3 Ways To Avoid Printed Circuit Board Quote Delays
Author R.S. Amblee once noted that “technological evolution is the result of our own desire to lead a better life.” Our evolving world of modern electronics speaks highly to this subject matter. However, the valuable assortment of today’s electronic devices requires intricate design and production. Each contains at least one printed circuit board—a sandwich structure of conductive pathways and insulated circuitry.

Printed circuit boards—aka PCBs—are the building blocks behind complex electronic component functionality. The rising demand for fresh technological innovation calls for advancements in PCB layout and manufacturing. Modern PCBA designers can select between two primary methods: through-hole and SMT. Here’s a sneak peek into the debate of through-hole vs. surface mount PCB and which one to choose.

Through-Hole Mounting: The Old-School Process
The original mounting process for a PCB assembly is known as through-hole mounting. As the name straightforwardly implies, through-hole parts go directly through the bare PCB. Manufacturers drill holes through the board to insert leads, forming a strong, solid mechanical connection. As tech gadgets and devices tend to face heavy use and abuse, this technique triumphs due to a higher resistance against temperature and mechanical stress.

If vibrations, collisions, or twists occur, the robust use of lead wires reduces potential damage to a PCB’s chip capacitor. TMH-assembled PCB components are also easy to remove and replace for testing or prototype development. Common applications of this durable assembly technique include transformers, high-power connectors, bulky components, and military, aerospace, or environmental applications.

Surface Mounting Technology: Modern Methodology
The ’80s introduced society to bigger and better things—bold hair, spandex, Walkmans, hip-hop, and surface mounting technology. As the contemporary PCBA process, the surface mount technology method directly attaches components to a PCB through smoldering—no holes involved for lead connection.

When considering through-hole vs. surface mount PCB—and which one to choose—think about the overall layout and density. SMT is beneficial in the production of smaller and advanced devices. This capability supports the revolutionizing Internet of Things industry. With general standardization and pick and place automation, surface mount tech results in quick-turn assembly with typically fewer errors or reworkings.

PCB Assembly: New Projects
The general assortment of new PCB projects steers towards the surface mount package space. Yet, other design situations call for a manual through-hole assembly line to produce a superior product. Cost and time considerations are another facet to ponder during the decision-making process.

For top-quality PCB assembly services in the USA, turn to Advanced Assembly. Our full operating capabilities include both SMT and through-hole methods. With experience, expertise, and limitless pragmatic flexibility, we can provide whichever service you require for a project with our advanced capacity. Reach out with any questions or to start your quote with us today.

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Advanced Assembly is located in Colorado and is the #1 printed circuit board assembly company that provides services specifically for engineers needing fast prototype PCB assembly. The company’s assembly services are in demand by design engineers across all industries and multiple countries. Customers include 23 of the Fortune 500 companies such as 3M, Agilent Technologies, GE, HP, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Honeywell, Raytheon, and L-3 Communications. Examples of customer projects assembled by Advanced Assembly include automated insulin dispensers, sports scoreboards, army drone helicopters, hybrid automobiles and more.

To quickly assemble orders with extreme attention to accuracy, Advanced Assembly developed a proprietary software solution that automatically programs an assembly machine using customer-provided data. Now it is cost-effective to use machines to assemble any size order, even one board, and quality is improved by eliminating the potential for human error.

Engineers lean on Advanced Assembly's in-house expertise for advice and new services have been added to make outsourcing assembly even easier. One of the most unique value-added services offer is the ability to view designs prior to assembly. Advanced Assembly creates a digital image of a customer’s design based on actual manufacturing data. This helps customers fix potential problems before they cause delays or costly rework. No other competitor provides this service, which Advanced Assembly offers free of charge.

Here’s How Our First Article PCB Manufacturing Process Works