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1 Introduction to PCB Proofing
1.1 PCB proofing definition
PCB proofing refers to the trial production of printed circuit boards before mass production. The main application is the process of electronic engineers designing the circuit and completing the PCB layout, and then conducting small batch trial production to the factory, which is called PCB proofing. Generally, engineers call PCB proofing before the product design is confirmed and tested. In layman's terms, proofing is to make samples; PCB proofing is to make a physical object of the designed PCB schematic diagram, which is a product test before mass production. A PCB project needs to involve many things. If a product has a problem in one link, it will easily affect the product development progress; the same is true for PCB manufacturing. Generally, when doing a project, the designed PCB will go to a prototype factory for proofing and make several boards. Do the test, if the test passes, mass production can be carried out, the price will be much lower than the prototype, and the proofing is mainly fast.
1.2 PCB proofing file
PCB proofing files generally include PCB files or Gerber files, and plate making instructions-several layers of boards, materials, pad technology, ink color, and whether there is impedance that needs to be matched.
1.3 PCB proofing cycle
usually around 7 days, can be expedited;
Single and double panel proofing 7 days delivery;
four-layer board proofing 15 days delivery;
Mass production is generally about 20-30 days depending on the production capacity of each factory.
2. PCB proofing instructions
Generally include PCB single chip size, PCB joint size, PCB material number, proofing quantity, PCB board, PCB thickness, PCB copper thickness, PCB surface treatment, solder mask color, text oil black color, environmental protection requirements, fire rating, Specification of whether VIA is plugged, hole tolerance, PCB board warpage, PCB molding method, etc. Here are a few items:
2.1 Material: First of all, it is necessary to explain what kind of material the PCB is made of. The most common one is FR4. Special plates: Rogers/Rogers, Taconic/Tai Kangli, PTFE/PTFE/Teflon, F4B high frequency plate.
2.2 Layers: Indicate the number of layers you make the PCB.
2.3 Solder mask color: There are several colors that can be selected according to the company's requirements, the general one is green.
2.4 Silkscreen color: The color of the font and frame of the silkscreen on the PCB is generally white.
2.5 Copper thickness: Generally, the copper thickness is scientifically calculated based on the current of the PCB circuit. Generally, the thicker the better, but the cost will be higher, so a reasonable balance is required.
2.6 Whether the vias are covered with solder mask: Over solder mask is to insulate the vias, otherwise, the vias are not insulated.
2.7 Surface coating: there are spray tin, OSP, sink tin, sink gold, gold plating and so on.
2.8 Quantity: The quantity of PCB produced should be clearly stated.
3 Precautions for PCB Proofing
3.2.1 Check the PCB documentation carefully to avoid data problems.
3.2.2 Complete process approval and process configuration with PCB manufacturers.
3.2.3 Control the production quantity, and save costs while maintaining quality.
4.2.4 Fully communicate with the manufacturer to prevent accidents in advance.
4. PCB proofing method selection
There are three methods for PCB proofing: regular PCB factories, professional model companies and a few copy-board companies.
4.1 The purpose of the formal PCB factory proofing is to have bulk orders, so of course I hope to return the order; the professional proofing company itself only makes samples or small batches, professional and fast, suitable for one or two small sample production, you have a large order for him, he Can't do it either.
4.2 In terms of quality assurance, the regular PCB factory is definitely better than the prototype company. The professional prototype company is a one-shot purchase and the sample will be charged when the sample is sent. You don’t need to do the flying probe test. If the quality is not enough, you have to call it again. One-time money; regular PCB factories generally do flying probe tests, and they are careful and professional from materials to processes, so the quality often succeeds in one shot.
4.3 A small number of copying companies are also engaged in PCB proofing. After submitting the materials to the customer and obtaining the final plan, they must quickly provide the customer with PCB proofing, functional prototype production and testing to ensure its feasibility.
5. PCB Proofing Market Distribution
The demand groups for PCB proofing are mainly concentrated in areas where electronic products are more developed.
