, correct any problems, and generate a report indicating changes or potential problems.
  • No minimum orders – Whether a client needs a prototype or a large run, there’s no worry about minimums, ever.
  • CAM Engineer Evaluations – All products are evaluated by one of our in-house engineers long before production begins, to spare clients any costly mistakes.
  • Customers get authentic tech support – We go beyond basic customer support and offer turnkey PCB assembly clients the opportunity to troubleshoot with the help of a CAM engineer available 24 hours a day.
  • Premier shipping – Any turnkey PCB assembly orders come with the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING in the industry, and we are now shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we ship Standard Spec orders on time or they’re FREE!

No Outsourcing with Advanced Circuits: We Proudly Produce & Stand Behind Our Work

It is a frustrating truth that most manufacturers face the risk of outsourcing on almost anything they use or buy. Outsourcing is no longer limited to customer service and other phone service options alone, and if it is turnkey PCB assembly that is in question, the risks of trouble increase with outsourcing. From errors or flaws in the design process, to manufacturing glitches that result in wasted money and time, it is unwise to look to brokered or outsourced solutions for a turnkey PCB assembly process.

Working with Advanced Circuits means buyers get the kinds of hands-on results that are so important and desirable. With us, all circuit board designs pass through a series of rigorous examinations long before production begins. We are not a broker but are instead a reliable one-stop solution; making everything in-house, eliminating production problems and supplying turnkey PCB assembly and results required for success.

 

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Tips for Optimal PCB Manufacturing Results /blog/tips-for-optimal-pcb-manufacturing-results/ Wed, 11 Dec 2019 18:31:04 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2066 Continue reading ]]> PCB manufacturing can be both straightforward and simple as well as complex. It all begins with the design process. In fact, that is typically the crucial part of the entire PCB manufacturing outcome because a single, undetected glitch can result in a batch of useless and unusable boards, wasted time, lost resources and even lost sales or customers. It is why a concise understanding of how to enjoy optimal PCB manufacturing results through the use of a premium vendor and top-notch resources is so crucial to success.

No Touch PCB Manufacturing Leads to Disaster

The modern world has made a sudden and rather massive shift into the online, mobile, and web-based model. As an example, in the past, PCB manufacturing meant a company would usually pay a visit to a PCB manufacturing facility or headquarters to work directly with the team designing or making such crucial components. The fabricators and the client would have to interact several times in order to guarantee that there were no design flaws and that the entire project (from prototype to batch manufacturing) proceeded exactly as expected.

Today, this is a far outdated system and for many companies in need of small to large batch PCB manufacturing, the process involves overseas and no-touch providers. If domestic, it might still mean very little interaction and the guarantees that such exchanges bring. It might even be that the PCB manufacturing and assembly are done in different locations or by different providers.

This can prove quite problematic because it might mean that client expectations are left unmet or even unknown by the manufacturer. It can mean that errors in design go unnoticed until the post-production period when the PCB is meant to be put to use in the final product, but fails to yield the results necessary. And this would mean that the batch of PCBs is unusable; production would be halted, and budget and resources wasted.

Fortunately, the team at Advanced Circuits has created a system and perfected it over the course of more than twenty years. Offering PCB manufacturing – fabrication and assembly, prototypes, and more, we can facilitate projects from start to finish while overcoming many of the potentially harmful issues outlined above.

Free Resources Ensure Fail-Proof PCB Manufacturing

Advanced Circuits proves that the advent of technologies that make everything possible through the Internet instead of real-world exchanges may not be a bad thing. We manage this by using a system of free and effective resources that enable clients to get the very best in PCB manufacturing outcomes, and all done entirely online. Here’s how:

  • PCB Artist Software – Free to download and use in its unrestricted format, this industry-best software has more features than anything else on the market, and yet it is also provided in an unrestricted format with more than 500k parts and components in the customized library. Using it also means that some preliminary glitches are erased and that design is streamlined through the presence of a controlled auto router function, digital schematics, and more. Additionally, the use of the software allows clients to enjoy discounted pricing when submitting as a Standard Spec order through the program.
  • File Review Software – Our FreeDFM software is another free to use resource that takes the common Gerber file (exported from the client’s software and then uploaded to the site), where it then evaluates a design and ensures that all essential data is included, adjusts or corrects design flaws, and issues a report that itemizes any potential showstopper errors, and identifies what the software was able to address and fix.
  • CAM Engineer Review – Before any PCB begins the production process, the designs and/or prototype are reviewed in house by a team of Advanced Circuits’ CAM experts. Advanced Circuits also features live tech support provided by these same CAM engineers at any hour of the day or night, which allows clients to pose any questions or concerns and get a skillful and well-informed answer.
  • Through software ordering – When a client has decided that the design is entirely free of errors and that it is ready for entry into the full production cycle, the free software allows them to go right ahead and make that order. When it is submitted in Standard Specifications it also enjoys no added tooling fees, and if it is a Custom Specifications order that has already been produced and enters as Standard Specifications, that same tooling fee deduction is applied.

