What is Printed Circuit Board Fabrication?
Printed Circuit Board Fabrication consists of the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs). A PCB connects electronic components electrically and supports them mechanically. The circuit board utilizes signal traces, conductive pathways, or tracks coated onto a nonconductive substrate, etched from sheets of copper.
Benefits of Printed Circuit Board Fabrication
Printed Circuit Board Fabrication has many benefits, such as cost-effectiveness. For production in high volume, PCBs are inexpensive to produce yet they are quite reliable. They are also faster to produce than wire wrap and point-to-point construction. Automated equipment can be used for the entire production and soldering processes of PCBs. Also, most Printed Circuit Board Fabrication is designed, manufactured and set to quality standards in accordance with guidelines set by the IPC organization, which governs all PCB classification standards.
Applications of a Printed Circuit Board Fabrication
Printed Circuit Board Fabrication can be used in countless applications and is typically divided into three classes: General Electronics (Class 1), Dedicated Service Electronics (Class 2), and High Reliability Electronics (Class 3).
PCBs for General Electronics (Class 1) apply to certain computers and peripherals, products for consumers, and general hardware for military use. Class 1 Printed Circuit Board Fabrication focuses on functionality and cosmetic deficiencies are somewhat inconsequential.
PCBs for Dedicated Service Electronics (Class 2) are utilized for complex machinery for business use, communication devices, military equipment and instruments. Class 2 Printed Circuit Board Fabrication relates to applications where extended life and high performance are a major concern.
PCBs for High Reliability Electronics (Class 3) pertain to commercial and military equipment that demands instant performance or stable long term performance. Down time and failure of equipment are considered unacceptable at this level of Printed Circuit Board Fabrication. Electronics systems for life support or critical weapons are applications included within Class 3.
