If you’ve been around our site at all or have been following our blog, you’re likely already familiar with some of the basic concepts of PCB manufacturing, including surface-mount technology and how it works. Here, we’re going to dig into the benefits of using this type of manufacturing and what it can do for your brand, as well as the value of working with a reputable, industry-leading brand like Advanced Circuits for all of your PCB prototyping and production needs.

A Quick Refresher

This technology was first developed back in the 1960s, and by the 1990s, almost all high-end PCB components used the surface-mount method of attaching components because it allowed for easier connections and more components on a single board than previous manufacturing and mounting methods. Surface mounting means there is no drilling required, as the components include caps or tabs that can be directly attached to the board.

As you can already see, there are several potential benefits to be found here. Not only is it a more efficient and better use of space, but it offers plenty of other perks.

Flexibility

The mounting of these boards is much more flexible than other types of technology. Since all the components are surface-mounted, there is no need for the through-hole drilling or pesky dual-sided components that could get in the way of how the boards are used or installed. Components can even be placed along both sides of the board at a denser rate, allowing for more connections in a single board for flexible manufacturing needs and designs. Boards can also be mounted in several different ways when this technology is used, allowing for better construction and builds.

Quality Control

Repetition is the key to quality control, and that’s why PCBs with surface mount technology continue to lead the way in terms of quality. The process is done the same, every single time, when SMT technology is used. This means that the results will be better and the quality will be higher. Before, it was an individual process that was much harder to control and quality was always uncertain, at best. Today, however, PCBs are some of the most reliable items in terms of quality when they employ the use of surface mount technology.

Replication

Again, being able to replicate a successful product is going to save a lot of time and hassle. This not only benefits quality control, but it helps streamline everything. Once a board has been created and mounted, it can be replicated time and time again, with the same methods, ensuring that there is more efficiency in production, less waste, and fewer errors along the way. It saves time, money, and manpower.

Smaller Designs

Because more components can be placed near each other on the boards, surface mounting allows for smaller PCB design in the first place. This means that boards, and their corresponding electronics, can be much more compact and portable than ever before. It’s the difference between a desktop computer and carrying a smartphone — being able to mount components is what makes microscopic chip and circuit design possible.

Reduced Expenses and Waste

As mentioned, when employing SMT technology, the amount of waste is reduced significantly. Being able to repeat a process effectively and create high-quality components is going to save on bad boards, errors, and more. Plus, you can test and get a prototype of a single PCB to ensure that everything is working and functioning in the best ways possible before you order thousands of boards for production. This reduces testing and production costs, reduces waste, and helps everyone become more efficient with their PCBs.

Quicker, Easier, and More Efficient

Even the process of SMT is much quicker to set up, saving on initial costs. There is no drilling required, which saves a huge step and expense in the production process. Plus, the boards can be made quickly because they are repeated time and again, with a single process that is streamlined for optimal efficiency. The components are also able to be selectively soldered, with customization for each component available as needed. It’s all about making technology better and making the production process more efficient is the first step.

Stability and Performance

Surface mount technology is also much more stable than drilled and otherwise attached components. SMT allows better mechanical performance and durability, even under high vibrations or shaking conditions. These printed boards are more compact but still feature high-end components, meaning they can also be packed in tighter for more security in any environment. These boards even have lower resistance and induction to reduce the RF signal effects and provide more reliable performance.

The List Goes On

There are so many different benefits to using surface mounting in today’s printed circuit boards. From the improved production process to better performance in application, there are plenty of perks that will keep companies capitalizing on this technology for as long as they can. That is, at least until something better comes along. Any company that is working with PCBs needs to consider the benefits of surface mounted technology if they’re not already using it. It’s leading the way in PCB manufacturing and it’s waiting to help anyone who needs it.

To learn more about the various advantages of SMT technology and what it can do for your circuit board printing needs, contact the team at Advanced Circuits. We’ve been working with PCBs and utilizing the latest technologies and solutions for years, giving you peace of mind that you’ll get the best results when you work with us. From prototyping to full production, we can do it all, so call us today.

High-Quality Materials and Assembly

When working with a professional company for printed circuit board assembly, they will typically be using the best possible materials and assembly tools for the job. While this may not be true of all companies offering these services, the reputable companies that have been around for a while will. Choosing a company that can offer the best materials and that provides topnotch assembly services helps to ensure that the final product is perfect.

Naturally, you want to be sure that the circuit boards you are using are the best quality they can be before you start to use them or sell them. Choosing professionals rather than trying to assemble them on your own, in-house, will help to ensure this.

Find Errors Early

Even those who have been designing printed circuit boards for years can make mistakes during their design. A mistake that is followed for all of the circuit boards that are constructed would mean a huge error that could cost your company a lot of money. Rather than letting this happen, you could be working with a professional for the printed circuit board assembly.

At Advanced Circuits, for example, we have engineers test the design – even after you have tested it – just to be sure that there are no issues that could crop up down the line. This provides you with the peace of mind you need to go ahead with the full assembly. You will know that the boards will work properly once they have been assembled.

