Posted by TBR-Admin on | Comments Off on Now Hiring – Assembler
Assembler Needed
Role Description
This is a full-time on-site role for a Circuit Board Assembly worker at TBR Electronics in Romeoville, IL. The Circuit Board Assembly position will be responsible for assembling and testing printed circuit boards while adhering to industry standards, production schedules and quality requirements, and maintaining accurate documentation. The Circuit Board Assembly worker will perform basic maintenance and ensures the work area is clean and organized. Additionally, they will have to follow company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
Qualifications
Experience in soldering, assembly, and/or testing of electronic boards.
Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, blueprints, and assembly drawings.
Good manual dexterity a must with the ability to work with small components and tools.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
Understanding of quality standards and keen attention to detail.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment to achieve assigned goals and objectives.
Excellent communication skills to ensure clear understanding of tasks and effective communication with supervisors and team members.
High School Diploma or equivalent, additional technical certifications a plus.
Proof of US Citizenship necessary for consideration.
Posted by TBR Electronics on | Comments Off on How Certain Parts Are Becoming Obsolete or Unavailable
As new technologies emerge and market demands shift, many electronic components risk becoming obsolete or increasingly difficult to procure. This phenomenon poses significant challenges for businesses reliant on these parts. It threatens to disrupt supply chains, impede production processes, and hinder innovation.
This article delves into the causes of this challenge and explores its implications for businesses operating in diverse industries. By understanding this issue, companies can navigate the electronic landscape and identify strategies to mitigate the impact of obsolete or unavailable parts.
Common Causes of Electronic Parts’ Obsolescence or Unavailability
The electronics industry’s dynamic nature is characterized by its constant flux, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. This ever-changing landscape presents opportunities and challenges for businesses operating within this sector. Two challenges are the parts’ obsolescence and unavailability. The following are some of the reasons for these phenomena:
Short Product Life Cycles
Many electronic products and parts have short life cycles due to the constant demand for innovation and the introduction of upgraded models. As a result, what is considered cutting-edge and in high demand today may become outdated or less desirable in months. Rapid technological advancements such as processors, displays, connectivity standards, and software also contribute to this phenomenon.
Component Discontinuation
Manufacturers continually assess the economic viability of producing specific electronic parts. Thus, they may discontinue their production if the manufacturing cost and production line maintenance outweigh the profitability. This can occur when more cost-effective alternatives or superior technologies become available.
Supply Chain Challenges
The global supply chain for electronic parts is a complex network spanning multiple countries, involving suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and logistics providers. Numerous factors can disrupt this intricate ecosystem, including natural disasters, trade restrictions, and political conflicts. One change or adjustment in this string can cause impacts of exponential strengths down the line.
Counterfeit and End-of-Life (EOL) Issues
Counterfeit parts often enter the supply chain through unauthorized sources or channels. They may be produced using substandard materials or poor manufacturing processes. These parts may fail to meet the required specifications, leading to system malfunctions or poor performance. In addition, using counterfeit electronic components can have severe implications for businesses and end-users.
EOL issues refer to the phase when a manufacturer discontinues production or support for a particular electronic component. As technology rapidly advances and market demands shift, manufacturers may phase out older parts to make way for newer models. One of the main implications of EOL issues is the difficulty in sourcing genuine replacement parts.
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
The existence of IPR can result in restrictions on the availability of certain electronic parts. For example, when a specific component incorporates IPR-protected designs, most manufacturers may limit access to those parts to protect their competitive advantage. This can prevent other businesses from freely accessing or replicating those components without appropriate authorization or licensing agreements.
Quality and Reliability Issues
Electronic parts’ quality and reliability are crucial for electronic systems’ performance and longevity. However, certain components may face quality issues, such as inconsistent manufacturing processes or substandard materials, leading to discontinued production. These concerns can arise from factors such as inadequate quality control measures or sourcing from unreliable suppliers.
TBR Electronics: Your One-Stop Solution for Your Electronic Project
TBR Electronics is dedicated to providing a comprehensive solution for our customer’s production needs! Our mission is to streamline the overall process by offering various services. We also specialize in re-engineering solutions in case of supply chain disruptions, long lead times, part allocation, and product obsolescence.
We carefully evaluate the Bill of Materials (BOMs) to identify problematic parts and determine suitable alternatives. If necessary, we modify the schematic, artwork, and firmware to ensure compatibility with the available components.
Posted by TBR Electronics on | Comments Off on What To Look For in Circuit Board Manufacturing
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Circuit board manufacturing is a complex process involving the creation of printed circuit boards (PCBs) used in a wide range of electronic devices. Since it enables the development of advanced machines, it plays a critical role in the electronics industry. However, the manufacturing process can be challenging as it requires careful consideration of factors to ensure the final product is high quality.