Regardless of the size of a company or the complexity of a project, the cost of producing PCBs can be surprising. Investing in the necessary software and technologies, having the right teams to understand what is needed, and then seeing the production process completed properly can all add up. After all, even the simplest boards must work their way through key phases that include:

  • Design – Is there a team to manage design? What sort of software is in use and what are the costs associated with it? Is there a dedicated team meant to evaluate the blueprints to detect errors? What costs are associated with the prototype? How fast can it be completed?
  • Evaluation – Whether designs are printed on films or digitally, someone must troubleshoot them. Is this an outsourced step? Is it something that the manufacturer is counted on to provide? Has this been integrated into the production plan?
  • Production – Is this going to occur in one facility with all of the substrate creation, layer building, UV hardening, copper removal, laminating, pressing, drilling, imaging, etching, soldering, and inspecting done by a solid team?

Avoid Costly Errors – Trust Advanced Circuits for a Premium PCB Production Experience

There are too many points in the PCB manufacturing process where disaster might occur, and it makes sense to avoid any potential risks by working with a one-stop shop. This is precisely what the team at Advanced Circuits delivers. Providing the tools required from start (including high end design software) to finish, our team can deliver. No minimum orders and professional reviews guarantee that modern innovations don’t get in the way of a premium production experience and outcome.

 

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PCBs & Cheap PCBs–Are They Both Reliable Solutions for PCB Needs? /blog/pcbs-cheap-pcbs-are-they-both-reliable-solutions-for-pcb-needs/ Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:37:07 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2055 Continue reading ]]> When there is a need for design testing that involves a PCB, there is also a problem with timelines and costs. For example, a cheap PCB is really all that is needed to run a design, and yet a fast turnaround on a single, custom PCB can be hard to find. Fortunately, there are options for those in need of a cheap PCB as well as full-blown PCB production when a product is ready for the manufacturing phase.

Before delving into the ways a design team might get both a cheap PCB prototype and full PCB production, let’s look at the overall process to figure out why this is even a concern.

Is There Such a Thing as a Cheap PCB?

PCB manufacturing processes make it seem as if a cheap PCB prototype is impossible, and that bulk PCB production is cost prohibitive. The basic process of a two layer (or more) PCB involves:

  • Designing the board – Creating blueprints using the appropriate software and file formatting can be a relatively expensive endeavor since investing in software may be required.
  • Printing –The design is printed on films, in some production processes, as this helps troubleshoot the design, but some firms use specialized software to identify potential shortfalls in the design even before a cheap PCB prototype is ordered.
  • Production –Building the substrate, printing the layers, UV hardening, copper removal, lamination, inspections, pressing, drilling, plating, imaging, etching, soldering, and even silk screening stages are then used to create the PCB before the final prototype or board is tested.

This process holds true, even if it is just a single layer cheap PCB needed for something as simple as a calculator or other lightweight electronic device. This means that the production of a single PCB can be impactful to the budget. The more complex, the more design and evaluation is needed, and the higher the risk of errors that could lead to a large batch of flawed, and therefore useless, PCBs.

How to Guarantee That Even a Cheap PCB Is Effective

For many electronics firms and companies in need of at least one type of PCB, the idea of a cheap PCB typically translates to something outsourced or produced overseas. This eliminates a lot of the quality controls usually present in a domestic option, and it is why Advanced Circuits is an ideal resource for any company wondering if traditional PCB production and cheap PCB can yield the same, optimal outcomes–regardless of complexity.

The answer to that concern is simple: Yes, we offer the best solution for cheap and production PCBs. This is because we make an abundance of free tools available that help to streamline the manufacturing process while also guaranteeing that some of the costliest issues just cannot occur.

