Box Build Assemblies: Key Steps and Considerations

Box builds are also known as systems integrations and have several differences compared to the PCB (printed circuit board) production process. The key distinctive features include an electromechanical assembly of sub-assembly components in a more complex system that requires the fabrication of an enclosure (hence the name “box build”), wire harnesses, cables and so on.

The ranges and scales differ depending on application, industry and other factors. It can be a fully integrated system with pneumatic and mechanical components integrated with PCB parts, a small cabinet with PCB’s and wires, or anything in between.

The Box Build Assembly Process Includes the Following Steps

* System Level Design

* Sub-Level Product Assembly

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/box-build-assemblies-key-steps-and-considerations/

Contact Details:

Star Engineering, Inc, 1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02763 Phone No: 508-316-1492 Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

Some Common Differences in Surface Mounting and Through Hole Technology

There are a number of key differences between surface mounting and through hole technology. Understanding these differences will make it easier for you to not only identify the right company to work on your project but also know which of the two processes is best.

Surface Mount Technology (SMT) versus Through Hole

SMT technology has become increasing popular over the past several years. In fact, it has now replaced the more conventional through hole technology for many applications. However, that does not mean that through hole drilling is obsolete since there are some situations in which this is the better technology.

For a long time, thru holes were commonly used to construct virtually all printed circuit boards (PCBs). With this technique, holes are drilled on PCBs through which leads of electrical components are inserted. These leads are then soldered to pads located on the opposite side of the board. Although this remains an extremely reliable method for securing leads to PCBs, the act of drilling additional holes makes this a more expensive method compared to SMT.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/some-common-differences-in-surface-mounting-and-through-hole-technology/

Contact Details:

Star Engineering, Inc, 1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02763 Phone No: 508-316-1492 Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

Factors To Consider When Designing Electro Mechanical Assembly

Upgrading your facility’s electro mechanical assembly is a process that should be taken with all seriousness and has several factors that should be taken into consideration.

There are specific requirements that need to be met, costs that need to be considered, and technical issues that need to be addressed. All those and more will influence the design, process flow, timing and other aspects of the upgrade project.

You will ultimately be discussing all those things with your electromechanical device manufacturer, but before that here is an overview of primary factors that have to be addressed.

Design and Revision

The technology of electromechanical systems is in constant, rapid development. When upgrading or replacing the assembly, consult your electromechanical device manufacturer and evaluate your product’s components for optimal quality and cost. In some cases your existing design can be upgraded and modified, in others it is more cost-effective to have it replaced in its entirety.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/factors-to-consider-when-designing-electro-mechanical-assembly/

Contact Details:

Star Engineering, Inc, 1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro, Massachusetts 02763 Phone No: 508-316-1492 Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

The Making of Printed Circuit Boards

Printed circuit board, is also referred to as PCB, is a self-contained module comprised of interconnected electronic components. Formed by a very thin layer of conducting material that is printed onto the surface of an insulating board or substrate, these boards are commonly used for multiple purposes, including radios, computer systems, radars, beepers, pagers, and so on.

To ensure that the fingers on one or more edges are perfect, experts make each board in a precise manner. Depending on the exact design, the boards perform just one function, or can perform many functions.

Perfected Manufacturing

Due to the sensitive nature of printed circuit boards, these boards are manufactured in sterile environments free from contaminants.

View the original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/the-making-of-printed-circuit-boards/

Contact Details:
Star Engineering, Inc
1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro,
Massachusetts 2763
Phone No: 508-316-1492
Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

Technology for Surface Mount Assemblies

Designing and manufacturing surface mount assemblies requires a unique technology. Known as Surface Mount Technology, or SMT, this method is what engineers use to produce electronic circuits found in components placed or mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards. Once completed, the product is known as a Surface Mount Device, or SMD.

Today, the through hole technology is often replaced with SMT. Instead of fitting components with wire leads that go through holes in the circuit board, most manufacturers use the more updated process. Keep in mind that for surface mount assemblies, experts still use both technologies, but the through-hole process is typically saved for components deemed non-suitable for surface mounting, including heat-sinked power semiconductors and large transformers.

Curious to read more? View original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/technology-for-surface-mount-assemblies/

Contact Details:

Star Engineering, Inc1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro,Massachusetts 2763Phone No: 508-316-1492Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

Different Types of Cable Assemblies

Cable assemblies come in a variety of options to include multi-conductor, coaxial/RF, wire and cable harnesses, complex military, flat ribbon, custom electro-mechanical, and more. Although there are similarities, there are variations as well.

For instance, surface mount assemblies, which are sometimes referred to as wiring assemblies or cable harnesses, consist of a group of cables, wires, and subassemblies used for transmitting electrical power or signals.

However, there is an actual cable assembly that should not be confused with a harness assembly. The primary difference between these is that a harness has numerous branches and ends that run in different directions and on each branch are multiple terminations whereas with a cable assembly, there are just two ends.

Among harness assemblies are different types, one being basic. Depending on the exact product, this might include only three discreet components whereas a classic type harness could be designed with several more, as well as various other components that are passive or possibly active. Usually, there are dozens of wires and in some instances, hundreds of unique terminations and components.

Read more at original source.

Contact Details:

Star Engineering, Inc
1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro,
Massachusetts 2763
Phone No: 508-316-1492
Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

Building Better Products with Surface Mount Contract Manufacturing

Surface Mounting Technologies (SMT) have dramatically changed modern-day manufacturing. Although customers and manufacturers have already identified a number of benefits, it seems that additional benefits surface every year.

For example, compared to the more conventional through-hole design of circuit boards, engineers using Surface Mount Technology to mount components onto the surface of the board directly, thus eliminating wires connecting the top and bottom.

As imagined, this creates an entirely new line of options for printing and circuit design. Due to the many advantages associated with Surface Mount Contract Manufacturing, printed circuit boards are of superior quality.

Primary Benefits

By choosing Surface Mount Contract Manufacturing products, you will enjoy several benefits. Following are just a few examples of the primary advantages.

• Fewer Drilled Holes—For starters, with Surface Mount Contract Manufacturing, circuit boards have fewer drilled holes. Remember, each time a drill penetrates the board, physical strength decreases. However, with SMT the circuit board has greater tensile strength.

Read more at original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/2016/08/building-better-products-with-surface-mount-contract-manufacturing/

Contact Details:

Star Engineering, Inc
1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro,
Massachusetts 2763
Phone No: 508-316-1492
Email: info@starengineeringinc.com

Through Hole versus Surface Mount Technology

For mounting electronic components, two technologies are typically used. These include through-hole technology and surface-mount technology. While both technologies achieve the desired outcome, their processes and advantages are unique. 

Through-Hole Technology 

For this particular mounting method, leads are inserted into drilled holes on a bare printed circuit board (PCB). In addition to being referred to as thru-hole, this method is known as through-hole PCB. After being inserted, the leads are then soldered to pads located on the opposite side using an automated insertion mount machine or by manual assembly. Ultimately, the leads are present on both sides of a printed circuit board. 

Since leads run through holes in a component, this technology produces strong components. Especially for high-reliability products that require strength between layers, it can withstand more environmental stress compared to the surface-mount technology. Through-hole is also more beneficial for certain applications, including prototyping and testing whereby replacements and adjustments are made by hand. 

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Contact Details: 

Star Engineering, Inc 

1 Vaillancourt Drive, North Attleboro, 

Massachusetts 2763 

Phone No: 508-316-1492 

Email: info@starengineeringinc.com