PCB manufacturing technologies change over time, with new ones gaining in popularity and recognition. Currently, we can see a shift towards high-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, automation, additive manufacturing, and… sustainable manufacturing practices. Do you want to learn more? Then keep reading this article!
4 Latest PCB Manufacturing Technologies and Trends
Without any further ado, let’s delve into the current trends regarding PCB manufacturing technologies. What do you need to know, and which options gain recognition?
High-Density Interconnect (HDI) Printed Circuit Boards
The first thing that we can spot almost immediately when looking at the industry is the tendency to switch towards HDI PCBs. This approach involves manufacturing printed circuit boards with a dense circuitry, usually between 120 and 160 pins per square inch. Naturally, this approach has its roots in the current trends and market requirements.
As for now, there is a large demand for smaller, compact PCBs that fit into miniaturized devices. Take cell phones, for example – they are getting smaller and smaller, especially when compared to the phones we had 10 or 15 years ago. HDI printed circuit board development enables manufacturers to fit more into a small PCB, thus making it possible to build such devices. Therefore, we anticipate that this trend will persist in the years to come. Especially, since HDI PCBs also offer improved signal integrity and high-speed data transmission, which is crucial for connected embedded systems that operate in real-time.
Automation in PCB Manufacturing
The discussion on the latest trends in PCB manufacturing cannot be complete without mentioning automation. While it isn’t revolutionary, new technologies emerge that support it, extending the number of steps in the PCB manufacturing process that can be automated. And the latest technology here, as you might have expected, is AI.
Artificial intelligence is currently used to automatically evaluate finished PCBs and detect potential defects. Such systems can detect even the slightest defects that may impact a PCB's performance and improve the PCB assembly process without requiring human intervention.
Secondly, AI is also used in the PCB design process. It helps engineers test various layouts and optimize them for enhanced performance. It may also detect design issues before a prototype is produced, helping manufacturers save on materials and time.
Finally, artificial intelligence is used for the whole PCB manufacturing line maintenance. Systems powered by machine learning are used to predict potential equipment issues and alert engineers accordingly. This way, you can react before a machine failure occurs, minimizing the repair costs and the damages caused by lost or wasted materials.
Additive Manufacturing
Another technology in PCB manufacturing that is gaining popularity is additive manufacturing—the act of 3D printing each element of the PCB layer-by-layer. This method was chosen due to the disruptions in supply chains caused by current and past geopolitical and global events, as it is a more reliable alternative, giving manufacturers more control over their resource usage and stock.
Moreover, this technology fits into a different PCB manufacturing trend: the shift towards sustainability. 3D printing generates significantly less waste, maximizing the use of received resources—it’s both sustainable and cost-effective.
Sustainable Technologies
Finally, PCB design and manufacturing are turning towards sustainability. We’ve already mentioned one technology used for this purpose, additive manufacturing, but this isn’t the only effort undertaken by the industry. For example, we recently saw the first water-soluble PCBs—a solution that produces significantly less e-waste.
This is also reflected in the approach to existing waste—more and more PCB manufacturers use technologies that enable them to recover materials, like copper and gold. To add to that, manufacturers switch to halogen-free and lead-free materials to further meet high environmental standards.
All of this is prompted by the consumers, who are increasingly willing to purchase eco-friendly products. This reaches such a level that some consumers might even pay more for a product that is more sustainable, highlighting the importance of introducing relevant technologies in the process.
Conclusion
PCB manufacturing technologies are changing along with the market. Does the market demand small and highly effective PCBs? There’s the HDI tech. Does the market prefer sustainable solutions? Hence, additive manufacturing and other eco-friendly technologies. You need to adapt to stay competitive. And if you need help designing or manufacturing your custom PCBs, contact us at Conclusive—we’re happy to help!