Do you require a fast PCB prototype service? The entire PCB fabrication and assembly service usually requires a significant amount of time, including design, implementation changes, and then production and printing services. However, some projects call for quicker turnaround times of circuit board assembly. The following techniques will speed up the entire process and ensure that you are able to meet strict time constraints of your printed circuit board production.
Complete the design process prior to manipulation
One of the longest parts of the PCB design process is the constant manipulation of the printed circuit board. The entire process usually requires constant changes and then multiple prints, until the final product is finished. Although it can be difficult to achieve a successful printed circuit board legend without the testing process, it can be done. Entirely complete the design process before ever manipulating the legend and you will notice a significant increase in the speed of the process.
Keep the legend to a single layer
Generally, more complex of projects requires multiple layers. However, multiple layers require more advanced of printing services. Attempt to keep your printed circuit board legend to a single layer for the quicker turnaround time. If this is not possible, keeping it to a more common layered legend is also beneficial. The most common multilayer boards are 4 layers, 6 layers, 8 layers, and 10 layers. However, the total number of layers that can be manufactured can exceed over 42 layers. These types of boards are used in extremely complex electronic circuits and should be avoided for quicker turnaround PCB printing services.
Hire the best soldering technicians
Soldering is an extremely critical part of the design and printing process. Problems during the soldering or printing process can delay the entire turnaround process. Temperature curve plays a critical role in determining soldering quality. Prior to 160 degrees Celsius, temperature rising rate should be controlled at 1 to 2 degrees Celsius per second. If temperature rises too quickly, on one hand, components and PCB tend to suffer heat too quickly, which tends to destroy components, leading to deformation of PCB and having to start the entire process over again. Hiring the best soldering technicians who are familiar with the appropriate soldering techniques and temperatures can speed up the printing process by preventing these costly and timely mistakes.
Work with a large scale PCB printer
Low volume PCB printers do not have as many machines and are unable to quicly turn over PCBs. The advent of machine assembly for any size orders means that shops can assembly PCBs in a fraction of the time it would normally take for hand placement. In fact, some PCB assemblers have a standard turn time of 5 days or less, which is 75% faster than the industry average. Finding a printer or manufacturer that has these capabilities will help you meet your strict printing deadlines.
Have PCB inspection previously scheduled
After taking all of the necessary timely steps, you do not want to be left waiting for the final PCB inspection service. The PCB inspection in a low volume PCB manufacturing warehouse can take a lengthy amount of time. Try to accurately estimate the printing and soldering time periods for an accurate PCB inspection timeline. That way, the inspection will be finished as soon as the other parts of the assembly process are finished. If you can time it right, this can quickly speed the entire process up.
PCB printing services have significantly grown over the last couple of years. While it once took many months to successfully design and print a PCB, the entire process can now be completed in days. However, in order to print in this short of a time period, planning and choosing the right printer is important. The entire process will need to be carefully planned and accurate estimations will also help to speed up the entire process.
