What is Measling in PCBs?

Measling occurs when discrete white spots appear in the base epoxy-glass laminate of a PCB (printed circuit board), usually when the resin is not properly applied to the board during the lamination process due to the presence of moisture or other contaminants. Measling signifies a malfunctioning or poor-quality board that can degrade electrical and physical performance. […]

PCBA Solder Paste Printing Defects

Summarized below are some typical solder paste printing defects along with recommended corrections or preventative actions to improve your (PCBA) Printed Circuit Board Assembly manufacturing process and overall product quality. At Optima Technology Associates, Inc. we have over 25 years of experience manufacturing PCBs, PCBAs and providing engineering services to help you meet your quality standards and […]

Component Placement Defects

Summarized below are some typical parts placement defects along with recommended corrections or preventative actions to improve your PCBA process and product quality. At Optima Technology Associates, Inc. we have over 25 years of experience manufacturing PCBs, PCBAs and providing engineering services to help you meet your quality standards and expectations. Contact us today to learn more […]

Reflow Solder Defects

Summarized below are some typical reflow / solder defects along with recommended corrections or preventative actions to improve your PCBA process and product quality. At Optima Technology Associates, Inc. we have over 25 years of experience manufacturing PCBs, PCBAs and providing engineering services to help you meet your quality standards and expectations. Contact us today to learn […]

PCB Panel Design Consideration
PCB Panel Design Consideration

What are some of the most important factors you should consider when designing a PCB (Printed Circuit Board) to ensure efficient manufacturing? Consideration should be given to how the bare PCB will be supplied to the PCB / PCBA manufacturer for production. For volume manufacturing, the tools used throughout the process need “tooling strips” on at least two […]

Through-Hole Assembly, Selective Soldering
Through-Hole Assembly, Selective Soldering

With the increasing complexity of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assemblies, it has become more common for surface mount components to be designed on both sides of the PCB. This provides challenges when automating the soldering of the through-hole components. Typically components that need to be soldered are done so using ‘Wave Soldering’ (the preferred method), however this […]

PCB & PCBA Glossary
PCB & PCBA Glossary

Below is a helpful reference sheet of key terms and definitions of the PCB or PCBA manufacturing process. At Optima Technology Associates, Inc. we have over 25 years of experience manufacturing PCBs, PCBAs and providing engineering services to help you meet your quality standards and expectations. Contact us today to learn more about working together […]

9 Tips for Choosing the Right PCB Manufacturer for Your Business
9 Tips for Choosing the Right PCB Manufacturer for Your Business

Key points to consider when evaluating PCB manufacturers for your projects, include Quality Capability Cost Time Scale Manufacturer vs Broker Cooperation Material Sourcing Testing Quantities Choosing the right PCB manufacturer for your project and business will help you reach your goals, but choosing a wrong one likely will lead to much regret. Pointers to help determine your […]

PCB Manufacturing - A Step by Step Guide
PCB Manufacturing – A Step by Step Guide

PCBs, which are used in virtually all electronic devices, essentially routes electrical signals to satisfy the product’s electrical and mechanical circuit requirements. This is accomplished through a network of copper paths. To help prevent product designers from making unnecessary errors at least an awareness of the manufacturing complexities for PCBs is warranted. Step 1: PCB […]

PCB Assembly
PCB Assembly – A Step by Step Guide

PCB Assembly is the process of assembling various components like integrated circuits, capacitors, resistors, connectors, etc. on a Printed Circuit Board (PCB). Application of solder past to the base PCB. For surface mount components via use of a thin, stainless steel stencil & fixture solder paste is applied evenly over the solder pads in the […]