-
- News
- Books
Featured Books
- pcb007 Magazine
Latest Issues
Current IssueThe Growing Industry
In this issue of PCB007 Magazine, we talk with leading economic experts, advocacy specialists in Washington, D.C., and PCB company leadership to get a well-rounded picture of what’s happening in the industry today. Don’t miss it.
The Sustainability Issue
Sustainability is one of the most widely used terms in business today, especially for electronics and manufacturing but what does it mean to you? We explore the environmental, business, and economic impacts.
The Fabricator’s Guide to IPC APEX EXPO
This issue previews many of the important events taking place at this year's show and highlights some changes and opportunities. So, buckle up. We are counting down to IPC APEX EXPO 2024.
- Articles
- Columns
Search Console
- Links
- Events
||| MENU - pcb007 Magazine
Survey: Companies are Eager to Conduct PCB Prototyping In-House
October 27, 2016 | Business WireEstimated reading time: 2 minutes
Polling of printed circuit board (PCB) designers and manufacturers, electrical engineers, OEMs and others interested in 3D-printed PCBs and circuits reveals that there is increasing demand for in-house prototyping for research and product development. The interest is particularly keen among companies that spend as much or more than $100,000 each year for prototyping services.
Of the more than 975 respondents – representing 31 industries and disciplines and 25 countries – participating in the survey conducted by Nano Dimension Ltd., 70 percent spend up to $50,000 and 14 percent noted they spend more than $50,000 each year on PCB prototyping. Additionally, a full 16 percent, or 142 respondents, are paying more than $100,000 to outsourced prototyping vendors annually. Most respondents explained that the prototyping costs were high because they require the fabrication of complex, multilayer PCBs – with 66 percent of those surveyed saying their designs involve multiple layers.
While more than 9 in 10 respondents said their companies rely on off-site prototyping facilities today, nearly two in three said they believe their intellectual property (IP) is at risk when they do so. Many say they would like options for printing their own PCBs internally.
“Designers and engineers clearly want faster turnaround times and reduced risk when sending out their design files for prototyping,” said Simon Fried, Nano Dimension’s Chief Business Officer and a company co-founder. “But with nearly all of the manufacturing houses located in Asia, timeliness is rarely an option. In fact, sometimes they end up with PCBs for production that are not optimized as much as they would like due to the long lead times. And sending out designs always increases the odds that the IP could be copied or stolen.”
Even when the prototyping houses are fully trusted partners, the time constraints associated with outsourcing can stifle creativity. Many designers rely upon “safe” PCB designs rather than exploring innovative new ideas for fear they may lead to multiple iterations – and added delays – with the prototyping facility.
“With innovative alternatives like Nano Dimension’s DragonFly 2020 3D Printer, the electronics market can finally catch up to other types of manufacturing that have benefited from additive manufacturing,” Fried said. “Our survey shows the need is there, and the market is ready for 3D-printed PCBs that can be made on-site quickly and cost-effectively.”
Nano Dimension, a leader in the area of 3D printed electronics, hosts the survey on its web site. Respondents represent industries ranging from PCB manufacturers and OEMs to engineering, defense, manufacturing, aerospace, electronics, medical, sensors and wearables, telecommunications, energy and others.
About Nano Dimension
Nano Dimension Ltd., founded in 2012, focuses on development of advanced 3D printed electronics systems and advanced additive manufacturing. Nano Dimension's unique products combine three advanced technologies: 3D inkjet, 3D software and nanomaterials. The company's primary products include the first 3D printer dedicated to printing multi-layer PCBs (printed circuit boards) and advanced nanotechnology-based conductive and dielectric inks.
Suggested Items
Warm Windows and Streamlined Skin Patches – IDTechEx Explores Flexible and Printed Electronics
04/26/2024 | IDTechExFlexible and printed electronics can be integrated into cars and homes to create modern aesthetics that are beneficial and easy to use. From luminous car controls to food labels that communicate the quality of food, the uses of this technology are endless and can upgrade many areas of everyday life.
Book Excerpt: The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics
04/24/2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamIn our fast-changing, deeply competitive, and margin-tight industry, factory analytics can be the key to unlocking untapped improvements to guarantee a thriving business. On top of that, electronics manufacturers are facing a tremendous burden to do more with less. If you don't already have a copy of this book, what follows is an excerpt from the introduction chapter of 'The Printed Circuit Assembler’s Guide to... Factory Analytics: Unlocking Efficiency Through Data Insights' to whet your appetite.
Listen Up! The Intricacies of PCB Drilling Detailed in New Podcast Episode
04/25/2024 | I-Connect007In episode 5 of the podcast series, On the Line With: Designing for Reality, Nolan Johnson and Matt Stevenson continue down the manufacturing process, this time focusing on the post-lamination drilling process for PCBs. Matt and Nolan delve into the intricacies of the PCB drilling process, highlighting the importance of hole quality, drill parameters, and design optimization to ensure smooth manufacturing. The conversation covers topics such as drill bit sizes, aspect ratios, vias, challenges in drilling, and ways to enhance efficiency in the drilling department.
Elevating PCB Design Engineering With IPC Programs
04/24/2024 | Cory Blaylock, IPCIn a monumental stride for the electronics manufacturing industry, IPC has successfully championed the recognition of the PCB Design Engineer as an official occupation by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This pivotal achievement not only underscores the critical role of PCB design engineers within the technology landscape, but also marks the beginning of a transformative journey toward nurturing a robust, skilled workforce ready to propel our industry into the future.
Winner of The Science Show Rakett 69 Receives Incap Scholarship
04/24/2024 | IncapThe winner of the Rakett 69 science show, Andri Türkson, who stood out as an electronics enthusiast, received a scholarship from Incap Estonia, along with an internship opportunity in Saaremaa.