PW Circuits Ltd https://pwcircuits.co.uk/ UK PCB Manufacture, Assembly & Design Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:12:12 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/cropped-cropped-pwcfavicon-1-1-32x32.png PW Circuits Ltd https://pwcircuits.co.uk/ 32 32 Revolutionise Your LED Products with IMS PCBs and Reflective White Solder Resist https://pwcircuits.co.uk/led-products-with-ims-pcbs-and-reflective-white-solder-resist/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:53:19 +0000 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/?p=8607 IMS PCBs and White Solder Resist High-power LED applications require superior thermal management & light efficiency to ensure product longevity and performance. Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS) PCBs are the gold standard for this, and by leveraging a specialised white solder resist, we can enhance your LED product’s performance even further. The Power of IMS for Heat Transfer LEDs […]

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IMS PCBs and White Solder Resist

High-power LED applications require superior thermal management & light efficiency to ensure product longevity and performance. Insulated Metal Substrate (IMS) PCBs are the gold standard for this, and by leveraging a specialised white solder resist, we can enhance your LED product’s performance even further.

The Power of IMS for Heat Transfer

LEDs generate significant heat, which, if not properly dissipated, can drastically reduce their lifespan and performance. Standard FR4 PCBs have poor thermal conductivity, making them inadequate for high-power LED applications. IMS PCBs provide the solution. They feature a metal base (typically aluminium) and a highly thermal conductive dielectric layer. This structure allows heat to transfer rapidly from the LED components to the metal substrate and away from the device, ensuring optimal operating temperatures and improved reliability.

Maximising Brightness with White Solder Resist

The choice of solder mask colour is crucial in LED applications. A white solder mask offers distinct advantages:

  • Enhanced Reflectivity: White surfaces reflect more light (up to 85-90%) compared to traditional green or black masks, which absorb light. This can boost the overall brightness and efficiency of your LED system, ensuring a pure white light output.
  • Aesthetic Appeal: White PCBs offer a clean, modern look, which is valuable in consumer electronics where the board might be visible.

By combining the thermal efficiency of an IMS board with a highly reflective white solder resist, you get a dual-benefit solution: effective heat dissipation and maximum light output.

How PW Circuits Can Help You

At PW Circuits, we are specialists in the manufacture of IMS PCBs and understand the critical requirements of LED lighting applications. We have the expertise to produce high-quality, reliable boards tailored to your exact specifications.

  • Expertise in White Resist: We use high-reflectivity, non-yellowing white solder mask specifically formulated for LED lighting applications to maintain performance and appearance over time.
  • Customised Solutions: We can manufacture single-sided, double-sided, or multi-layer aluminium-backed PCBs to meet your specific design needs.
  • Quality Assurance: With world-class approvals, including ISO 9001:2015, you can trust our commitment to quality.

Don’t let inadequate thermal management or poor reflectivity compromise your LED product’s potential. Partner with PW Circuits to achieve superior performance and longevity for your next project.

To discuss your requirements for high-performance IMS PCBs with white solder resist, please explore the IMS materials page on our website or contact us today.

For more information on all our PCB finishes, please visit our dedicated web page or check out our YouTube video.

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]]> Immersion Silver: The Cost-Effective High-Performance PCB Finish https://pwcircuits.co.uk/immersion-silver-pcb-finish/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:15:37 +0000 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/?p=8593 Immersion Silver PCB finish For electronics designers, selecting the right surface finish is a crucial decision, balancing performance, reliability, and budget. While other finishes have their place, Immersion Silver (ImAg) presents a compelling alternative, offering a strategic blend of high-end capabilities and manufacturing efficiency. This finish involves depositing a thin, uniform silver layer directly onto […]

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Immersion Silver PCB finish

For electronics designers, selecting the right surface finish is a crucial decision, balancing performance, reliability, and budget. While other finishes have their place, Immersion Silver (ImAg) presents a compelling alternative, offering a strategic blend of high-end capabilities and manufacturing efficiency. This finish involves depositing a thin, uniform silver layer directly onto the copper traces, protecting against oxidation while providing exceptional solderability. Its flat, co-planar surface is ideal for fine-pitch components ensuring precise and reliable soldering for complex assemblies.

