Why You Should Outsource a Wire Harness Manufacturer

When it comes to running your business, there are many things you can tackle on your own or even learn how to do with some patience and research. There are other things, however, that are better left to the professionals and outsourced appropriately. One area where this is particularly relevant is when it comes to choosing wire harness manufacturers.

Wire harnesses are bundles of cables or wires that are used to transmit signals and send power. With the fine details and electrical component involved, having the appropriate manufacturer to complete the job is critical for several reasons:

Safety and Guarantee

Building wire harnesses and completing wire harness assembly, involves paying particular attention to the safety aspect of the product and the work it performs. Wire harnesses deal with electricity, and if not manufactured properly or by individuals who have training in the field, the product may not be safe for the long-term. Outsourcing to a certified cable harness manufacturer ensures the safety, guarantees the product, and certifies that it is optimized for you, your employees, and your clients.

Original source: https://www.starengineeringinc.com/why-you-should-outsource-a-wire-harness-manufacturer/

Contact Details:

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

Manufacturing Steps to Follow for PCB Assembly

Creating, manufacturing, and delivering a quality printed circuit boards (PCB) is not a job to be taken lightly. In fact, even for PCB manufacturing companies, the task can be overwhelming and time consuming, and without proper attention to detail can easily result in missed steps or a poor end product as a result. Whether you are a current PCB assembly manufacturer or thinking of entering into the world of PCB board manufacturing, here are the steps you need to be familiar with when it comes to PCB assembly.

Step 1: Design the PCB

Typically, the PCB is ordered by a client with specific requirements. Outline these requirements accordingly, and then use them to create a blueprint design. From there, this blueprint design can be inputted into a design software, such as Extended Gerber (also known as IX274X). Using the software will allow the design to be translated to an appropriate output format, which can be read by manufacturing equipment, offering information such as the number of copper layers, solder mask content, and any other important components to be included.

Original source: https://www.starengineeringinc.com/manufacturing-steps-to-follow-for-pcb-assembly/

Contact Details:

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

Why Choose Surface Mount Technology?

Surface mount technology (SMT) is a method of designing electrical circuits that involves mounting required circuit components directly to the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This is in contrast to older assembly options, such as through-hole technology which were used prior to the advancement of tools for consistently crafting a reliable surface mount device. Given that this is now a far more accessible option for companies, there are a number of reasons to opt for the surface mount technology process over other circuitry methodologies.

Improved Accuracy

Using reliable manufacturers and seeking out those who are skilled in SMT assemblies allows for incredible accuracy and precision in crafting your product. With the right surface mount technology process, your device can be created using smaller components, and increased precision of placement. In fact, as of 2017, these components measured 0.25 millimetres. The more accurate the device placement, the better your PCB can perform, and the more consistent the results it can yield.

Increased Density

In addition to being able to place the components more precisely, SMT allows components to be placed on both sides of the board and at a much higher density. This means you can fit more devices in the same amount of space as what through hole would allow. Furthermore, each of these components has the space for more connections, as there are no holes blocking routing space.

Original source: https://www.starengineeringinc.com/why-choose-surface-mount-technology/

Contact Details:

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

A Guide to Flat Ribbon Cable Assemblies

Flat ribbon cable assemblies utilize multiple wires as well as insulation displacement connector terminations. The cables used are laid flat and parallel to each other. The end product of a flat cable assembly is therefore wide and flat in the shape of a ribbon, hence the product’s name.

Key benefits of ribbon cable assemblies

Because these cables are so flat and flexible, they can be squeezed easily into confined spaces, or used within machines even when there is limited space. They can even be run straight through applications, due to the shape and profile of cable. Although these products do not allow for sideways flexing, a change of direction can be achieved. If you need to create a change of direction in this assembly, you can create a right angle by folding the cable over on itself.

It’s great to use ribbon cable because the termination process is so simple. Also, mass termination is also possible, making the whole process extremely efficient. They can be mass terminated with the use of an IDC connector, which pierces the insulation to contact the conductor. This is usually performed at both ends of the assembly, and is believed to be more effective than a crimp or solder.

Original source: https://www.starengineeringinc.com/a-guide-to-flat-ribbon-cable-assemblies/

Contact Details:

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

5 Factors Affecting Fiber Optic Cabling Performance

The performance of fiber-optic cables should naturally be incredible – if there are no errors or faults with them.

The major factors affecting the performances of these cables come down mostly to human error or wear and tear. This is different to PCB board manufacturing or circuit board manufacturing.

However, here’s what printed circuit board manufacturers also understand. Knowing how to spot these errors, you can ensure that any fiber-optic cables you’re working with performs optimally.

It would be such a waste if the amazing bandwidth of fiber-optic cables were hindered by these errors, so it’s well worth your while ensuring you spot and fix these errors.

Here are the key factors to look out for.

Correct specification of fiber optic cabling

Make sure you have the correct fiber optic cabling installed for the speed you wish your network to run. Without this, it’ll never reach the speed that you desire.

Original source: https://www.starengineeringinc.com/5-factors-affecting-fiber-optic-cabling-performance/

Contact Details:

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

Selecting Polyurethane Cable For Environmental Safety Protection

There is a growing interest in environmental safety protection throughout the electronic industry. A lot of work has been done over the last few years to produce materials there are kinder to the environment.

