When creating “mixed technology” printed circuit board (pcb) assemblies, once all the surface mount technology (SMT) devices are in place, there are a variety of approaches available for attaching the plated through hole (PTH) components. Traditionally these have included either an operator soldering PTH devices by hand, or utilizing automated equipment known as a wave or flow solder machines.
As our hunger for smaller, lighter, faster, more complex products packed full of the latest technology grows, we have seen a growing shift towards the use of double sided PCBs – which provide designers with twice the available space to build upon. Just compare any home computer or mobile phone you are using today with the one you had back in the 1980’s and it’s obvious to see how things have changed.
Adding components to both sides of a PCB instantly creates a challenge for CEM providers. There will often be a mix of SMT a PTH parts on one or both sides which can mean traditional wave solder is not suitable for automated production.
Surface-mount technology (SMT) is a method for producing electronic circuits in which the components are mounted or placed directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards (PCBs). The PCB industry has largely replaced the thru-hole technology construction method of fitting components with wire leads into holes in the circuit board. Both technologies can be used on the same board, with the thru-hole technology used for components not suitable for surface mounting such as large transformers and heat-sinked power semiconductors.
The use of leaded or through hole parts have become rarer, and are now discouraged by assemblers. It is far more efficient to machine assemble an electronic circuit if it is completely populated with surface mounted components. Leaded parts are laborious to fit. They need lead trimming and bending, hand placement, further trimming and hand soldering. SMD parts are simply machine picked and placed from a reel. Parts such as connectors which have not been available in SMD form can now be machine placed.
We provide a complete suite of PCB Assembly Services, including rework and modification, BGA, SMT, Turnkey, Thru-Hole, Lead Free, and Prototype assembly, plus an extensive line of add-on services, such as Injection Molding and Metal Work & Finishing.