One of ImAg’s key strengths is its superior electrical conductivity, making it an excellent choice for demanding applications in telecommunications and high-speed computing. As signal integrity becomes more critical in modern designs, the minimal signal loss and reliable performance of a silver finish provide a competitive edge without the premium cost associated with some precious metal alternatives. The Immersion Silver process is also more environmentally friendly than some traditional finishes, being fully RoHS compliant and helping manufacturers meet strict environmental standards.

At PW Circuits, we understand that every project has unique demands. That’s why we offer Immersion Silver PCB finish as a high-performance, cost-effective alternative for your Printed Circuit Boards. Our expertise ensures a finish that provides excellent solderability and signal integrity, perfect for modern designs. To explore if Immersion Silver is the right fit for your application or to compare our complete range of finishes, click here.

For more information on all our PCB finishes, please visit our dedicated web page or check out our YouTube video.

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]]> ENIG & ENEPIG – Two different PCB gold finishes https://pwcircuits.co.uk/enig_enepig_two_different_pcb_gold_finishes/ Mon, 22 Sep 2025 14:00:32 +0000 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/?p=8223 ENIG – Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold ENIG is a common surface finish for printed circuit boards (PCBs). This two-layer metallic coating protects exposed copper pads from corrosion. The process ensures a reliable connection for soldering electronic components. First, a layer of nickel is deposited over the copper circuitry. Next, a thin gold layer is plated […]

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ENIG - Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold

Abstract generated image of a printed circuit board , made up of thick paint brush strokes in gold and copper colours
ENIG is a common surface finish for printed circuit boards (PCBs). This two-layer metallic coating protects exposed copper pads from corrosion. The process ensures a reliable connection for soldering electronic components. First, a layer of nickel is deposited over the copper circuitry. Next, a thin gold layer is plated over the nickel. This gold acts as a protective shield. The nickel layer blocks copper from diffusing into the gold, while the gold keeps the nickel from oxidizing.
 
ENIG creates a very flat surface. This flatness is important for fine-pitch components like Ball Grid Arrays (BGAs) and Chip-Scale Packages (CSPs). The process improves solder joint precision and reliability. ENIG also offers a long shelf life and excellent solderability.
 
However, the process needs strict control. Poor plating can cause a “black pad” defect. This defect leads to weak solder joints, making ENIG more complex and costly than some other finishes.

ENEPIG - Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold

An AI generated picture of a golden coated smiling pig sitting on a PCB
ENEPIG is an advanced, multi-layered surface finish for PCBs. It adds a palladium layer between the nickel and gold. This creates a robust finish for demanding electronic uses. The palladium is the key difference. It acts as a crucial barrier. This layer stops the “black pad” defect found in some ENIG finishes. This ensures more reliable solder joints.
 
The palladium layer also offers other benefits. It enhances gold and aluminium wire bonding. ENEPIG provides better corrosion resistance and ensures low contact resistance. The palladium is harder than gold, which improves wear resistance. This finish gives superior solder joint quality.
 
ENEPIG costs more than ENIG due to extra material and complexity. However, its superior performance makes it ideal for high-density, mission-critical devices. People often call it the “universal finish” because it supports many assembly processes.

Comparison of performance characeristics

CharacteristicENIGENEPIG
ReliabilityGenerally reliable but susceptible to the “black pad” defect, which occurs when the gold corrodes the nickel. This creates brittle, unreliable solder joints.Highly reliable, as the palladium layer acts as a barrier, preventing the “black pad” defect and ensuring robust solder joint integrity.
VersatilitySupports fine-pitch components (like BGAs) and has good solderability for many general-purpose applications.Also known as the “universal finish” because it is suitable for a wider range of packaging technologies, including wire bonding and multiple reflow soldering cycles.
Wire BondingSupports aluminum wire bonding but generally has less reliable gold wire bonding capability compared to ENEPIG.Provides superior and more reliable wire bonding capabilities, especially for gold wire.
SolderabilityOffers good solderability for standard applications but may degrade over multiple reflow cycles.Excellent solderability that is maintained even after multiple reflow soldering cycles.
CostMore cost-effective than ENEPIG due to the simpler, two-layer process and the absence of palladium, a precious metal.More expensive than ENIG because of the added material cost of palladium and the extra processing step.

