Tinning Flux vs Regular Flux: What Makes Great Flux?

Application of Flux on a Surface.

Today, we provide insights into the tinning flux vs. regular flux debate. We aim to educate you on their benefits to any typical soldering process.  The questions you probably have include;  Is any type of flux good enough for all soldering applications? What are the upsides of standard fluxes over tinning flux?  If those are …

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SMD vs. SMT vs. THT: Comparing PCB Mounting Technologies

Tiny surface-mount devices on a PCB

This article is a comparison of SMD vs. SMT. vs. THT. If you have researched the PCB assembly processes, you must have encountered acronyms like SMD, SMT, and THT.  These terms can be confusing, especially considering there are several more, such as QFN, BGA, QFP, etc. But let’s first focus on comparing SMD vs. SMT. …

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Low vs. High Volume PCB Assembly: Which is the Best?

Low vs. High Volume PCB Assembly

Let’s discuss low vs. high-volume PCB assembly services.  Volume assembly in flexible PCB production is necessary so that the manufacturers can fulfill the high product demand in the electronics industry. Manufacturers have therefore developed methods to produce in bulk while adhering to the set quality standards.  Our article will discuss these PCB production runs, among …

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Hot Swap vs. Solder PCB: Which Keyboard PCB Is Better?

This article is about hot swap vs. solder PCB. When building a custom mechanical keyboard, the primary component to consider is the PCB.

This article is about hot swap vs. solder PCB. When building a custom mechanical keyboard, the primary component to consider is the PCB. And you can pick either from a hot swap or solder circuit board.  Both have pros and cons, so let’s compare hot swap vs. solder PCBs to see which wins. What Is …

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UL-Listed vs. UL-Certified: What Do The Terms Mean?

Electronics on supermarket store shelves

In this article, we will compare UL-listed vs. UL-certified because the two terms tend to cause confusion among consumers and electronics engineers.  UL is an acronym for Underwriters Laboratory, one of the most respected and highly regarded product testing and safety certification companies.  The organization is critical for ensuring quality PCB and electronics manufacturing, so …

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Short To Ground vs. Short To Power: Comparing The Different Types of Short Circuits

Short circuit on a PCB

We will compare short-to-ground vs. short-to-power to determine their similarities and differences in this article. Two of the most typical electrical issues in circuits are short to ground and short to power.  Although both involve channeling the flow of electricity through an unintended path, they have some differences. Read on to learn more! What Is …

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Flying Probe vs. ICT: Which is the Best PCB Testing Method?

Flying Probe vs. ICT

Flying Probe vs. ICT circuit testers guide. Make no mistake dismissing circuit testing in PCB assembly as it is one of the most critical aspects that guarantee quality.  Today, we require high-performance circuit boards since electronic components dominate every aspect of our lives.  Therefore, any assembly defect could prove costly in the bigger picture. Primarily …

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Tape-and-Reel vs. Cut Tape: Component Packaging Options for Automated SMD Assembly Line Feeding

A reel containing a tape with SMT devices (note the component pockets and sprocket holes)

We’ll compare tape-and-reel vs. cut tape below. PCB assembly machines are highly automated. And to enable quick surface-mount electronic component assembly, they need an efficient component feeding mechanism.  This system should deliver thousands of components per hour to the pick-and-place machine to position them above the solder paste.  Tape & reel and cut tape are …

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