Mastering Vias: Plugging, Filling, and Best Practices

Pick, Place, Podcast

#Tech #CircuitHub and Worthington #Circuitboard #Pcb #Pcb Assembly #Electronic #Manufacturing #Electronics Manufacturing #Pcba #Pcb Manufacturing

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 34:46

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, we continue our conversation from last episode with Dave Wilcox, PCB CAM engineer at CircuitHub, to explore the intricacies of plugging and filling vias.

Topics Covered:

The differences between plugging and filling vias, and when to use each method.
The common challenges faced during the reflow process, including the infamous "popcorn effect" caused by trapped flux.
Practical advice on preventing manufacturing issues related to via plugging.
Cost considerations between tenting, plugging, and filling vias.
Insights into using various materials for via filling, including epoxy and solder.
A fascinating case study on using solder to plug vias for gas sensors.
The importance of thoughtful PCB design and silkscreen placement to avoid manufacturing headaches.

Key Takeaways:

Plugging vias can prevent air and flux entrapment, but must be carefully specified in the design.
There’s a delicate balance between cost and functionality when choosing how to handle vias.
Thoughtful design and clear communication with manufacturers can lead to smoother production and better results.

pickplacepodcast.com

85 episodes

Pick, Place, Podcast

Mastering Vias: Plugging, Filling, and Best Practices

Pick, Place, Podcast

14 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

In this episode, we continue our conversation from last episode with Dave Wilcox, PCB CAM engineer at CircuitHub, to explore the intricacies of plugging and filling vias.

Topics Covered:

The differences between plugging and filling vias, and when to use each method.
The common challenges faced during the reflow process, including the infamous "popcorn effect" caused by trapped flux.
Practical advice on preventing manufacturing issues related to via plugging.
Cost considerations between tenting, plugging, and filling vias.
Insights into using various materials for via filling, including epoxy and solder.
A fascinating case study on using solder to plug vias for gas sensors.
The importance of thoughtful PCB design and silkscreen placement to avoid manufacturing headaches.

Key Takeaways:

Plugging vias can prevent air and flux entrapment, but must be carefully specified in the design.
There’s a delicate balance between cost and functionality when choosing how to handle vias.
Thoughtful design and clear communication with manufacturers can lead to smoother production and better results.

pickplacepodcast.com

85 episodes

#Tech #CircuitHub and Worthington #Circuitboard #Pcb #Pcb Assembly #Electronic #Manufacturing #Electronics Manufacturing #Pcba #Pcb Manufacturing

All episodes

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Meet up with Chris in California! 2:13

15 weeks ago2:13

2:13

Chris will be in California and would love to meet up with anyone interested. He will be in the San Francisco Bay Area March 11 - March 14 and the Los Angeles/Anaheim area March 16 - March 20. Email us at contact@pickplacepodcast.com and we'll try to make something happen! pickplacepodcast.com

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
IPC's Leadership on Sustainability in Electronics w/ Dr. John W. Mitchell and Dr. Kelly Scanlon 1:10:02

16 weeks ago1:10:02

1:10:02

In this insightful episode, we delve deep into the pressing issues of sustainability within the electronics manufacturing industry with IPC President and CEO, Dr. John W. Mitchell, and Dr. Kelly Scanlon, IPC's lead sustainability strategist. They offer expert insights into how IPC is leading the charge toward more sustainable practices, the importance of data and harmonization in policy-making, and the challenges facing the industry today. Our discussion also highlights practical steps manufacturers can take to contribute to a greener future and how IPC's resources can guide these efforts. If you're interested in learning more about sustainability or getting involved with IPC's initiatives can visit IPC.org for further information and support. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Innovations in Motorsport Sensor Technology with Caleb Holloway of Izze Racing 1:02:14

19 weeks ago1:02:14

1:02:14

In this episode, join us as we continue our exploration into the high-speed world of motorsport sensor technology with Caleb Holloway, founder of Izze Racing. Caleb delves into the complexities of antenna design, the challenges of RF engineering in the demanding environment of racing, and the innovative solutions his team has developed to enhance data accuracy on the track. From whip antennas to the nuances of sensor integration on racing vehicles, learn how cutting-edge technology is driving performance and safety in motorsports. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
The Challenges of Motorsport Sensor Design with Izze Racing Founder, Caleb Holloway 43:28

21 weeks ago43:28

43:28

After a bit of a break we are back with a new, exciting episode! This week we are joined by Caleb Holloway, founder and owner of Izze Racing . Izze Racing provides electronics sensors, with an emphasis on tire data collection, to the motorsport industry. In the first part of this conversation, we delve into Caleb's transition from academia to running his passion company full-time, what's it like designing a product for the motor racing industry, and some unique challenges he has faced. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Mastering Vias: Plugging, Filling, and Best Practices 34:46