When to choose which finish

  • Choose ENIG for: Projects where cost is a primary concern and extreme reliability is not essential. It is a proven and effective solution for standard consumer electronics and general-purpose applications that require a flat surface for component mounting.
  • Choose ENEPIG for: High-reliability, mission-critical applications where failure is not an option, such as in aerospace, military, and medical devices. It is the better choice for high-density boards, multiple assembly processes, and applications requiring robust wire bonding.

For more information on all our PCB finishes, please visit our dedicated web page or check out our YouTube video.

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]]> Ventec: A High-Performance Portfolio of PCB Substrates https://pwcircuits.co.uk/ventec-a-high-performance-portfolio-of-pcb-substrates-for-demanding-applications/ Tue, 10 Jun 2025 10:54:02 +0000 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/?p=8163 Ventec International Group is a prominent global supplier of advanced Ventec PCB substrates. Renowned for their focus on high-performance and high-reliability solutions, Ventec offers a diverse range of materials engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern electronics across various industries. Ventec’s commitment to material science innovation enables the production of PCBs that perform optimally […]

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Ventec logo. Four different coloured octagons overlapping each other in the middle. on the right is the text "Ventec International Group" with Chinese characters below the text.

Ventec International Group is a prominent global supplier of advanced Ventec PCB substrates. Renowned for their focus on high-performance and high-reliability solutions, Ventec offers a diverse range of materials engineered to meet the stringent demands of modern electronics across various industries.

Ventec’s commitment to material science innovation enables the production of PCBs that perform optimally in diverse and challenging environments, from consumer electronics to critical aerospace systems. Let’s explore some of Ventec’s key PCB substrate offerings, highlighting their characteristics and typical applications.

Detailed information for Ventec’s substrate range can be found here.

Ventec PCB substrate FR4 and High-Performance FR4 Materials: The Industry Standard and Beyond

FR4 remains the most widely used PCB substrate due to its excellent balance of electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, combined with cost-effectiveness. Ventec PCB substrates offers robust standard and enhanced FR4 options:

  • Ventec VT-42: This is a reliable standard FR4 material (Tg 140°C), providing a solid foundation for a broad range of general-purpose applications in sectors like computing, communication equipment, and automotive electronics.
  • Ventec VT-47: As a high-Tg FR4 material (Tg 180°C), VT-47 is designed for enhanced thermal reliability, making it suitable for lead-free assembly processes. It is widely utilized in high-layer count PCBs, industrial controls, and networking equipment where thermal stability is paramount.

Polyimide Materials: Ventec VT-901 for Extreme Reliability

Ventec VT-901 is a high-performance polyimide laminate and prepreg. Polyimide materials are highly valued for their exceptional thermal resistance, mechanical toughness, and very low Z-axis Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE). These properties make VT-901 ideal for applications demanding extreme reliability and high-layer count boards that undergo repeated thermal cycling.

  • Ultra-Thin Capabilities: VT-901 is available in very thin core thicknesses (down to 0.002″ / 0.05mm), which enables high-density interconnect (HDI) and compact, multi-layer designs crucial for advanced electronic packaging.

Key Features of VT-901 (Polyimide): Very high Tg (typically 250°C), high Td (Thermal Decomposition Temperature) at 390°C, excellent thermal stability, superior fracture toughness, low Z-axis CTE, and meeting stringent requirements for aerospace and military applications.

Typical Applications: Aerospace and defence, burn-in boards, chip manufacturing, engine/flight controls, medical devices, and high-reliability industrial equipment.

Low Loss & Ultra-Low Loss Materials (Ventec's tec-speed series): For High-Speed and High-Frequency Signals

As electronic devices push towards higher frequencies and faster data rates, low loss materials become essential to ensure signal integrity and minimize attenuation. Ventec’s tec-speed series is specifically designed for these demanding applications.

  • Ventec tec-speed 3.0: An excellent example within the series, offering improved electrical performance and thermal reliability, suitable for mid-to-high speed digital applications.
  • Ventec tec-speed 6.0/6.1: These materials provide significantly lower Dk (Dielectric Constant) and Df (Dissipation Factor) values, catering to demanding high-speed digital and RF applications.
  • Ventec tec-speed 8.1 & 8.2: Representing even higher performance, these materials offer extremely low Dk and Df, crucial for the most sensitive high-frequency signal transmission.
  • Ventec tec-speed 20.x and 30.x series: These advanced materials are specifically engineered for cutting-edge RF and millimetre-wave applications, offering ultra-low loss characteristics across a broad frequency spectrum.

