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What Causes Lifted Pads on PCBs? There are several potential causes of lifted pads on printed circuit boards: Incorrect Hole Drilling One common cause is incorrect hole drilling during PCB fabrication. If the holes for through-hole components or vias are drilled off-center from the pads, there will be less bonding area between the pad and board. This makes the pad-to-board adhesion weaker and more prone to lifting. Recommended drill hit location: Pad Size Ideal Hit Read more…

What is Cold Solder? Cold solder, also known as a cold solder joint, is a defective solder connection that occurs when the solder fails to melt and flow properly during the soldering process. This results in a weak, high-resistance connection that may not provide a reliable electrical path between components. Characteristics of Cold Solder Joints Cold solder joints exhibit several distinct characteristics: Dull, grainy, or porous appearance Lack of proper wetting or adhesion to the Read more…

How Does a Desoldering Braid Work? A desoldering braid consists of a fine copper wire that is tightly woven into a flat, ribbon-like structure. The copper wire is typically coated with a thin layer of flux, which helps to facilitate the removal of solder. When heated with a soldering iron, the desoldering braid absorbs the molten solder through capillary action. The solder is drawn up into the spaces between the copper strands, effectively removing it Read more…

Introduction to Buried Vias A buried via is a type of interconnect used in printed circuit board (PCB) design to connect different layers within the middle layers of the board, rather than connecting to the outer layers. Unlike through-hole vias which go through the entire board from top to bottom, buried vias are embedded within the inner layers and are not visible from the outer surfaces of the PCB. Key Characteristics of Buried Vias Connect Read more…

What is Soldering? Soldering is the process of joining two or more metal components together by melting a filler metal (solder) between them. The solder creates a strong, electrically conductive bond that ensures a reliable connection. Soldering is commonly used in electronics, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now Tools and Materials Required for Soldering Before you start soldering, you’ll need to gather the following tools and materials: Soldering iron Solder Read more…

Introduction to Cold Solder Joints A cold solder joint is a common problem in electronic assemblies that occurs when the solder fails to properly bond with the surfaces being joined. This can lead to a dry, cracked, or incomplete connection that may cause intermittent or complete failure of the circuit. Cold solder joints are often the result of improper soldering techniques, inadequate heat, or contamination of the surfaces being soldered. Causes of Cold Solder Joints Read more…

What is Solder? Solder is a metal alloy that is used to join two or more metal surfaces together. It is commonly used in electronic circuits to connect components to printed circuit boards (PCBs) or to join wires together. Solder is typically made of a combination of tin and lead, although lead-free solder is becoming more common due to environmental and health concerns. Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Quote Now Why Remove Solder? There are Read more…

Introduction to PCB Bottom The printed circuit board (PCB) is a fundamental component in modern electronics. It serves as a platform for mounting and connecting various electronic components to create a functional circuit. A typical PCB consists of two sides: the top side and the bottom side. In this article, we will focus on the bottom side of the PCB, its characteristics, and its importance in the overall design and manufacturing process. What is the Read more…

Introduction to PCB Drilled Holes Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are essential components in modern electronics, providing a platform for interconnecting various electronic components. One crucial aspect of PCB manufacturing is the creation of drilled holes, which serve multiple purposes, such as mounting components, establishing electrical connections between layers, and facilitating heat dissipation. In this article, we will explore the different types of PCB drilled holes, their characteristics, and their applications. Request PCB Manufacturing & Assembly Read more…

What is Via plating? Via plating is the process of depositing a layer of conductive material onto the walls of vias in a PCB. The purpose of via plating is to create an electrical connection between the different layers of the PCB. Without via plating, the vias would be non-conductive, and the PCB would not function as intended. The via plating process typically involves the following steps: Drilling the vias into the PCB Substrate Cleaning Read more…