31 weeks ago34:46

34:46

In this episode, we continue our conversation from last episode with Dave Wilcox, PCB CAM engineer at CircuitHub, to explore the intricacies of plugging and filling vias. Topics Covered: The differences between plugging and filling vias, and when to use each method. The common challenges faced during the reflow process, including the infamous "popcorn effect" caused by trapped flux. Practical advice on preventing manufacturing issues related to via plugging. Cost considerations between tenting, plugging, and filling vias. Insights into using various materials for via filling, including epoxy and solder. A fascinating case study on using solder to plug vias for gas sensors. The importance of thoughtful PCB design and silkscreen placement to avoid manufacturing headaches. Key Takeaways: Plugging vias can prevent air and flux entrapment, but must be carefully specified in the design. There’s a delicate balance between cost and functionality when choosing how to handle vias. Thoughtful design and clear communication with manufacturers can lead to smoother production and better results. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Vias, Tenting, and Tiny Fireworks 24:17

33 weeks ago24:17

24:17

In this episode, Chris and Melissa we are focused on the topic of tenting vias. Joined by our favorite PCB guru, Dave Wilcox, we dive into the thrilling question: is it "via" or "v-eye-a"? We discuss the technical details behind different types of vias, tenting methods, and the potential manufacturing challenges that arise from improper designs such as why covering one side of a via might just lead to a tiny PCB firework show. Make sure to look out for part 2 of this episode where we continue on to learn about plugging and filling vias. Reference Links https://resources.altium.com/p/IPC-vias https://www.wellpcb.com/blog/pcb-manufacturing/non-conductive/ pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Navigating the Environmental Impact of Electronics w/ Component Sense Founder, Kenny McGee 54:51

35 weeks ago54:51

54:51

In this episode, Chris and Melissa continue their conversation with Kenny McGee, founder of Component Sense. We explore the environmental impact of electronics manufacturing and discuss how companies like Component Sense work to redistribute unused parts, reducing waste in the industry. Kenny shares insights on sustainability challenges for small businesses, his personal passion for reducing waste, and the global issues around recycling and electronic component reuse. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
How Component Sense helps components fulfill their destiny w/ Kenny McGee 45:04

37 weeks ago45:04

45:04

In this episode Chris and Melissa sit down with Kenny McGee, founder of Component Sense , to dive into the intricacies of the electronics supply chain. Kenny shares his journey from working in electronics manufacturing to founding Component Sense, a company focused on capital recovery from excess inventory while promoting sustainability. Tune in to learn about the environmental impact of excess electronic components, the importance of redistributing stock, and the challenges of reducing waste in the industry. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
The RGB LED Dilemma in Manufacturing 24:32

40 weeks ago24:32

24:32

In this episode of the PickPlace Podcast, Chris and Melissa discuss the challenges and intricacies of working with RGB LEDs, specifically the popular surface-mount DotStar LEDs from Adafruit. They dive into issues like handling cut strips versus continuous reels, the importance of sourcing directly from original manufacturers, and the need for moisture control when using these components in manufacturing. They also provide practical tips for engineers on cost-saving and quality assurance strategies when sourcing these parts for large-scale production. Show Links: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2343 https://www.lcsc.com/product-detail/RGB-LEDs-Built-in-IC_OPSCO-Optoelectronics-SK9822-A_C5378730.html https://docs.circuithub.com/en/articles/3350195-consigning-cut-strips https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/adafruit-industries-llc/2343/5761204 http://www.normandled.com/product/view/id/876.html pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
RF Shields and Restroom Rants 35:29

43 weeks ago35:29

35:29

In this episode we delve into the topic of RF (Radio Frequency) shields. . Chris explains the different types of RF shields—open top, closed top, and clip-based—detailing their applications, advantages, and challenges. We also explore the processes involved in placing these shields on circuit boards, emphasizing the importance of inspection and the complexities of manual versus automated methods, and discuss how to choose the best type of shields for your project. More importantly, Chris shares a detailed story about a poorly designed bathroom he recently experienced and realizes that one of his big pet peeves is thoughtlessness. Show Links: Two Piece Shield Snap on, top piece: BMI-S-201-C https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-technologies-emi/BMI-S-201-C/2175914 Solder on, bottom piece: BMI-S-201-F https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-technologies-emi/BMI-S-201-F/2175888?s=N4IgTCBcDaIEIFkCSBaAyisAGAjCgYiALoC%2BQA One Piece Shield BMI-S-101 https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/laird-technologies-emi/BMI-S-101/2175907 Clip Style S1811-46R https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/harwin-inc/S1811-46R/19200427 pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Stencils: The Unsung Heroes of PCB Perfection Pt. 2 38:10

