How Rapid PCB Prototyping is Revolutionising PCB Manufacturing
So what is Rapid PCB prototyping?
Rapid PCB Prototyping is a set of methods to create a prototype of your product very quickly. Once complete, you can use this to validate your final product. An additive manufacturing approach is required, as opposed to a subtractive which can involve substantial rework. 3D printing technology allows designers to create a product replica by adding layers of material.
A CAD file is converted into a. STL format which can be used for 3D printing and hence for rapid prototyping.
The benefits of rapid PCB prototyping process is revolutionising PCB manufacturing:
Speed
Complex designs will carry greater costs and longer lead times. The speed of your production processes can be vastly improved upon. You can reduce development time from weeks to minutes.
Ability to work with different materials
Materials will add up, layer by layer, and the coupling prevents the board from constraining the circuits. These connections have been borderline impossible given modern circuit board technology. Additionally, 3D circuit board manufacturing only uses materials that are essential to production.
Testing of the product
In-depth validation of the product is a major benefit to 3D PCB prototypes. By using this technology you can identify costly mistakes before they reach the production stage. Rapid prototyping allows you to detect mistakes and errors early on and make necessary amends in time. Thanks to reduced development time, designers have greater freedom to break design for manufacturing rules that are inherent in subtractive PCB manufacturing processes.
Cost Optimisation and Lower Costs
A major benefit of the technology is its cost-optimisation. 3D printers are becoming far more affordable. It is no longer just restricted to large businesses. Rapid prototyping is a big boon for startups who are dealing with limited budgets and need to showcase a minimum viable product to potential investors. With the quick realisation of your product concept, PCB prototyping also gives you the freedom to fail faster. You have the ability also to improve your product before it goes in for final production.
Acceleration of the Printed Circuit Board manufacturing process
Previously converting a concept into a finished product required a lot of time and effort. With 3D printing, the process is significantly accelerated. It significantly cuts down the time required to create the prototype. For this reason, you can also make any changes in the design easily.
Not only does 3D printing save time, it prevents you from any rude shocks at a later time. Get reliable validation of your product or insights into any changes required with your completed prototype.
Want to know more about PCB Prototyping? Contact us now
About Us
Quadra Solutions | PCB Design Professionals
We specialise in PCB design software and solutions. Quadra is one of the largest PCB bureaus in the UK and helps support hundreds of businesses throughout the UK and beyond with PCB design projects. We have the knowledge that helps companies embed, enhance and extend their design flow.
Find out more about our PCB Design Services
Have you read our new eBook?
Click to download the ebook now
For more information please contact us today!