A few years ago, prototyping was a game-changer in PCB production. Prototyping can be defined as a trial manufacturing of PCBs before the real production. Once the engineer completes the design, a small batch is produced to ensure the design meets the practical needs.
Even though prototyping is essential to check the design meets the requirements, printed circuit board designers are faced with a unique challenge, time. Hence, a quicker PCB production is needed. Most people want PCB production as soon as possible.
The best solution to the unique challenge is Rapid PCB production. Below is a detailed overview of Rapid PCB prototyping.
What is Rapid PCB Prototyping?
Rapid PCB prototyping is a new process that completes a PCB prototype at the fastest time possible. It is a process that produces copies of a product and helps to test the product’s functional design.
Rapid prototyping is a set of methods used to create a PCB prototype through computer-aided technology quickly. It is beneficial because it saves a lot of time and money.
For example, it takes 8 hours to produce a double-sided printed circuit board and around 36 hours to produce a multilayer prototype.
Rapid PCB prototyping has become popular because it is the fastest way to produce physical replicas. Thus, it is a process that comes with many benefits to both manufacturers and clients.
Moreover, the process is beneficial for any design application. A lot of sectors have benefited from rapid PCB prototyping.
Why Do Manufacturers and Clients Need Rapid PCB Prototyping?
Prototyping is one of the vital steps of PCB manufacturing. However, it is one of the longest processes. The good news is that rapid PCB prototyping has managed to shorten the process in various ways.
Here are some reasons why clients and manufacturers need rapid PCB prototyping.
Short Turnarounds
One of the reasons why rapid PCB prototyping is needed is because of short turnaround times. The board prototypes can be created within the shortest time.
Increased Ability To Edit Designs
Rapid PCB prototyping increases the ability to edit designs. By making PCB prototypes faster, you have an opportunity to find errors in your plan before the actual production. You have a chance to edit your design before you go live.
Cost Control
With rapid PCB prototyping, you can conduct several rounds of prototyping before the actual production. Hence, there is cost control because you can identify the errors before going live.
Creates Room for Creativity
With rapid PCB prototyping, designers have freedom and enough time for creativity. It is a procedure that allows PCB designers to increase their knowledge and try new techniques.
What Are the Benefits of Rapid PCB Prototyping?
Whether you have recruited a reliable PCB manufacturer or it is an in-house rapid PCB prototyping process, it is a process that comes with many benefits to both manufacturers and clients.
The main benefits of rapid PCB prototyping include:
Instant Feedback
When there are faults, or you need to modify your design, this can be done faster with rapid PCB prototyping. Moreover, you do not cut into your project’s timeline.
Faster Timeline
The main benefit of rapid PCB prototyping is a faster timeline. It is possible to create the prototypes quickly and send them back quickly. Thus, it is a process that reduces the project’s time from weeks to days.
Lower Costs
There are many elements of rapid PCB prototyping that help to cut down costs. It includes materials used, the creation of smaller quantities of PCB for testing, and many other areas.
Smaller Quantities
Rapid PCB prototyping is a technology that permits a smaller output volume. You can order a smaller quantity of boards for testing. This saves time and money.
Smarter Testing
With this technology, it is possible to redesign and modify a circuit board. Hence, it gives you an opportunity for more testing and a more advanced process.
Unmatched Accuracy
Another advantage of rapid PCB prototyping is the unmatched accuracy. It is a technology that provides a high degree of precision. With rapid PCB technology, it is possible to create remarkable unique designs.
Methods of Rapid PCB Prototyping
A rapid PCB prototype is a set of methods where you can use various methods to create a prototype of your product quickly. There are various methods of rapid PCB prototyping you can consider.
The standard methods you can use are 3D printing and CNC machining. These methods allow the designers to produce a replica within a short time.
3D Printing
3D printing has become affordable and common in the PCB industry. Moreover, it is not only restricted to large businesses. It is an excellent boon for PCB manufacturing and startups with limited budgets.
With 3D printing, the PCB prototyping process can be accelerated and reduce the needed time to produce a prototype. In addition, 3D printing prevents you from surprises later.
CNC Machining
One method of rapid PCB prototyping is CNC machining. The CNC machining is used to mill traces and holes out copper-plated boards. With CNC machining, it is possible to create a PCB prototype within hours based on its size.
Rapid PCB Applications
Rapid PCB prototyping is a procedure for almost all electronic design applications. Nevertheless, some sectors benefit a lot from the technology. Some of the rapid PCB applications include:
Automobile Industry
Today, almost all cars are equipped with smart systems run by printed circuit boards. With rapid PCB prototypes, the PCB designs used in the automobile can meet all the functional requirements before going to full production.
Medical Industry
Developers in the medical sector use rapid PCB prototyping when producing circuit boards. The industry uses PCBs in imaging devices, implants, and lab equipment.
Rapid prototyping helps the designers test every PCB’s functionality before the trial. Also, rapid prototyping enhances results by allowing more advanced testing.
Summary
Some years back, prototyping was the delaying stage in the PCB design and manufacturing process. The process could take weeks and months before completion. These lead to losses and an increase in costs.
But technology such as rapid PCB prototyping has enhanced the PCB manufacturing process. It has made the design and development faster and more effective. With rapid PCB prototyping, you can get a double-layer PCB prototype in 8 hours and a multilayer PCB prototype in 36 hours.
