It’s Only Common Sense: Trust Is All You Need
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: ‘The Future of Sales'
Driving Innovation: Traceability in PCB Production
What Do You Know About PCB Manufacturing?
January 11, 2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Much of a designer’s job involves creating a product that is compatible with the capabilities of their chosen fabrication and assembly providers. But very few PCB designers have visited a board shop or assembly facility in decades, if ever, and seemingly simple DFM problems continue to dog our industry. What manufacturing concepts are designers missing?
We posed this question to Tony Bell, division manager of San Diego PCB Design, which was acquired by APCT in April 2023 and continues to operate under its original name, with plans to transition to its official new name of APCT Design. Tony has experience in PCB design, fab, assembly, and test, so we asked him what PCB designers need to know about manufacturing. He said the need for designers to continue learning about fab and assembly processes throughout their careers, and why asking questions is not bothersome, it’s necessary for the job.
Andy Shaughnessy: Tony, you have a pretty wide background in this industry. Tell me about that.
Tony Bell: I've been in this industry for a while, and am fortunate to have a diverse background that got me to where I am now. I came to San Diego PCB Design from Plexus in October 2021. At Plexus, I learned assembly process flow and I was an in-circuit test technician. Later, one thing led to another, and I moved into Plexus’ Engineering Solutions, where I managed the North American region’s PCB design team. There, 12 designers reported to me in Neenah, Wisconsin; Guadalajara, Mexico; Raleigh, North Carolina; and Boulder, Colorado. Now that San Diego PCB Design has been purchased by APCT, I’m enjoying learning more about advanced fabrication as a design manager on the fab shop side.
Shaughnessy: What do you think designers and design engineers need to know about manufacturing processes?
Bell: They need to know that the manufacturing process is ever-changing. This goes for electrical interfaces, fabrication, assembly, and test. Designing in a vacuum without a desire to learn new things can be stifling to a designer’s ability to grow in their capabilities as well as their ability to contribute to their organization.
To read this entire conversation, which appeared in the January 2024 issue of Design007 Magazine, click here.
Share on:
Suggested Items
Elma Electronic Bolsters Quality Management Company-wide with Added AS9100:D and ISO9001:2015 Certifications
06/02/2025 | Elma ElectronicElma Electronic now includes AS9100:D and ISO 9001:2015 certifications at its Horsham, Pa. manufacturing facility, earning the company a multiple site accreditation designation.
Quasar Medical to Acquire Nordson MEDICAL Design and Development business in Galway, Ireland and Tecate, Mexico
06/02/2025 | Quasar MedicalQuasar Medical, a global leader in the manufacturing of interventional and complex minimally invasive devices, announced it has signed a definitive agreement with Nordson Corporation to acquire its design and development contract manufacturing businesses in Galway, Ireland, and Tecate, Mexico.
atg Luther Maelzer Announces Grand Opening of New Office and Manufacturing Facility
06/02/2025 | atg Luther & Maelzer GmbHAtg Luther Maelzer, a leading supplier of electrical testing solutions for the PCB industry, recently celebrated with a grand opening of their new office and manufacturing facility in Wertheim, Germany.
CE3S Launches EcoClaim Solutions to Simplify Recycling and Promote Sustainable Manufacturing
05/29/2025 | CE3SCumberland Electronics Strategic Supply Solutions (CE3S), your strategic sourcing, professional solutions and distribution partner, is proud to announce the official launch of EcoClaim™ Solutions, a comprehensive recycling program designed to make responsible disposal of materials easier, more efficient, and more accessible for manufacturers.
WellPCB, OurPCB Launch Low-Cost PCB Assembly and Custom Cable Assembly Solutions
05/29/2025 | ACCESSWIREWellPCB and OurPCB, world leading PCB manufacturing service providers, announced today that they have officially launched new Low-Cost PCB Assembly Solutions and Custom Cable Assembly services to meet the needs of the electronics manufacturing industry for high cost performance and flexible customization.