If your electronics assembly shop isn't using Surface Mount Technologies (SMT) in their processes, you're potentially losing out in numerous ways.  While SMT production isn't a magic bullet, in most cases it creates smaller and more affordable products.

We all know what a stencil is, in the traditional sense. Children often make use of plastic stencil sheets in order to practice drawing shapes, while sign makers and other professionals are able to utilize them to create perfect letters. Here in the world of designing and manufacturing PCBs, though, we rely on laser cut SMT stencils. Although not too far off from the regularly recognized units, these laser cut SMT stencils are much more complex and simplify the process of PCB assembly by making it easier to apply solder paste to the board. This post will cover everything that you need to know about laser cut SMT stencils.

Uses

Throughout the electronics manufacturing process, a stencil may need to be used for a couple of purposes. First and foremost, stencils are a true life-saver when producing a board that relies on surface mount technology (SMT). Another instance when stencils are useful involves the use of automated component placement equipment (with the exception of hand-loaded prototypes. Why? Because it acts as an alternative to the requirement of hand soldering every single component. 

When something goes wrong with one of your electronic devices, how do you handle the problem? For many businesses, protocol is to simply replace the entire unit, when it's under warranty. Although this certainly is a quick fix and provides customers with a functioning devices, this may not always be the smartest course of action. Do you know when to repair and when to replace? This post will explore the answer to this question, the benefits of PCB repair, and the ways in which a contract manufacturer can help you out in the process.

When to Repair vs When to Replace

In any industry, it's extremely important that you're able to keep up with (if not surpass) the competition by offering the very best products and services. This is especially true in the electronic sector. With every passing moment, further advancements are being made in our technological capabilities and processes, which results in a consumer demand for increasingly complex yet affordable and user-friendly products. Of course, behind every great electronic device is an advanced, well put-together PC board. 

It's true! Although most users will never even take a glimpse at a PCB (let alone begin to understand how it works), these units are the backbone of our technology. As such, it's absolutely crucial that a lot of care goes into the manufacture and assembly process. But what is it that sets a superior PC board apart from a mediocre or low-quality board? Unless you know, you could end up partnering with a less-than-qualified contract manufacturing company. To eliminate any future stresses or headaches on your end, let's take a look at what actually goes into the assembly of the best PCBs.

Have you noticed that technology actually seems to be shrinking? That's not to say that the market demand is depleting, but rather, that electronic devices are becoming smaller, more lightweight, and increasingly compact. At the same time, the complexity of technology is expanding. As a result, electronics companies are being forced to find ways to take the explosive size of technological advancements and shrink it down to size. 

Although you may be giving some thought to contracting with a third party to assist you with the manufacture of your PCBs, you may also be feeling about unsure about it. Entrusting an outsource vendor to construct your products to the your specifications and the quality you desire can be difficult. But when you find the right partner, using an assembly PCB professional can really do wonders for your business. Still not convinced? These five perks of using an outsource company to handle your company's assembly PCB needs should encourage you to contract with a reliable partner.