The software that is available through our company is free, and it can do more than just help you design a circuit. It helps to make it easier and reduces the risk of errors. When the boards are submitted, we will check to ensure that they have been designed correctly. The earlier the errors are detected, the better. It means that you can fix those problems before you go into full manufacturing mode.

Save Time

Consider how much time you would be spending if you had to manufacture and assemble all of the PCBs at your own facility. You would need to hire extra people just to keep up with the manufacturing and assembly needs. It would take up a lot of time that could better be spent working on other aspects of your company. It makes far more sense to hire professionals for the printed circuit board assembly. They can take care of the assembly, whether you need one PCB or you are in the market for thousands of boards.

Reduced Manufacturing Costs

Additionally, consider the manufacturing costs that you would have to incur if you assembled the boards on your own. You would need to have a large space available for the printed circuit board assembly. You would have buy all of the materials and tools needed, and more. You would likely be spending far more money than if you had just hired a professional company to take care of the assembly of the boards for you.

You can talk with companies like Advanced Circuits to get an estimate of how much it will cost for the PCBs that are needed. When you compare this with the cost of increasing the size of your facility and hiring more people for the printed circuit board assembly, you will see why outsourcing is such a good idea.

Turnaround Time Can Be Fast

One of the reasons that some companies still consider in-house printed circuit board assembly is because they worry that another company won’t be able to help them meet their deadlines. This is not necessarily true. When you choose a company that is known for having a fast turnaround time, you can get the boards in a matter of days in many cases. Of course, it will depend on just how many of the PCBs are needed and the company you choose for assembly.

Shipped Directly to You

Once the printed circuit board assembly has been completed, the manufacturer can have them shipped right to your door. The shipping time can vary, but when you choose a quality manufacturer like Advanced Circuits, it tends to be fast. This means you will be getting the circuit boards you need quickly.

Choose Advanced Circuits for PCB Needs

Naturally, you will want to be sure that you are choosing only the best for your printed circuit board assembly. You should take the time to consider just what the company offers, along with how fast they will be able to provide you with the completed boards. Price, of course, is another factor. You want to choose a good company that remains affordable and that can provide quality customer service.

Now that you know more about the benefits that are associated with using a professional for printed circuit board assembly, it’s time to find a company that can provide you with what you need. At Advanced Circuits, we strive to provide our customers with the best service and products from start to finish.

Whether you simply need a prototype, you have a short run that you need, or you are looking for a substantial number of boards, we can help. Get in touch with us today.

For instance, there is the initial circuit board design process. Then there are processes like film creation, mapping of copper paths, and V-scoring and testing. This is why promises of same-day production or turnaround are greeted with skepticism and raised eyebrows. However, Advanced Circuits is able to deliver on same-day turnaround times, flawless design, and more.

Single-Space Circuit Board Design and Production Plant

It is rare to find circuit board design solutions in a single facility or space. However, Advanced Circuits has over 25 years in the circuit boards industry and ranks as one of the largest one-stop providers. Specializing in circuit boards and prototypes, we have a comprehensive set of services and solutions that include:

• One day PCB production: Among the only PCB providers capable of manufacturing and assembling circuit boards in a single day, we have the ability to provide circuit board designs of great complexity in a short amount of time.
• 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 guide you through to the final production and assembly phases.
• Quality: With free design and testing resources, clients can be assured of the overall quality of the product they will receive. However, a full CAM review is done before any manufacturing begins, as well as visual inspections of the final circuit boards.
• Transparent pricing: There are no hidden fees or sneaky pricing that covers essential services, including stenciling fees, setup fees, and other unnecessary charges.
• One-stop solution: Circuit board design benefits immensely from seamless design, review, and production options. With everything happening under one roof, it means designers and engineers are on-site to evaluate and remediate when necessary. It means no risk for errors, delays, and costly problems.

After Circuit Board Design Comes Evaluation and Production

Of course, circuit board design is not all about production. Yes, speed and efficiency are amazingly beneficial, but only if the initial circuit board design is all it is meant to be.

This is something Advanced Circuits understands. We add value to customers’ experiences and outcomes with such services and benefits as:

• No minimum orders: No need to lock a huge segment of the budget into meeting the financial demands of minimum orders on simple to complex circuit board designs with this substantial option.
• CAM engineer evaluations: All products are evaluated by one of our 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. Advanced Circuits offers proprietary and exclusive PCB Artist software available in an unrestricted format and entirely for free. It downloads to a client’s Windows-based desktop 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.
• 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, which reviews the entire file, corrects any glitches, and generates a report indicating changes or potential problems.
• Full tech support: While it’s great to have customer support around the clock, few PCB firms offer their clients an opportunity to troubleshoot with the help of a CAM engineer. Advanced Circuits has experts of this kind available 24 hours a day.

Going Above and Beyond for Your Success

Another benefit of working with Advanced Circuits is that it is possible to use our available resources and then order through the free software. Rather than downloading and re-uploading, it is possible to simply use the software options and then run an order through at the end of the review and correction process. The CAM engineer review is always done, regardless of the channel used to order, and there is always a discount for making an order directly through the free resources.