Advanced Circuits is a full-service manufacturer of PCBs with over twenty years of expertise and experience. Our focus is supporting clients and facilitating projects of any kind; even on the most limited budgets. We do this by providing the following resources:

Free PCB Layout Software – PCB Artist: It does not matter if the design team is highly advanced and skilled, their time still costs money and boosts production expenses. This can turn the creation of simple or cheap PCBs into a far more expensive issue. This software, made available in an unrestricted format for clients, can design PCBs of up to 28 layers. It has full integration with a library of more than half of a million parts, a controlled auto router function to streamline and speed up design, and multi-page schematics that replace costly and difficult to read film printouts. Entirely free to use, intuitive and simple, it is considered industry-best where printed circuit board design tools are concerned, and those who order from Advanced Circuits enjoy full use of the program. This cuts costs and helps ensure that cheap PCBs are possible.

Free PCB File Check: Whether or not a team uses the free resource that is PCB Artist, they will certainly want to use our FreeDFM program. This is an evaluation tool that requires design files to be uploaded to the site, and then a series of diagnostics are run and guarantee that the most glaring errors are corrected automatically. It also poses questions of files that seem to have potential errors. This prevents the creation of a batch of flawed PCBs, and the company extends a discount to clients that run designs through the software as part of the submission process.

Using the design and file checking programs costs a client nothing but the time it takes to export the Gerber (or other file types), upload them, use any of the tools, and register for a full report to be sent via email. Along with the report comes a discount code to ensure the cheapest PCB creation process possible.

Saving Even More on PCBs

Besides these resources, Advanced Circuits offers the most affordable, high quality PCB production through such features as:

  • No minimums: Whether it is one PCB produced in a day, or multi-layer PCBs produced with the best on-time shipping record in the industry, there are no fixed lot requirements locking a customer into huge, bulk orders and more product than might ever be used.
  • No tooling fees: Standard specifications on a PCB design mean no tooling charges will apply, and even Custom Specification orders reordered as Standard Specification orders also have the tooling fees waived.
  • No subcontractors: One way that some firms cut costs is to sub out the project, but with a massive domestic production facility, Advanced Circuits’ clients can rest assured no brokering is involved.

It is not always true that cheap PCBs and standard PCBs can be produced to the same high quality standards. Clients that use Advanced Circuits’ cost-cutting resources and industry-leading services will discover that affordable components can also be high quality, complex and reliable ones.

 

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Designing and Creating Circuit Boards Quickly Has Never Been Easier /blog/designing-and-creating-circuit-boards-quickly-has-never-been-easier/ Fri, 18 Oct 2019 16:36:27 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2032 Continue reading ]]> Turnaround times on production or fabrication of circuit boards is rarely thought of as a fast or rapid process. After all, the many steps involved typically translate to a very lengthy period. From the initial design and output to design for manufacturing or DFM checks, film creation, mapping of copper paths, and all of the way to V-scoring and testing, will require extensive phases. This is often the reason that firms promising same-day turnarounds on some circuit boards are met with a bit of healthy skepticism by those with experience in such matters.

This is also why the same-day turnaround times that a firm like Advanced Circuits offers seem too good to be true, even though they are not.

One-Stop Printed Circuit Boards Shop

With more than 25 years in the circuit boards industry, we are one of the largest and few one-stop solutions for those in need of premium circuit boards and prototypes. With tens of thousands of square feet of production space, we offer clients an in-house PCB assembly system from start to finish.

Our capabilities include:

  • One day PCB – We are one of the few PCB makers that can manufacture and assemble circuit boards and ship them out in as little as a single day
  • Full support – Unlike many other manufacturers, our team works with you every step of the way. We begin with a quote based on initial design spec uploads and walk all clients through to the final production and assembly phases.
  • Quality – While many in the PCB industry approve of Advanced Circuits’ array of design resources, they also appreciate the inspection process that begins with a full CAM review before any manufacturing begins, as well as visual inspections of the final circuit boards produced.
  • Clear pricing – Also unlike many other producers, we do not ask for stenciling fees, setup fees, and other hidden, but ultimately unnecessary charges.

Keep in mind that we are also a chosen maker of circuit boards because of our one-stop system. This ensures a totally seamless process that occurs under a single roof and remains consistently in the hands of our designers and engineers. Without any outside vendors and with the option for production and assembly in a single space, there will be fewer risks of delays, problems, and errors.

Beyond In-house Production and Assembly of Circuit Boards

While the convenience and speed that comes with in-house production and assembly of printed circuit boards cannot be overlooked; the capabilities that Advanced Circuits makes available ensure a much more substantial list of benefits can be enjoyed.

