PCB fabrication is a process of assembling printed circuit boards used in electronic devices. Manufacturers can design and produce custom or generic boards using Gerber files, electroplating, and solder masks. Companies offer additional services such as engineering and testing.
Printed circuit board (PCB) fabrication is an assembly method for printed circuit boards used in computers and other electronic devices. In the manufacturing process, the layers of the board are bonded together with the specific surface pattern so that it can be used in the production of electronic components. PCB manufacturing companies can also make related products for their customers. Electronics manufacturers can choose between in-house PCB fabrication or outsourced services to a third party that specializes in this aspect of manufacturing.
The process begins with a drawing. Some PCB fabrication specialists can also design boards, using specifications provided by customers. These provide information about what the card is meant to do and the conditions under which it will be used so that the company can develop and test an appropriate scheme. In other cases, customers develop their own files and send them to the manufacturer. These are rendered in a format known as a Gerber file, an industry standard for recording the specific details of a PCB.
Manufacturers use the Gerber file to program their PCB manufacturing equipment. Different techniques can be used, depending on the number of boards that need to be produced. Custom products tend to be more expensive because they require small production runs, while generic or standard sizes are less expensive. Prototypes, in which a very small number of boards are produced, can be very expensive and in some cases are preferably made in-house to limit expenses and reduce the loss of proprietary information.
Layers of conductive film are glued together before being covered with a solder mask. This is used as the basis for connecting the circuits’ fine copper wiring, which can be done by electroplating or other means. Multiple layers can be made with some PCB fabrication methods. The finished PCB is assembled with other components and tested to confirm it works before being sent to the customer. Delivery times may depend on the complexity of the board, the size of the order and other products the company may be working on at the same time.
Companies that offer PCB fabrication can work with a variety of customers. Some specialize in products for particular types of electronics and may focus on working with customers who need these services. Others may accept a variety of jobs and may offer a range of circuit board types to meet customer needs. Additional services may include engineering, more extensive testing, component fabrication, and other product development support activities.
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