Not everything has to be outsourced or complex, and your circuit board design and production don’t have to involve multiple companies that put you at risk for error. When there are such easy, free, and comprehensive solutions, the risks are erased, money and time are saved, and production schedules guaranteed.

Partnering with Advanced Circuits means designers and producers get a unique experience marked by attention to detail. This is different from the “no-touch” approach that so many circuit board design firms are forced to work with. Demanding pre-tested files, they just run the project “as is,” jeopardizing the budget should there be undetected errors. The team at Advanced Circuits runs each circuit board design through expert examinations long before production begins.

Your One-Stop-Shop for PCB Design Needs

Why work with a broker when there is an option to pair up with one-stop specialists? We offer some of the fastest turnaround times and the best on-time shipping record in the industry.

Printed circuit board design does not have to be a gamble or a process that involves all kinds of back and forth between designers and producers. Whether you want a one-off or prototype with a fast turnaround time (even a single day), or you are looking for a solution that integrates design, testing, production, and assembly in one space, you’ll find it here at Advanced Circuits.

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.

As an engineer you are given an important task for every project you work on. You must be able to find the balance between the quality of your printed circuit boards and their cost. While you can save money for your organization with the choices you make for laminates and complexity, you might be costing yourself more in the long run. Many engineers work to achieve the highest level of quality by having a tighter tolerance on their PCBs. The thought is that this improves quality and functionality, but it could also lead to higher unit costs. As a result, you may find less room in the budget and fewer contracts for your organization.

How Tolerance Variations Affect Printed Circuit Boards

The question of balancing performance and cost most often comes down to tolerances for components and connections on printed circuit boards. The size of the hole and gauge of the pin used impact the manufacturing cost. It the hole is too large the pin could fall out, but if the pin is too large you will have to go back to the drawing board and pay more during the production process. The key then may be to find an option that gives you a bit less precision so you can save money while not sacrificing overall quality. To do this, experiment with various types of connectors and designs so you can produce the PCBs you need for less. The result will allow you to bid for more contracts and create more business for your company. Contact a representative at Advanced Circuits to learn more about PCB tolerances and the manufacturing and assembly processes.

Anticipate Issues with Printed Circuit Boards to Cut Production Time

By taking more time during the process of designing your printed circuit boards you can lower your risk of having your order placed in a CAM hold. Make sure that your design keeps the layout of components in mind and use the materials that are going to give you the performance you need. This includes being mindful of thermal operating risks and the tolerances and capabilities of your components. For help with your design and ordering processes, contact a PCB expert at Advanced Circuits.

Advanced Circuits is a Top Manufacturer for Engineering Students

Advanced Circuits is the industry leader in providing PCBs to engineering students at major colleges and universities across the country. By investing in the future of the industry and helping students get the experience they need, the profession benefits and is infused with talent and commitment that will show its positive effects on the marketplace as a whole. For more information about the Advanced Circuits student program and to see new customer specials, talk with a representative today.

You may also be interested in our Press Release for Offshore PCB Manufacturing:

• ADVANCED CIRCUITS™ ANNOUNCES NEW OFFSHORE DIVISION

Why Order PCBs from Advanced Circuits?

Advanced Circuits has capabilities for printed circuit boards that range from small, simple designs to advanced military and aeronautical applications. By meeting and exceeding quality and manufacturing standards set by the industry, Advanced Circuits is able to produce all of the PCBs that you need to get the job done quickly and correctly. Contact a representative today for more information.

When you are buying circuit boards you want to make sure that you can get the quality and products that you need exactly when you need them. Purchasing printed circuit boards from Advanced Circuits makes sense because you can get the standard or custom spec PCBs from one of the largest PCB manufacturers in North America. We have the industry’s best on-time shipping record and can deliver your circuit boards by Monday when you order on Friday. This allows you to get expedited service when you need it most.

Added Benefits of Working with Advanced Circuits

When you order through Advanced Circuits you get instant printed circuit board quotes and can check the status of your order at any time. You will also get 24-hour technical support to ensure your products work correctly. Search through our lineup of standard spec PCBs or contact an expert with questions about getting the custom PCBs you need for your setup.

When your PCBs are manufactured it is essential to you, the end user, that they are made to your exact specifications. At Advanced Circuits, our quality assurance program is multifaceted. This means that you are ensured of getting the highest quality PCBs that are made right the first time. We start by providing the acceptance and rejection criteria for each of the 90-plus processes during fabrication. Your specifications and drawings are included every step of the way. If you do not assign a particular requirement, IPC Class 2 will be the default. Each board also undergoes a full inspection consisting of a C=0 random sampling to determine that the holes and dimensions for each part number are within tolerance.

Ordering Your PCBs from Advanced Circuits

To get started with your PCB order, upload your files to the free DFM file check at Advanced Circuits. You will be able to see any manufacturability issues beforehand so that they can be worked out prior to placing your order. For more information on ordering printed circuit boards or for assistance with designing your PCBs, contact a representative at Advanced Circuits today.