Have you ever heard of PCB Manufacturing? Well, if you have not, it is the process of creating a printed circuit board. PCB Manufacturing can refer to a few different things but our article will focus on the manufacturing process of PCBs. This article will explain all about the manufacturing including what types of materials are used in order to make circuit boards as well as how long a top pcb manufacturer needs in order to complete one circuit board.
First, we need to discuss what each material is and what they are used for. The materials used in making PCB substrates are: Polyamide (PA), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyethylene, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), and Glass. The different materials used in the manufacturing process can be seen here.
Second, we need to discuss the length of time needed to make a board. We will start with general items and work our way through from longer to shorter times. The general time frame for the creation of one PCB can range anywhere from 3 days to one month. The shortest amount of time is three days and that time frame is when you use Polyamide (PA). For the longest time frame, it takes about a month in which you use Glass. Now let’s go through each one individually to further explain the manufacturing steps involved with each material.
PA: First, you start off by designing your board on a CAD software. After your design is complete, you need to build all the parts of the board. Your board will then be tested and only after that you can print it. The time needed for this process depends on the complexity of your board but usually it takes 1-2 days before production starts and up to 4 days in order to print the layout.
PEI: In order to make a PEI circuit board, you first design your circuit on a CAD software. After the CAD is complete, you start the production of your board. The circuit board will be tested and only after that it will be printed and soldered. Now, the time frame for this process depends on where you are but usually it takes about a month for one board to be created.
PVC: PVC is probably one of the easiest processes in order to make a PCB because there are no complex steps to take place in order to create a printed circuit board. First, you design your PCB and make all the parts of your PCB. You then test the board and only after that you can go into production. The time needed for this process depends on where you are but usually it takes about a day in order to print the layout.
PEI: PEI circuit boards take most of the steps seen in the creation of PCBs compared to PVCs or PVDCs. The first step involves designing the board on a CAD software such as Eagle or Altium. Next, you create all the parts needed for the board and test it. After testing, you can go into production of the board and finally assembly. The time frame for this process depends on complexity but usually it takes about a week to start production of the PCB.
PVDC: PVDCs are similar to PVC in terms of how long they take to manufacture in comparison to each other. The first step is to design the PCB on a CAD software such as Altium. Next, you create all the parts needed for the board and test it. After testing, you can print your board and only after that can you start to assemble it. The time frame for this process depends on complexity but usually it takes about a week in order to print and use your board and another week before assembly is possible.
