What Is PCB Mounting?
PCB mounting refers to the process of soldering electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to make the electronic circuit operational. This process involves either soldering components directly onto the PCB surface in surface mount technology (SMT) or inserting component leads into the PCB holes in insertion mount technology, followed by soldering. SMT has become more prevalent recently due to advancements in PCB density and miniaturization.
Uses of PCB Mounting
PCB mounting is essential for the functioning of various electronic devices, including computers, home appliances, medical equipment, digital devices, and military equipment. Assembled PCBs, which are boards equipped with mounted components, are vital in these applications. Prototyping in PCB mounting is also crucial for testing the performance and reliability of the board before mass production, especially with the rapid advancement of electronics.
PCBs are made of conductor and insulator materials and come in rigid and flexible types. They can be single-sided, double-sided, or multilayered, depending on the number of conductor layers.
Principles of PCB Mounting
Designing an electrical circuit is essential for ensuring the proper functioning of electronic devices. This involves creating a circuit diagram, selecting and arranging components, and verifying the device’s operation. PCB design, or artwork design, entails planning component placement and wiring on the board. Efficient board design is critical for cost-effectiveness.
During component mounting, data indicating solder locations and component types and sizes are created. Attention is needed to prevent component contact and ensure proper self-alignment during soldering.
Types of PCB Mounting
1. Surface Mounting
Surface mounting involves soldering surface SMDs directly onto the PCB. This can be done through manual soldering with a soldering iron or the reflow process, where solder paste is applied, components are placed, and then melted in a reflow oven.
2. Insertion Mounting
Insertion mounting involves inserting component leads into PCB holes and then soldering them. This can be done manually or using machines like axial or radial component insertion machines. Different soldering techniques are used depending on the volume and component type.