Key Features: Extremely low Dk and Df, superior signal integrity, minimal signal loss, excellent for controlled impedance designs, and reduced dispersion at high frequencies.

Typical Applications: 5G and next-generation telecommunications infrastructure, high-speed servers and data centres, automotive radar, advanced computing, and satellite communication systems.

Halogen-Free Materials: Environmentally Responsible Choices

Ventec PCB Substrates are committed to environmental responsibility, offering a range of halogen-free materials that comply with various global environmental regulations.

  • Ventec VT-441: This is Ventec’s widely used halogen-free FR4.1 material, providing reliable thermal and electrical performance while adhering to environmental standards.
  • Ventec VT-447: This is a halogen-free, high-Tg (175°C) FR-4.1 laminate. It offers excellent thermal reliability (Td 370°C), good CAF resistance, and low Z-axis CTE, making it ideal for lead-free assembly and multilayer PCBs in demanding applications like mobile phones and communication equipment.

Typical Applications: Consumer electronics, industrial electronics, telecommunications, and any application requiring compliance with environmental directives.

Thermal Management Materials (Ventec tec-thermal IMS): For Efficient Heat Dissipation

For power electronics and high-power applications where efficient heat dissipation is critical, Ventec provides specialized Insulated Metal Substrates (IMS) and thermally conductive laminates.

  • Ventec VT-4BC, VT-4B5, VT-5A2 (tec-thermal series): These are examples of Ventec’s IMS materials. They typically feature a metal base (such as aluminum or copper) bonded with a highly thermally conductive dielectric layer, designed to efficiently dissipate heat away from critical components.

Key Features: High thermal conductivity, superior heat dissipation, and improved thermal reliability, crucial for extending component lifespan in high-power applications.

Typical Applications: LED lighting, automotive power electronics, motor drives, power supplies, and industrial control systems.

Flexible & Rigid-Flex Materials: Enabling Innovative Design

Ventec also supplies materials that facilitate flexible and rigid-flex PCB constructions, enabling innovative and compact electronic packaging solutions. These typically involve specialized polyimide films and advanced adhesive systems, crucial for multi-dimensional circuit designs.

  • Ventec VT-901PP: This is a high-performance polyimide prepreg designed to complement VT-901 polyimide laminates. It is ideal for high-reliability, multi-layer applications requiring exceptional thermal stability (Tg 250°C), low Z-axis CTE, and superior toughness, often used in aerospace, defence, and high-temperature environments.
  • Ventec tec-speed 6.0 – VT-462SH PP NF/LF: This is an ultra-low loss prepreg within the tec-speed 6.0 series. It is engineered for highly controlled impedance and signal integrity in high-frequency and high-speed digital applications, making it essential for advanced networking, 5G, and data centre equipment.

Key Features: High flexibility, excellent bend endurance, space optimization, and reduced weight, allowing for dynamic and 3D interconnects.

Typical Applications: Wearable technology, medical implants, automotive infotainment systems, cameras, and aerospace sensors.

Conclusion

Ventec International Group offers a sophisticated and diverse portfolio of Ventec PCB substrates. From reliable standard FR4s to cutting-edge polyimides and ultra-low loss solutions, their product range caters to a vast array of electronic applications. Understanding the specific material properties and how they align with your design requirements—whether it’s thermal management, signal speed, or environmental compliance—is key to selecting the optimal Ventec substrate for unparalleled performance and reliability.

Contact us today about your requirements and start the manufacturing process before your design is finished! You can also checkout our YouTube channel for more hints and tips.

More PWC blogs you might be interested in...

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]]> Benefits of working with a UK manufacturer https://pwcircuits.co.uk/working-with-a-uk-manufacturer/ Thu, 05 Dec 2024 13:55:42 +0000 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/?p=7577 Ever considered the benefits of working with a UK manufacturer, especially in light of the upcoming Chinese New Year ? This often causes delays with overseas suppliers. There are certainly a lot of advantages to working with local manufacturers, particularly when it comes to time zone, language, and communication. Let me break down a few […]

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Benefits of working with a UK manufacture - AI generated blue red & white union flag image on a printed circuit board .

