reliability of pcb assemblers

PCB assembly is about more than just printing the boards themselves and cutting out the traces. It also involves mounting the components that will make the board function in a particular way, which can be done either manually or with robotics. In the latter case, there are a variety of different machines that are capable of placing surface-mount and through-hole components on a PCB. Assemblers must also ensure that the resulting board meets all relevant standards and performs the tasks it’s designed to do.

The first step in this process is to conduct a cleanliness test. This is a crucial test that determines if the board has been exposed to any contaminants that could cause electrical failure and physical damage. This is typically accomplished by cleaning the sample with isopropyl alcohol and then measuring its conductivity level, using a Rose or ion chromatography test. A high conductivity level indicates that the board has been cleaned properly.

Next, the pcb assemblers will test for solderability. This is a key test that checks the ability of the copper and solder to withstand a range of temperatures. This is important because the temperatures that circuit boards are subjected to during operation can physically damage components if the copper or solder cannot handle it. There are three different ways to conduct this test: dip and look, wetting balance, and surface mount simulation.

How do you test the reliability of pcb assemblers?

After the assembler has tested for cleanliness and solderability, they will then put the board through a series of stress tests. These are accelerated tests that simulate the behavior of a circuit board over an extended period of time. This allows engineers to use mathematical models and extrapolation to estimate a PCB’s performance under real-world conditions.

Assemblers will then check for quality control issues, such as missing or defective components. They will also make sure that the spacing between components is adequate to allow them to function properly. In the past, this was a manual process, but nowadays it’s common for pcb assemblers to use programmable auto-inserting machines that have the component reels lined up in trays and cassettes. Once the assembler has completed this, the board will be passed through a wave soldering machine to complete the assembly process.

When looking for a reliable PCB assembler, it’s important to choose one that uses high-quality components with a long warranty. This will help ensure that the boards are durable and will last a long time, providing a greater return on investment for manufacturers.