The abbreviation for Printed Circuit Board, PCB finds its application in electronics and is very cost effective and offers more reliability compared to other circuits like point to point circuits or wire wrapped circuits. Although the PCB manufacturing process is complicated because it involves high initial investments, the results are very pleasant.
PCBs support electronic components that connect them mechanically and electrically through copper-etched tracks, conductive paths on a non-conductive substrate, and are also known as etched wiring or circuit board.
The process
There are three methods that PCB manufacturers often use, and they differ in subtractive methods for photo etching metal. The process involves bonding a layer of copper on one or both sides of an entire substrate. After this process, excess copper or unwanted copper is completely removed, while the necessary copper is retained using a temporary mask.
The most common methods used by PCB manufacturers in the PCBS subtractive process are as follows:
Photoetching: This process uses a photographic mask and chemical etching to remove unwanted copper from the substrate. This photographic mask was created using a photo plotter recreated by a technician using computer-based production software.
Screen Printing – This subtractive method uses etch resistant ink on the important parts and protects the necessary copper foil, while eliminating the process of etching unwanted or unwanted copper.
PCB Milling – A prototype PCB is used to remove the substrate from the unwanted copper foil. Also known as a two or three axis mechanical milling system, this system works in the same way as the plotter and commands are sent through the host software that controls the positions of all three axes.
Lamination: Lamination involves joining several thin layers of etched tracks or plates, also known as multi-layer printed circuits.
Drilling: Drilling is done to connect each individual layer of the circuit board to the other layer by drilling holes called VIAS using automatic drilling. These exercises are computer controlled and are also known as numerically controlled exercises or excellon files. Each wall of a multilayer board is copper plated through holes connecting the conductive layers of PCB.
Lamination method in PCB production:
The lamination method is used by PCB manufacturers in the manufacture of printed circuit boards when it is necessary to glue multiple thin layers or etched plates. This methodology is also known as multilayer printed circuits.
Drilling method of PCB manufacturers:
The drilling method is used in PCB production to connect each individual layer of the PCB to the other layer. This, as the name implies, is done by drilling holes with an automatic drill. The holes are known as VIAS. These exercises are computer controlled and are also called excellon technical files. It should be noted here that each wall of a multi-layer plate is clad with copper. This forms plate holes through which the conductive layers of the printed circuit board are attached.
While the entire circuit board manufacturing process is a complex and costly affair, it pays off when it comes to long-term benefits. Order printed circuit boards from the world’s leading print manufacturers and take advantage of cost-effective and reliable services for all your electronic applications.