For one thing, we impose no minimum orders, making us an ideal solution for small to midsized firms in addition to larger manufacturers. We also make design, even for the novice teams, remarkably foolproof. We do this through:

  • CAM engineer evaluations – All products are evaluated by one of the in-house engineers long before production begins in order to spare clients any costly mistakes.
  • Free design software – The cost of PCB design software is part of doing business, but the Advanced Circuits proprietary and exclusive PCB Artist software is available in an unrestricted format and entirely for free. It is a free download to a client’s desktop (Windows only at this time) and is capable of up to 28 layers in a single design. The program has over 500k parts from which to choose, integrates a controlled auto-router function to speed up design processes, and offers multi-page schematics for more complex projects. With a complete library of tutorials to train those using the program, there is no reason not to take advantage of it (and the discounts given to clients who opt for the use of our free software).
  • Free evaluation software – For those already using a CAM program of their own, the option for FreeDFM allows the manufacturing quality of a design to be tested. The files are exported in a Gerber format and loaded to the online software. This will review the entire file, correct any glitches and generate a report indicating changes or potential problems.
  • Customers get tech support – And while it is great to have customer support around the clock, few PCB firms will offer their clients an opportunity to troubleshoot with the help of a CAM engineer. However, Advanced Circuits does have experts of this kind available 24 hours a day.
  • Ordering through the software – When a client runs the proprietary software available through the Advanced Circuits’ website, they also have the choice of ordering through it at the same time. They still get that CAM engineer review and the crucial checks for errors, but they can use the software to make the order, too. And when they do, they receive a discount code as an incentive.

We live in a world of outsourcing everything. It is no longer just customer service and other phone service options that are sent overseas. This can make for a lot of difficulties in the design process. Even when there are online solutions that make uploading your proprietary files easier than ever; the danger for grave mistakes presents too many risks involving time, money and reputation. That’s why so many companies choose Advanced Circuits for their PCB manufacturing and assembly.

When you work with Advanced Circuits, you get the kinds of hands-on interaction and attention that the modern world is so short on. Rather than the distinctly “no-touch” approach used by a lot of fabricators (who want to receive your pre-tested files and get to work), we are a distinctly hands-on service. We run the printed circuit boards through rigorous examinations before any part of production begins. Since we are not a broker but are instead that one-stop solution making everything in-house, it is assured that we do all we can to prevent problems.

We have quick turns services specialists with some of the fastest turnaround times and shipping. In fact, we have the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry, and are now shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we ship Standard Spec orders on time or they’re FREE!

When you want a flawless design process full of support and even corrections and adjustments that guarantee success, depend on the Advanced Circuits team to produce and deliver your order.

 

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Gerber Files Errors Can Be Potential Show Stoppers…Here’s How to Avoid These Costly Errors /blog/gerber-files-errors-can-be-potential-show-stoppersheres-how-to-avoid-these-costly-errors-2/ Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:34:35 +0000 https://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=2025 Continue reading ]]> PCB manufacturing requires a lot of design in advance of anything else. In fact, design and output of Gerber files are quite often the most common first step in the manufacturing process. And whether you call it Gerber or IX274X that you use for designing your PCBs, it is likely you are looking to uncover ways to make them more efficient, faster, or better.

You can innovate and use your design resources to make that happen, and it is likely that at the bottom of it all, though, are those Gerber files. They are the digital blueprints of the PCB and explain every layer and outline the fabrication process to follow. This is why some firms want the Gerber files even when they are handling assembly-only processes – to understand all physical attributes of the PCBs.

A single error in the Gerber files, can lead to a financial, scheduling, and production disaster. This is particularly true in the current era when “no-touch” and even “no review” processes are put to use by manufacturers or fabricators. Your job becomes designing the PCB to your needs, running tests, and hoping that there are not inaccurate, incomplete or otherwise flawed files sent to the manufacturer.

Common Issues with Gerber Files

As odd as it might seem at this point in time, there are some common issues with Gerber files, and it can help to be aware of them wherever you stand in terms of PCB design expertise:

  • Empty files – There are many instances when a designer may inadvertently delete or somehow negate file contents, leaving a 0-byte file that provides no useful data to the production or fabrication team.
  • Flawed file naming protocols – One of the more common glitches when Gerber files are put to use is that the design team fails to use an effective naming protocol, leading to confusion for others involved in the process, and complicating file checking or troubleshooting.
  • Incomplete or missing data – Empty files are one thing, but there are also instances when details or information may be lacking or mismatched against the specifications delivered to a manufacturer. Though it can be a very time-consuming process, it is essential that Gerber files are accessible and where they belong.
  • Conflict between layers – Often, software generates multiple Gerber files with layer design specs at each layer. If the layers are not combined in a synchronous way, it can lead to composite layer design errors outside of individual layer design specs.
  • Aperture lists – A single aperture list is ideal when Gerber files are in use. It should have any details the fabricator or manufacturer will need and details about tools necessary for each stage. With more than a single list, confusion can ensue and errors increase. The format of the lists should be in sync with the Gerber file format, too.

