Category Archives: SMT


Jan24
Top ENIG PCB Issues: Black Pad and Phosphorus-Rich Layers Explained with Prevention Tips

With the rapid adoption of smartphones, the trend toward miniaturized electronic products, and the EU’s requirements for lead-free manufacturing, Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold (ENIG) surface treatment PCB has become a popular choice for many electronic products. This is largely due … Continue reading

Jan09
Why Do Electronic Component Leads Turn Yellow, Purple, or Blue After Reflow? Causes and Solutions

Workingbear recently received questions from readers about electronic component soldering leads turning yellow or showing discoloration (purple, blue, etc.) after going through the reflow oven. Why do the leads of components discolor after reflow? Does this discoloration affect product functionality? … Continue reading

Nov07
The Benefits of Using “Mirrored Panelization” for PCBs

In the electronics assembly manufacturing industry, what we commonly refer to as a “Mirrored Panel Board” or “Flipped Panel Board” actually comes in two types. The first type is a different-side mirrored panel board, where one board’s top side and … Continue reading

Oct31
The Limitations of Using “Mirrored Panels” or “Flipped Panels” in SMT

We all know that when producing PCBs and PCBAs, multiple individual PCBs are usually combined into one larger panel, a process called panelization, to improve production efficiency. Typically, these individual boards are arranged in a neat and consistent manner with … Continue reading

Oct24
Causes and Prevention of PCB Warping and Bending After Reflow

A reader recently asked: “In surface mount assembly, PCBs often warp or bend after going through the reflow process, which can cause issues like open solder joints or tombstoning. How can we overcome this?” To be honest, the reasons behind … Continue reading