Fast Turn PCB Prototypes Resist Corrosion

The old adage “Time is Money” has never been more true than in the business of PCB prototyping and manufacturing. The rapid pace of new product development in today’s fast-moving electronics industry necessitates working within tight project timelines to get cutting-edge designs to market quickly. This is why many companies use quick turn pcb prototypes to test their designs, and it’s why they need the best manufacturing and assembly services in the business to meet their compressed time cycles & time to market requirements.

The fast turn pcb prototype production process entails rapid fabrication and assembly of printed circuit boards to verify that the design meets technical specifications and performance requirements. This is especially important when the design may be used in an environment with exposure to moisture, which could lead to corrosion. To avoid this, a fast-turn PCB manufacturer should use corrosion resistant components when appropriate, and the board should be designed to resist moisture.

The first step in the quick-turn pcb fabrication process is to prepare the substrate. This is done by cutting it to size and removing any contaminants. Then, copper layers are laminated onto the substrate to provide the necessary electrical conductivity. A solder mask is then applied to prevent accidental bridging of the conductive traces. Finally, silkscreen is applied with the component designators, logos and other information to aid in assembly and identification of the traces.

How Do Fast Turn PCB Prototypes Resist Corrosion?

Once the design has been completed, it is sent to the manufacturer in a format known as Gerber files. This is a standard industry format that allows for easy transfer of the data from designer to manufacturer. The manufacturer then carries out a quick Design for Manufacture (DFM) review to make sure the material and technical specifications of the design are consistent with their equipment, fabrication processes and standards.

If the DFM review indicates any issues with a specific aspect of the design, the manufacturer will notify the engineer or designer so that the issue can be addressed before the manufacturing process begins. This can save valuable time in the fast-turn pcb production process, as it will help to eliminate potential delays caused by design rework and ensure that all production processes are consistent with the original design intent.

To expedite the process, designers should always communicate with the manufacturer and utilize standard components whenever possible. This will reduce overall cost, increase availability and simplify the manufacturing process. Additionally, designers should be prepared to collaborate with the manufacturer if any specialized components are required. It is also a good idea to submit the gerber files for DFM review early in order to identify any problems that might affect delivery schedules. The more information that is shared with the manufacturer, the more accurate and efficient the DFM review will be. This will help to ensure that the final product meets expectations in terms of quality, cost and speed of production. This is a critical stage that will have a significant impact on the final product and its ability to resist corrosion.