This has been achieved to a large extent with the protection of electronic cables. A few environmentally-friendly materials that don’t contain leads or halogens are now used.

As these wires don’t contain lead, there is no environmental pollution caused as a result of lead elution. As these contain no halogen, there is a great reduction of harmful matter produced when the material is thrown away.

Among the most popular type of halogen-free wires are polyurethane (PUR) wires. This material has several other qualities that makes it a great choice for wire insulation.

What is Polyurethane (PUR)?

From extremely low or high temperatures, polyurethane is known for its extreme toughness, flexibility, and flex life. Because of the excellent ratings for chemical, water, and abrasion resistance, this material works well in retractile cord applications and can be a good option for salt-spray and low-temperature military purposes.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/selecting-polyurethane-cable-for-environmental-safety-protection/

Contact Details:

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

The Metal Content Of Waste PCBs Causing A New Environmental Challenge

Electronic waste, commonly referred to a e-waste, is growing at an alarming rate.

The problem is partly due to a decreased lifespan of many electronic devices. In the world of smartphones, laptops, and digital cameras, the ‘next big thing’ arrives quicker than ever and many consumers end up throwing their old devices away quicker than ever without a second thought.

Manufacturers have a part to play as well. Studies have shown that many manufacturers aren’t correctly recycling anywhere near as much of their waste as they should be.

Less than a third of around 60 metals have an end-of-life recycling rate above 50%, 34 of these have a recycling rate below 1%, according to recent research by the International Resource Panel (IRP).

Nevertheless, individuals and business can do their bit to help prevent this problem by ensuring that they are recycling printed circuit boards or any other type of electronic equipment using safe methods.

Correct PCB recycling methods may take a bit more effort on a business owner’s part, but it’s helping to create a safer planet in the future.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/the-metal-content-of-waste-pcbs-causing-a-new-environmental-challenge/

Contact Details:

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

How ISO 2015 accreditation is affecting the Cable Harness Manufacturers in Global Market

ISO 9001 accreditation allows cable harness manufacturers to demonstrate proof of quality to their customers. It’s a very important indicator that customers can trust the process used during wire harness assembly and every process used to create products.

This form of accreditation is recognized worldwide as being an indicator of top quality manufacturing, so it’s well worth cable and wire harness manufacturers chasing this. Customers will be looking for this when choosing a manufacturer and it could be the difference between securing them and not doing so.

What is ISO 9001 accreditation?

ISO 9001 is an international standard of manufacturing quality, which focuses on the process used to create products, rather than the quality of the products themselves.

It is part of a group of standards published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which is often collectively referred to as the ‘ISO 9000 family’. As such, you might hear businesses referring to themselves as ‘ISO 9000 certified’. In spite of this, it’s important to remember that ISO only certifies specific processes, not businesses as a whole.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/iso-2015-accreditation-affecting-cable-harness-manufacturers-global-market/

Contact Details:

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

Pros and Cons of Electro Mechanical Assembly

Before addressing the pros and cons of electro mechanical assembly, it is important to introduce what it actually is. That way, you will know whether this is something that you should consider for your upcoming project.

What Is Electro Mechanical Assembly?

Any reference made to electromechanical assembly is typically in relation to the processes used as part of mechanical and electrical engineering. For all stages of turnkey manufacturing, starting with prototyping through production, electro mechanical assembly services are designed to provide necessary support.

Regardless if this involves power distribution units, box-builds, daughter cards, printed circuit boards, or custom cable assemblies, there is a tremendous benefit in working with a reputable manufacturer.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/pros-cons-electro-mechanical-assembly/

Contact Details:

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

Getting the Right Cable Assembly Supplier For Your Electrical Needs

When choosing components for your commercial electrical assembly, it is important to find the balance between cost and value. Yet, between those two things, reliability and performance are crucial since the last thing anyone wants is for the finished equipment to fail or malfunction.

The costs for downtime and repairs can be very steep and should be avoided by making sure you are getting the best value for your investment when purchasing the parts. One of the things that often gets overlooked is the cable assembly, which is peculiar because it is one of the most important decisions you need to make. Cables are lifelines and any technician will tell you that most malfunctions occur exactly there – in the wiring.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/getting-right-cable-assembly-supplier-electrical-needs/

Contact Details:

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

Design Process Behind Printed Circuit Board Assemblies

The PCB, or printed circuit board, is the central element in every electronic system. The board is the base on which the entire circuit is mounted, whether it is surface mounting or perforated board. These boards are meticulously designed to be efficient and compact, planned for every circuit individually.

The PCB Assembly Design Process

Different printed circuit board assemblies may contrast in certain nuances but the main PCB assembly design steps are common for all of them. The physical manufacturing part will involve laser cutting/drilling, CNC machining, etching, plating and optical inspection. Then there are testing methods for the PCB and its electrical components.

This is all preceded by the design part. Here are its stages.

Step One: Digitally Designing the PCB

In the old days before modern imaging/design software was available, the PCB architecture was simply drawn on paper. Modern PCB assembly design programs have a pre-made library of components used in printed circuit board assemblies which the designer puts in place.

Original source: http://www.starengineeringinc.com/design-process-behind-printed-circuit-board-assemblies/

Contact Details:

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