Ever considered the benefits of working with a UK manufacturer, especially in light of the upcoming Chinese New Year ? This often causes delays with overseas suppliers. There are certainly a lot of advantages to working with local manufacturers, particularly when it comes to time zone, language, and communication.

Let me break down a few key points:

1. No Time Zone Difference

When working with a UK manufacturer, you’re operating in the same time zone, which means quicker responses, smoother communication, and faster problem-solving. There’s no need to wait for the next day to get feedback or make adjustments, unlike when dealing with suppliers overseas who may have a significant time gap.

2. Language and Communication

Working with a UK manufacturer removes the potential for language barriers, ensuring that both parties fully understand the specifications, terms, and expectations. Clear communication is crucial for avoiding mistakes and ensuring quality control, which can sometimes be an issue with international suppliers.

3. Lead Time and Delivery

Local manufacturers often offer faster lead times because they’re geographically closer, reducing the wait for delivery. This can be especially important if you’re trying to meet a specific deadline or deal with the delays that come with overseas holidays like Chinese New Year.

4. Supporting Local Businesses

By choosing a UK manufacturer, you support local businesses and the economy. This can also create a more sustainable supply chain, as you’ll be reducing the carbon footprint that comes with long-distance shipping.

5. Flexibility and Customization

Local manufacturers may be more flexible when it comes to small batches or custom orders. They might be more willing to accommodate last-minute changes, compared to large overseas manufacturers who may have strict minimum order quantities or long lead times.

6. Avoiding Chinese New Year Delays

Chinese New Year (which falls in late January / early February) can cause significant delays in production and shipping from China. This time of year often sees factories shutting down for weeks, and many companies experience backlogs. Choosing a UK manufacturer means you’re not impacted by these seasonal disruptions.

Why Not Try It?

If the advantages align with your business needs, working with a UK manufacturer could be a great choice. Of course, there are also considerations such as cost, availability of raw materials, and whether the UK manufacturer can meet the production scale you need. But if time, quality, and communication are top priorities, it may well be worth giving it a try!

Contact us today about your requirements and start the manufacturing process before your design is finished! You can also checkout our YouTube channel for more hints and tips.

More PWC blogs you might be interested in...

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]]> Shortening PCB Lead Times https://pwcircuits.co.uk/shortening-pcb-lead-times/ Thu, 31 Oct 2024 10:35:56 +0000 https://pwcircuits.co.uk/?p=7499 In today’s fast-paced electronics industry, time-to-market is critical. One significant factor impacting product launch timelines is PCB lead times. While manufacturers continually strive to optimize production processes, there are strategic steps that engineers and designers can take to accelerate this process. Why Early Manufacturer Consultation is Key One often overlooked strategy is early consultation with […]

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Shortening PCB Lead Times - AI generated image of an old style silver stop watch with a Printed Circuit board face. The watch is surrounded by brightly coloured electrical wiring and PCB components all branching out from the centre.

In today’s fast-paced electronics industry, time-to-market is critical. One significant factor impacting product launch timelines is PCB lead times. While manufacturers continually strive to optimize production processes, there are strategic steps that engineers and designers can take to accelerate this process.

Why Early Manufacturer Consultation is Key

One often overlooked strategy is early consultation with your UK PCB manufacturer. By discussing your project’s timeline and specific material requirements before finalizing the design, you can proactively address potential lead time challenges. Sometimes the lead time for a substrate will be longer than then manufacturing process; we’ve had lead times of 8 weeks or more for certain materials.

The Power of Proactive Ordering

  • Substrate Pre-Ordering: Consider placing an order just for the substrate material well in advance of the PCB order. This can significantly reduce overall lead time, as the critical substrate is already in stock when it’s time for manufacture.
  • Exploring Alternative Substrates: If lead times for your preferred substrate are excessive, consult with your manufacturer about alternative options. They may suggest materials with similar properties but shorter lead times.
  • Leveraging Supplier Stock: Inquire with your manufacturer about the availability of specific materials from their suppliers. If a particular material is readily available, it could expedite the production process.

