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8 Most Common Mistakes in Aluminum PCB Manufacturing

2021-05-13

Aluminum PCB Manufacturing
Knowing how to find defects in aluminum pcb manufacturing is one of the most important virtues of automakers of excellence. In practice, the constant search is to prevent these errors from happening. However, when there is an efficient management of checks, we can identify early on and prevent them from being replicated to a large number of parts.

Recently, we talked here on the blog about how to make mistakes is expensive for the industry. In this article we highlight the importance of keeping processes well aligned to avoid:

 Stop aluminum pcb manufacturing if there is a defect

Stop production – A production line where a defect has been identified needs to stop immediately. Depending on the volume and rhythm of the montage, this can be a huge loss.

Divert professionals from the original role – Finding the cause is the first step in solving the problem, but it is not always evident. Therefore, it is possible for some professional to dedicate himself exclusively to this, which is not interesting for the smooth running of the factory.

Avoid tarnishing the company’s reputation – Worse than the previous two options, is when the defect is not identified in aluminum pcb manufacturing and reaches the consumer. Then the consequence can represent damage to reputation and a drop in sales.

HOW TO FIND DEFECTS IN ELECTRONIC BOARDS IN PRACTICE?

According to our experience, one of the biggest sources of error in the assembly of electronic boards concerns the application of the solder paste. Historically, approximately more than 70% of defects have come from this stage of the process.

This is a critical moment, as the pads that should receive solder paste “match” the stencil openings. Despite being a very simple process, it requires a lot of care with the equipment, the paste and the technique used. Find out more in this post. But solder paste is not the only problem that can occur. Learn in practice how to find defects in electronic boards:

WHERE’S THE DEFECT?

This is the first step to learn how to find defects in aluminum pcb manufacturing. To do this, you need to know where to look. Solder paste is a good clue, but it is not the only option.

It is interesting that your company adopts an error investigation methodology, in which each item we can check separately. This checklist will depend on how the assembly process works, but there are some items that are essential:

aluminum pcb manufacturing 2021

Check all pcb manufacturing equipment

Check that all equipment is functioning correctly. Predictive maintenance and equipment calibration cannot be neglected; otherwise it becomes more difficult to know how to find defects in electronic boards. If you are absolutely sure that everything is working perfectly, you can follow other clues.

HUMAN FAILURE

Some assembly steps depend on human intervention, so it is essential to align all the details with the team even before the work begins. When this is not done, some errors can occur due to communication or understanding failure. That is why the process sheet is an indispensable tool in an excellent assembly line.

DESIGN ERROR

It may be that the error did not happen in the aluminum pcb manufacturing execution, but in the conception. In this case, the layout of the board needs to be changed entirely. That is why the help of experienced professionals and the execution of prototypes before final assembly are essential.

The correct conception of the stencil design is of paramount importance to prevent defects such as short, insufficient or excess solder in the pads in the step of the solder paste application process.

TESTING TECHNIQUES AND EQUIPMENT

Since there are many sources of errors you may be asking yourself, “How do I know that my card is defective? Are there equipment or techniques that help to know how to find defects in electronic boards? ”. Yes, they exist and are fundamental to not allow the plate to leave the assembler showing a defect. See what they are:

BOUNDARY SCAN  

It is a method used to test interconnectors on printed circuit boards or sub-blocks within an integrated circuit. Boundary scan is also used to observe states of integrated circuit pins, measure voltage or analyze sub-blocks.

Aluminum pcb manufacturing electrical Testing  

It is a test done with a template containing needles. In this equipment, measurements are made at specific points on the electronic board. To apply this technique, it is necessary that the company has adequate aluminum pcb manufacturing equipment and specific hardware for the function.

 

There is also the possibility of making small measurements with traditional equipment such as multimeters and an oscilloscope.

So, if you know complete outsourcing and are looking for the best electronic board factory to deliver your project in this modality, you may be asking yourself:

What makes a CM have a great advantage?  

  • commitment to the customer;
  • attention to the details;
  • technical capacity;
  • capable professionals;
  • cutting-edge equipment;
  • knowledge of the market;
  • reputation;
  • consolidated experience.

But, of course, you can’t make such an important decision just based on what a CM says it is. You need to know what it can actually do, and how it does it.

The decision to choose a suitable partner is an extremely important step for any business. In the electronics sector, this decision has even more weight, as it is a segment in which quality and precision are indispensable, and can be the competitive advantage of an enterprise.

Conclusion

Often, aluminum pcb manufacturing companies choose to outsource certain key stages of their production, such as the manufacture of boards and components. Undoubtedly, it is great to have the expertise of a partner capable of guaranteeing the quality of your final product.

But before hitting the hammer and choosing a supplier of plates and components, it is essential to make sure that you are making a good choice. And to help when making a decision, knowledge is everything.

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