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Quick-Turn Prototypes:
More than Prototypes
PCB assembly - 0201 to µBGA
Conformal Coating
When electronics must withstand harsh environments and/or added protection is necessary, we will coat your assemblies with a layer of transparent conformal coating. The type of conformal coating we apply will be dictated by the intended ultimate environment the assemblies will be exposed to. We also have potting available as an option.
Potting
Potting is a process we often use and consists of filling a complete electronic assembly with a solid or gelatinous compound to provide resistance against shock and vibration, as well as water proofing / exclusion of corrosive agents if such is necessary. We have used a variety of thermosetting plastics, silicone rubber gels and epoxy resins. A downside is the increase in weight of the product but depending on the application this may not be significant. The requirement or otherwise for potting will, as in the case of conformal coating, be determined by the environment in which the electronic assembly will operate.
Automated Optical Inspection
We put all of our electronic assemblies through Automated Optical Inspection (AOI). Automated optical inspection is an automated visual inspection of printed circuit board manufacture, where a camera autonomously scans the device under test for (1) confirmation of correct assembly, (2) identifying potential catastrophic failure and (3) quality defects. It is a non-contact test method. We use it as part of our one piece flow manufacturing system and it ensures early detection of issues, allowing for timely corrective / preventive action and prevents transfer of a quality issue from one process to the next.
Wave Soldering
We use a mix of wave soldering and hand soldering when dealing with thru’hole components. In instances where components cannot handle the heat of a wave soldering system, we will use hand soldering. With wave soldering, a complete board can be soldered in a matter of seconds, producing joints that are reliable both mechanically and electrically. Where SMT assembly is the predominant technology, we rarely use wave soldering and rely almost exclusively on the contactless benefit of reflow soldering.
Thru’ Hole Component Placement
PCB Cleaning
When cleaning PCB assemblies, the goal is to remove resin and flux residues from populated boards as well as any production-related residues created by handling. For most applications, the use of “no-clean” solders and fluxes works well and no cleaning process steps are required. Some assemblies however, particularly those that will find applications in industries such as automotive, military and aerospace, often require the use of PCB cleaning. We have both the equipment and various options in regard to cleaning agents available in-house if required.
Functional Testing
Cable Assembly
As part of our full turnkey solution, we can offer both cable design and manufacturing services. As a key aim of our Turnkey service, we can provide our customers with a complete custom cable solution. We will review the product interconnection needs, review with you our proposed connectivity solutions, develop the necessary design and manufacturing documentation and manufacture within the same controlled environment in which we complete all of our manufacturing service.