By implementing these proactive strategies, you can significantly reduce PCB lead times and bring your products to market faster. Remember, early communication with your manufacturer is key to optimizing your supply chain and accelerating your time-to-market.

Contact us today about your requirements and start the manufacturing process before your design is finished! You can also checkout our YouTube channel for more hints and tips.

More PCB blogs you might be interested in...

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]]> Protecting Your Intellectual Property in PCB Manufacturing https://pwcircuits.co.uk/protecting-your-intellectual-property-in-onshore-pcb-manufacturing/ Fri, 02 Aug 2024 09:40:42 +0000 http://1136221983.test.prositehosting.co.uk/?p=6586 The Importance of protecting your intellectual property in PCB Manufacturing. In today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven market, protecting Intellectual Property (IP) is paramount. For companies involved in the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), this is especially critical. A PCB often represents the heart of a product, embodying years of research, development, and design. Outsourcing PCB manufacturing […]

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The Importance of protecting your intellectual property in PCB Manufacturing.

In today’s fast-paced, innovation-driven market, protecting Intellectual Property (IP) is paramount. For companies involved in the manufacture of Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs), this is especially critical. A PCB often represents the heart of a product, embodying years of research, development, and design.

Outsourcing PCB manufacturing to overseas locations has long been the norm due to cost advantages. However, this practice carries significant IP risks. Data breaches, reverse engineering, and unauthorized copying are common threats. Onshore PCB manufacturing offers a compelling alternative, providing greater control and security over your IP

AI generated padlock and key made from green printed circuit boards

Security Measures in Onshore PCB Manufacturing 👮‍♂️

Building Trust and Collaboration ❣

When choosing an onshore PCB manufacturer, it’s essential to prioritize a company that implements robust security measures. Here are some key indicators of a secure manufacturing environment:

  • Physical Security: State-of-the-art facilities with restricted access, CCTV surveillance, and employee background checks.
  • Cybersecurity: Advanced firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and regular software updates to protect sensitive data.
  • Intellectual Property Agreements: Strong legal contracts outlining IP ownership, confidentiality, and non-disclosure.
  • Reverse Engineering Prevention: Measures to prevent unauthorized copying of PCBs, such as secure storage and controlled access to design files.
  • Supply Chain Security: Vetting of suppliers and partners to ensure they also adhere to strict IP protection standards.

Beyond security measures, a strong partnership between the PCB manufacturer and the client is crucial. Open communication, transparency, and mutual trust are essential for fostering a successful collaboration.

By choosing an onshore PCB manufacturer with a proven track record in IP protection, companies can significantly reduce the risk of intellectual property theft. This allows businesses to focus on innovation and growth, knowing their competitive edge is safeguarded.

Contact us to secure your manufactured PCBs

Other PCB news blogs you might be interested in...

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]]> UK PCB manufacture is great, but don’t just take our word for it! https://pwcircuits.co.uk/uk-pcb-manufacture-is-great-but-dont-just-take-our-word-for-it-16/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:43:23 +0000 http://1136221983.test.prositehosting.co.uk/2024/04/02/uk-pcb-manufacture-is-great-but-dont-just-take-our-word-for-it-16/ I asked Google Gemini why I should buy UK manufactured PCBs…. it was a great answer! I mean, I already know why you should, but it’s always good to get a second opinion! To be fair, my first question to Bard was “To be?” but he didn’t reply with “or not to be? That is the question!”, […]

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A screen grab showing a conversation with Google Gemini AI. It has been asked why should I buy a UK manufactured PCB. Gemini has responded with four bullet points entitled, Quality, Lead times, Flexibility, & Support.

I asked Google Gemini why I should buy UK manufactured PCBs…. it was a great answer! I mean, I already know why you should, but it’s always good to get a second opinion!

To be fair, my first question to Bard was “To be?” but he didn’t reply with “or not to be? That is the question!”, so it’s still work in progress I guess.

Some say this is a marketing revolution, and others say it will just turn it into a lazy skill, but however you might view this next generation of AI we don’t make any shortcuts when it comes to making your Printed Circuit Boards. If we do, then the quality we are so proud of, starts to fail and we will start to lose the repeat customers we have (some of them have been with us for over 40 years now).

