Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are now designed and produced more easily with the use of various types of software, which of course includes PCB CAM software. This computer aided manufacturing software is utilized for both circuit board prototyping and PCB assembly services. As a result, PCB CAM software aids this industry considerably.
Printed Circuit Board and Other Circuit Assemblies
In addition to printing circuit boards, there are other types of circuit assemblies required to complete projects. These include integrated circuits, which may be referred to as ICs or microchips, and hybrid circuits.
Legend Printing Methods
The legend contains the component designators, switch settings, test points, and other indicators. These are helpful in order to assemble, test, and service the circuit board.
In order to accomplish this task, there are 3 printing methods:
- Silk screen printing
- Liquid photo imaging
- Ink jet
How Laminates Are Manufactured
In order to manufacture laminates, they need to be cured with a combination of pressure and temperature. Thermoset resin is applied to layers of cloth or paper in order to form a uniform thickness. The size of these laminates can range from 4 feet by 8 feet in width and length.
The material used as a temperature marker is initially opaque. However, once 413 degrees Fahrenheit is reached, the material will then liquify and become non-reversibly shiny.
Potential Causes for PCB Failure
There are 2 basic factors that can potentially cause PCBs to fail. The first factor is related to performance issues that result from environmental stressors.The second factor is related to the PCB manufacturing process. A PCB can fail, for example, as a result of PCB manufacturer problems that can occur during the production process.
PCB Assemblies and Their Increase in Market Value
It’s interesting to note that PCB assemblies are used to operate most traffic lights within the United States. Over the past 30 years, these have been integrated into traffic light design as well as other necessary technologies.
By 2020, Technavio’s market research analyst has predicted that the global PCB market will expand at a compound annual growth rate of about 3%. Given the multiple uses for PCBs, the global market is expected to be valued at $72.6 billion by 2022.