And while such mistakes are often deemed inexcusable, they occur frequently enough to doom many projects to destructive costs, lengthy production delays, and more. To avoid them means attention to detail, using high definition CAD programs, adhering closely to the best quality assurance practices from start to finish, and putting a Gerber file viewer to use.

Of course, issues created by even a single problem with the files has led to some of the best PCB manufacturers and fabricators providing resources to work around the issues. There are a host of troubleshooting or even trouble-avoidance solutions, but not all companies offer them to clients, and few do so for free.

Let Advanced Circuits Help You Avoid Problems with Gerber Files

At Advanced Circuits, we rank as one of the top companies in the PCB and prototype assembly industries. Able to tackle both PCB manufacturing (fabrication) and assembly, we also offer clients exclusive services that support, facilitate and improve any project while cutting down on risks for problems with Gerber files.

How? We make an array of free resources available through our site, and we can serve as a start to finish solution.

For those who have proprietary Gerber files on hand, they need only export them through the Advance Circuit website’s free PCB file check software. The FreeDFM program quickly and clearly evaluates printed circuit board design files, and then the online software reviews them and has the ability to automatically correct issues. It then sends a report itemizing any “Potential Showstoppers,” as well as providing accurate details of the issues that the software both identified and then fixed.

The clients who opt to use it will also receive a discount when they run the designs in advance of submitting them to the team.

This troubleshooting system requires exporting files from the Gerber program and then uploading online. The software is supplied for free but must be run through the site. Once an email is registered (this is for results to be sent instantly), it takes moments for the review, quote, and a discount offer to appear along with a link to the PDF file outlining the issues and repairs done.

Anyone involved in PCB design and manufacturing over the years knows that changes to the industry have made it impossible for most clients to tour a facility and meet with the fabricators to discuss any avoidable or common errors. This was once a strong troubleshooting tactic, but with companies in all corners of the globe making PCBs, that face to face interaction is no longer viable.

We recognize the hazards in this system and make a long list of resources available to our clients in order to help them prevent the creation of a batch of unusable PCBs or other products. We want to help clients avoid the enormous financial impact to their businesses this might cause.

The design phase of a project is a most crucial time, and so we offer free Gerber file reviews, corrections, and reporting. We also provide clients with free use of our unique and exclusive PCB Artist software. This offers a long list of features, including unrestricted design capabilities with a 28 layer limit, a controlled auto-router function, multi-page schematics, and more. It helps clients to avoid unnecessary design flaws, and though it is not the same as the Gerber options, it comes with a full array of free tutorials that teach even inexperienced designers how to make flawless files for production.

Enjoy Error-Free Design with Advanced Circuits

The high-quality design resources available on our website prove our commitment to client satisfaction and success, but we also deliver such benefits as never subbing out our work, skipping unnecessary tooling fees on orders adhering to standard specs, 24-hour tech support as well as customer support (meaning a CAM engineer is always available), no minimum orders and the BEST ON-TIME SHIPPING RECORD in the industry. Currently, we are shipping 50% of orders early! In fact, we ship Standard Spec orders on time or they’re FREE!

Don’t worry that Gerber files might cause costly errors – use the free resources available from Advanced Circuits!

 

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Free PCB File Check from Advanced Circuits /blog/free-pcb-file-check-from-advanced-circuits/ /blog/free-pcb-file-check-from-advanced-circuits/#respond Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:49:00 +0000 http://dev.4pcb.com/blog/?p=56 Continue reading ]]> Free PCB File Check from Advanced Circuits

One of the biggest holdups people run into when ordering printed circuit boards is that their design files contain errors that affect the manufacturability of the product. To help combat this, Advanced Circuits offers a free Design for Manufacturability (DFM) check so that you can upload your files and check for errors before you place your PCB order. We will let you know what the errors are and show you what we will correct for you in a free graphical report in minutes. The best part is that you can get a discount on your PCB order when you use our FreeDFM tool first.

Using FreeDFM by Advanced Circuits

If you are interested in using the FreeDFM tool by Advanced Circuits, go to FreeDFM.com. You can also read more about the check on our website and see a sample report so you can learn how to upload your files. This will help you ensure that you have the files and data necessary to build your job and it also avoids CAM holds on your order. Contact us today for more information.

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