So why don’t you find out why our customers keep coming back and contact us today with your PCB and PCBA enquiries. You can also fill in our online quote or search for an alternative substrate with our material search tool.

UK PCB manufacture, alive and kicking!

P.S. I did ask Gemini for this list of hashtags too (not sure if they really work for a blog on out website, but I’ll leave them here anyway)

#UKPCB #BritishPCB #MadeinUK #UKManufacturing #PCBManufacturing #ElectronicsManufacturing #PCBDesign #PCBAssembly #PCBPrototyping #PCBTesting #PCBQuality #PCBReliability #PCBFlexibility #PCBSupport

Other PCB news blogs you might be interested in...

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]]> PCB board edge arcs & copper video https://pwcircuits.co.uk/pcb-board-edge-arcs-copper-video-16/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:43:05 +0000 http://1136221983.test.prositehosting.co.uk/2024/04/02/pcb-board-edge-arcs-copper-video-16/ n this brief video we talk about the arc created during manufacture on any internal corner or cut out. We also talk about having copper up to the PCB edge.

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In this brief video we talk about the PCB board edge arcs & copper to edge issues. When routing a board out any internal corner or cut out with have an arc. Most of the time this arc won’t matter, so when does it? If you are fitting a component in the cut out will there be enough space? If the PCB is being fitted into an enclosure, are you sure it will fit? This video explains about the arcs left in corners and how to plan for them.

We also talk about having copper up to the PCB board edge. Does the pattern match the board edge after a rout? Can you have copper right up to the edge? What is a standard minimum gap between an edge and a copper feature?

All these questions, and a few more, are answered in the video. Even if you don’t think it applies to you now, you might just pick up a little knowledge that will pay dividends in the future.

Click here to view the PCB board edge arcs & copper YouTube video. It would be really great if you could also like the video and subscribe to our channel whilst you are there!

Don’t forget you can view all our videos here too, direct on our site. There are plenty of other PCB design videos to help you. Our favourite one details how to produce a PCB legend that won’t cause you problems during assembly.

Other PCB news blogs you might be interested in...

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]]> Why Polyimide is a Suitable Substrate to Use in PCB Manufacture. https://pwcircuits.co.uk/why-polyimide-is-a-suitable-substrate-to-use-in-pcb-manufacture-16/ Tue, 02 Apr 2024 10:42:53 +0000 http://1136221983.test.prositehosting.co.uk/2024/04/02/why-polyimide-is-a-suitable-substrate-to-use-in-pcb-manufacture-16/ Polyimide is a high-performance plastic material that is well-suited for use as a substrate in PCB manufacture. It offers a number of advantages over other materials, including: Excellent thermal stability: Polyimide can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -269°C to 400°C, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. Chemical resistance: Polyimide is highly resistant […]

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I zoomed in corner of a green and white PCB. the background is a bright orange/yellow and on the circuit board the word 'HOT' in side a white box is legend printed
Polyimide is a high-performance plastic material that is well-suited for use as a substrate in PCB manufacture. It offers a number of advantages over other materials, including:
  • Excellent thermal stability: Polyimide can withstand a wide range of temperatures, from -269°C to 400°C, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications.
  • Chemical resistance: Polyimide is highly resistant to chemicals and solvents, making it a good choice for use in harsh environments.
  • Flexibility: Polyimide is a flexible material that can be bent and flexed without damage. This makes it ideal for use in flexible and flexi-rigid PCBs.
Polyimide is used in a wide range of PCB applications, including:
  • Aerospace and defence: Polyimide PCBs are used in a variety of aerospace and defence applications, such as aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.
  • Automotive: Polyimide PCBs are used in a variety of automotive applications, such as engine control units, anti-lock braking systems, and airbags.
  • Medical devices: Polyimide PCBs are used in a variety of medical devices, such as pacemakers, defibrillators, and MRI machines.
  • Telecommunications: Polyimide PCBs are used in a variety of telecommunications equipment, such as base stations, routers, and switches.
If you are looking for a high-performance PCB substrate that can withstand extreme conditions, polyimide is an excellent choice. More information about Polyimide material, including technical data sheets, can be found on our Polyimide Substrates page. Don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel too, where we talk all things PCB.

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