Whether you are an engineer designing a new product or a beginner building a project, securing the right components is essential. It is also crucial to understand the process well to ensure the final product is reliable and performs as expected.
Listed below are some of the most important components and elements to guarantee successful circuit board manufacturing:
1. Materials
The choice of materials used in the PCB determines its reliability, functionality, and overall quality. Thus, the selection process must involve a thorough understanding of the application and performance requirements to ensure that the board meets the specifications. One factor to consider is thermal conductivity — the material must dissipate heat efficiently to prevent overheating and damage to the components.
Durability is another crucial consideration in material selection. The materials should withstand the stresses and strains of the manufacturing process. Materials like FR-4 — a flame-resistant epoxy laminate — are widely used for their high durability and low cost. Lastly, all materials must have high dielectric strength to prevent electrical breakdown and ensure the PCB’s reliability.
2. Manufacturing Processes
The process used in manufacturing can have a significant impact on the final product’s cost and performance. Therefore, it is essential to understand the different methods available and select the one that best meets the project’s requirements.
Surface mount technology (SMT) and through-hole technology (THT) are the primary manufacturing processes used in PCB manufacturing. SMT is a more modernized process that involves mounting components directly onto the surface of the PCB. Meanwhile, THT is an older process involving drilling holes into the PCB and inserting elements through the holes before soldering.
3. Design for Manufacturability (DFM)
The Design for Manufacturability (DFM) concept involves designing PCBs with the manufacturing process in consideration. Its objective is to enhance the PCB design to decrease manufacturing expenses, shorten production time, and enhance overall quality. By implementing DFM principles, PCBs can be manufactured more efficiently, significantly reducing costs.
4. Solder Plating and Resist Coating
Solder plating is the process of applying a layer of solder to the PCB’s conductive surfaces to facilitate the attachment of components. This layer helps to improve the mechanical and electrical connections between the parts and the board. The process also helps prevent conductive surface oxidation.
Resist coating, also known as solder mask, is a layer of a polymer coating applied to the board’s surface to protect it from accidental soldering. This helps ensure that only the designated solder points are used during assembly, reducing the likelihood of short circuits or other errors. Furthermore, the coating protects the conductive surfaces from environmental factors like moisture, dust, and dirt.
5. Quality Control
It is crucial to have a robust quality control system to ensure that the PCB meets the required specifications and standards. Examples of control measures include automated, visual, and functional testing.
Partner With TBR Electronics for Your PCB Assembly and Manufacturing Needs
At TBR Electronics, our commitment to your project goes beyond design approval. With over 30 years of experience in PCB manufacturing and product assembly, our expert engineering and technical staff are dedicated to working closely with you. We will coordinate with you throughout production, ensuring that everything meets your expectations and our stringent quality standards.
Posted by TBR Electronics on | Comments Off on How To Get the Right Printed Circuit Board for Your Electronic Product
The design and production of printed circuit boards (PCBs) are crucial to the reliability and longevity of electronic devices. Due to their role as component backbones, defective PCBs can result in lower performance, increased risk of damage, and a shorter product lifespan.
Choosing the ideal PCB for a specific electrical device can boost performance, save costs, and enhance the user experience. For instance, a circuit board with superior thermal conductivity can effectively remove heat from electronic components. Likewise, a product with adequate trace width can prevent overloading and overheating.
This article will walk you through the key considerations when selecting the best PCB for your product or device.
Factors To Consider in PCB Selection
When it comes to selecting a PCB for a particular product, there are three factors to consider to ensure that it meets the design requirements:
Types of PCBs
The electronics industry offers a range of PCB options, each with distinctive features and intended uses. Thus, the right type depends on the electronic product’s specific requirements and limits, such as size, power, and thermal conditions.
Here are some of the most common types:
Single-Sided
Single-sided PCBs are the simplest type, with a single layer of conductive material laminated to a non-conductive substrate. They are cost-effective and suitable for simple circuits with limited components.
Double-Sided
Double-sided PCBs consist of two conductive layers laminated to a non-conductive substrate, providing an additional layer for routing and component placement. This allows for a higher density of components and improved routing efficiency compared to single-sided PCBs.
Multi-Layer
Multi-layer PCBs have multiple conductive and insulating layers stacked and laminated together. They are suitable for complex circuits with high component density and are used in high-end electronics like servers, medical equipment, and aerospace applications.
Rigid
Rigid PCBs are composed of hard, inflexible materials like fiberglass or composite epoxy. They are appropriate for applications in which dimensional stability and mechanical strength are crucial.
Flexible
Flexible PCBs are constructed using a pliable substrate that allows the board to bend and fit the shape of the device. They are suitable for applications where mobility, conformability, or space constraints are important.
