Category Archives: PCB/FPC/PTF


May30
The Hidden Dangers of Using Overdue PCBs: Can Baking Salvage Them?

All materials actually have its shelf-life, some shorter and some longer than others. So what happens when expired materials are used? Think about what will happens when you eat expired food. What about using expired Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs)?

May22
What is the Purpose of Surface Finishes for PCB? A Summary of the Pros and Cons of Common PCB Finishes

This is just a summary article about PCB surface finishes. Workingbear has only worked on the electronic system assembly factory and has not been involved in the production process of bare PCBs. Therefore, the following insights are based on personal … Continue reading

May16
What is the difference between PCB and PCBA? PCB is like land with roads, but it doesn’t have buildings yet

What is the difference between PCB and PCBA? This is actually something that should be easily understood, but since someone asked, Workingbear will try explain it briefly here. If any readers notice any errors, please feel free to correct me. … Continue reading

May10
How to Bake PCB? Baking Conditions and Methods, Why Expired PCBs Need to Be Baked Before SMT or Reflow Soldering?

For many engineers, they may not understand why PCBs must be baked before going through the SMT reflow oven if they have expired their storage shelf life. Or perhaps, they believe that PCBs should be baked regardless of whether or … Continue reading

May02
Differences, advantages, disadvantages, and recommendations for SMD and NSMD pad designs

Do you know what are the SMD (Solder Mask Defined) and NSMD (Non-Solder Mask Defined) land pattern pads? Any difference between SMD and NSMD pads? What are the advantages and disadvantages for them? What are the design recommendations for them? … Continue reading