Blog Archives

What Is the Difference Between PCB and PCBA? A Complete Guide for OEMs

When talking about electronics, the terms PCB and PCBA often come up, and they are sometimes used as if they mean the same thing. However a Printed Circuit Board (PCB) and a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) are two distinct stages in the electronics manufacturing process. For Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), understanding the difference is […]

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Common Conformal Coating Defects and Why They Occur

Blog / Frances Taylor

Conformal coating is one of those processes that looks straightforward on paper. The principle is simple: apply a thin, protective layer to a PCB assembly to guard against moisture, dust, and chemical exposure. In practice, however, achieving consistent results can be a little more challenging. Even small deviations in process parameters can lead to visible

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Choosing the Right Conformal Coating for PCBs

Blog / Frances Taylor

When designing electronics, it’s not enough just to choose a high-quality PCB; you also need to ensure that the finished assembly can withstand moisture, dust, chemicals, vibration, and temperature extremes. That’s where conformal coating for PCBs come in. With multiple materials, application methods, and performance characteristics to consider, selecting conformal coating for PCBs can feel

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The Importance of EN9100 Certified PCB Assembly in UK Aerospace Manufacturing

Blog / Frances Taylor

In aerospace manufacturing, quality, reliability, and traceability are non-negotiable. OEMs face stringent regulatory demands and operate in a zero-tolerance environment for risk. That’s why selecting a PCB assembly partner certified to EN9100 – the recognised aerospace quality standard for the UK and Europe – is essential. At Active-PCB Solutions, we hold EN9100 certification under the

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Top 5 Hidden Costs of PCB Assembly and How to Avoid Them

Blog / Frances Taylor

When sourcing a PCB assembly partner, cost often becomes the primary focus. But many OEMs overlook the hidden costs of poor PCB assembly; issues that quietly erode profit margins, delay product launches, and damage long-term brand reputation. Here are the top five hidden costs that can result from poor or low-cost PCB assembly, and how

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6 Reasons to Source PCB Testing Locally in the UK

Blog / Frances Taylor

When it comes to ensuring reliability and performance, PCB testing is a non-negotiable. But beyond how you test, where you test can make a significant difference to your product quality, lead times, and overall project success. We explore the top reasons why sourcing your PCB testing locally in the UK is a smart move for

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IPC-A-610 vs. IPC-J-STD-001: Key Differences and How They Work Together

Comparing IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001: What You Need to Know

Blog / Frances Taylor

IPC standards are globally recognised benchmarks that ensure high-quality, reliable electronics. Adopted across the electronics industry, these standards define clear, consistent expectations for every stage of production helping manufacturers build better products, faster. When it comes to ensuring high-quality, reliable electronic assemblies, two IPC standards stand out: IPC-A-610 and IPC-J-STD-001. While these standards are often

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Ensuring Long-Term Reliability in Ball Grid Array (BGA) Assembly

Blog / Frances Taylor

As electronics become more compact, powerful, and complex, Ball Grid Array (BGA) assembly has become an essential in modern PCB design. Their ability to support high pin counts and maintain signal integrity makes them ideal for advanced applications including aerospace, medical and industrial electronics. However, with these benefits comes one critical challenge: ensuring long-term reliability.

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How Reflow Ovens Are Changing the Game in Surface Mount Soldering

Blog / Frances Taylor

At Active-PCB Solutions, we’ve just invested in our third reflow oven – a BTU Pyrammax 100A convection air reflow oven – to bring the capability of lines 1 and 2 to our third assembly line. Reflow ovens have significantly evolved over the past two decades. They’re no longer just machines that heat a board and

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A Comprehensive Guide to PCB Testing: How and Why

Blog / Frances Taylor

PCB Testing is a crucial step in the manufacturing process of printed circuit boards (PCBs). Whether you’re producing small-scale prototypes or doing high-volume production runs, testing ensures that your PCBs meet quality standards and function as intended. Without thorough testing, even the smallest defect can lead to device malfunction. This can cause delays, increase costs

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