Rigid-Flex
Rigid-flex printed PCBs are a hybrid of rigid and flexible PCBs, combining the strengths of both types. They are frequently utilized in portable electronic devices, military equipment, and aerospace components.
Material Used
The material of a PCB can significantly affect its functionality and performance. The following are some of the most commonly used components:
FR-4
FR-4 is a fiberglass material with good electrical insulation properties and the ability to withstand high temperatures. It is also relatively low-cost, making it a popular choice for many applications.
Polyimide
Polyimide is a thermoplastic used frequently for PCBs in applications requiring a high level of thermal stability. This material is also extremely flexible, making it suitable for flexible circuit boards.
Rogers
Rogers is a low-loss, high-frequency material commonly used in microwave and millimeter wave electronics. It also has a very low dielectric constant, which is ideal for applications where signal integrity is critical.
Aluminum
Aluminum is a metal often used as a base material for PCBs. It is ideal for products or devices that require high thermal conductivity. These include power supplies and high-power LED lighting.
Cost
When evaluating potential circuit boards, it is essential to consider the balance between cost and quality. The goal is to find an assembly that provides the best value for money, offering a good tradeoff between the price and its performance. For example, higher-quality materials are typically more expensive than others.
TBR Electronics Is Your Go-To for Quality PCB Designs!
With more than three decades of experience in the industry, TBR Electronics has experience in designing and selecting the best PCB material and layer count to fit your needs.
Posted by TBR Electronics on | Comments Off on Key Considerations in Circuit Board Kitting To Get the Right Components
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Circuit board kitting is assembling electronic components and materials to fabricate a printed circuit board (PCB). Done properly, this process saves time, reduces waste, and optimizes the manufacturing cycle. However, selecting the appropriate circuit board components for kitting is critical to success.
This post will discuss the key considerations in circuit board kitting and the significance of selecting the right components.
1. Selecting the Right Components
Choosing the proper components is one of the most important aspects of circuit board kitting. The critical factors involved include the following:
Compatibility
Employing incompatible components might result in product failures and malfunctions. Thus, ascertain that all parts are compatible with the PCB design and fulfill the necessary standards.
Quality
Use high-quality components to ensure the final product’s long-term reliability. Low-quality parts can result in premature breakdowns, requiring expensive repairs or replacements.
Availability
To avoid production delays, verify if all necessary components are readily available. This demands careful preparation and cooperation with suppliers to guarantee that parts are supplied on schedule.
Longevity
The component’s estimated lifespan should correspond to the final product’s projected lifespan.
Cost
Component prices will considerably influence the overall cost of the finished product. With the assistance of a knowledgeable supplier, it is feasible to locate cost-effective components without sacrificing quality or reliability.
2. Organizing Your Inventory
It is critical to keep an orderly inventory of components and resources for effective circuit board kitting. This entails numerous crucial procedures, such as:
Storage
Keep components in a clean, dry, and organized environment to avoid damage and provide easy access when needed.
Labeling
All components and supplies should be carefully labeled. This ensures that they are easily recognized and can be promptly accessed.
Tracking
Utilize an inventory management system to keep track of component consumption. This prevents disorganization and guarantees you have enough of each component on hand.
3. Working With a Reputable Kitting Partner
Partnering with a reliable kitting partner is as important as using the right components and materials. Doing so assures the quality and durability of your finished product. Several essential aspects are at play here, such as:
Experience
Select a partner with experience and competence in circuit board kitting to attain high-quality services. You may ask for a manufacturer’s portfolio of completed projects or browse their reviews to get an idea of their customer service.
Quality Control
Check to see if your kitting partner has a strong quality control mechanism to eliminate mistakes and maintain uniformity of the final product.
Timely Delivery
Choose a kitting company that can supply components on schedule to avoid delays in your manufacturing process.
4. Using Just-in-Time Delivery
Just-in-time delivery is an important method for reducing inventory costs and increasing flexibility in circuit board kitting. This entails ordering components and supplies only as needed rather than stockpiling a big inventory of parts. Doing this assists in decreasing waste, optimizing storage space, and increasing manufacturing efficiency.
5. Considering Environmental Aspects
Temperature, humidity, and contaminant exposure can all impact the long-term performance of components and contribute to premature failures. Therefore, these environmental considerations must be considered while selecting components and constructing the PCB to guarantee they can withstand the expected operating conditions.
Let TBR Be Your Partner in Electronics!
TBR Electronics is your one-stop shop for product development, firmware and software development, prototype development, and production! Our team of experienced professionals and state-of-the-art equipment can handle everything, from concept to finished product. Whether you need help solving a problem, reducing costs, or bringing a new product to market, we’ve got you covered!
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