45 weeks ago38:10

38:10

In this episode Chris and Melissa continue their deep dive into the critical role of stencils in electronics assembly, with expert insights from Brett Babilonia. We discuss advanced techniques for stencil design, including custom reductions, step stencils, and nano coatings to ensure optimal solder paste application. The episode also highlights the importance of thoughtful PCB design to manage costs and improve manufacturing efficiency. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Stencils: The Unsung Heroes of PCB Perfection Pt.1 33:19

46 weeks ago33:19

33:19

In this episode, we dive into the crucial role of stencils in electronics manufacturing. Joined by Brett Babilonia, we explore the complexities of stencil design, including handling missing data, determining foil thickness, and ensuring optimal solder paste application. We discuss common issues, such as SMT standoffs and hybrid components. Stay tuned for for more of an in-depth continuation in Part Two. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
IPC APEX EXPO Meetup Recap 33:31

1 year ago33:31

33:31

In this slightly random catchup episode Chris and Melissa discuss Chris' recent trip to California where he attended IPC APEX EXPO and hosted out first Pick, Place, Podcast meetup! Huge thanks to everyone who was able to come say hi, the wonderful conversations and show suggestions! pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
How IPC President and CEO, Dr. John W. Mitchell is working on solving the workforce problem 1:06:32

1 year ago1:06:32

1:06:32

In this episode, we uncover the multifaceted persona of IPC President and CEO, Dr. John Mitchell, from his educational background to his Ironman pursuits. Learn about IPC alongside insights into John's acclaimed book, Fire Your Hiring Habits. John also talks about the history behind the IPC Apex Expo and what you can expect at the even if you participate. Check out our other episode on IPC here . Chris will be hosting a podcast meetup at IPC Apex Expo . We'd love it if you'd join him! Date: Tuesday, April 9th Time: 3:15 PM to 5:00 PM Location: Room 209A, Anaheim Convention Center, CA You can register for the event here . pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
What factors influence PCB quotes w/ Brett Babilonia 55:40

1 year ago55:40

55:40

In this episode we're happy to welcome back Brett Babilonia, who we spoke to way back in episode 3 and 4 on the show. In addition to purchasing, Brett also handles a lot of quoting at Worthington. We often get asked how we quote boards, is there a magical formula, and figured Brett is the perfect person to speak on this topic. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Stick It Up Your Tube 51:31

1 year ago51:31

51:31

Parts packaged in tubes are awful and Chris has had enough. He's starting a movement to end the use of tubes once and for all. Why do they still exist? If anybody has an answer PLEASE write in to let us know. Join us on this hour long rant as we discuss all the reasons why tubes suck including their effect on the environment and how inefficient they are for pcb assembly. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
How New Solder Products Are Developed w/ AIM Solder Content Marketing Specialist, Gayle Towell 53:32

1 year ago53:32

53:32

Welcome to the first episode of 2024 (which was recorded in 2023)! In today's show we're joined by AIM Solder's Content Marketing Specialist, Gayle Towell. AIM is a leading global manufacturer of solder assembly materials for the electronics industry with manufacturing, distribution, and support facilities located throughout North and South America, EMEA, and Asia. Gayle helps to walks us through topics like what exactly a soldering company like AIM does, how they make their products, who buys it, how they decide what product to design next, and more. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
A digitized solution to managing manufacturing workflow processes w/ Praxie CEO, Michael Lynch 52:14

2 years ago52:14

52:14

We like to talk to interesting people on this show so when Praxie reached out to us wondering if their CEO, Michael Lynch could come on the show we knew it would be a fun conversation. Michael is the former head of Internet of Things at SAP software and now CEO of Praxie (and believe it or not, former lead in Les Miserables on Broadway prior to that!). We talk about how Michael went from the acting/performance world to the internet of things and eventually wound up founding Praxie. Praxie provides a platform that allows organizations to transform their workflows with AI-powered processes, dashboards, and applications, without spending an arm and a leg and taking months to complete. This is especially relevant for manufacturing businesses who are stuck using Excel spreadsheets and software from the 80s. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Conveyers, An Episode You Didn't Know You Needed 55:05

2 years ago55:05

55:05

Why would we dedicate an entire episode to conveyers, you ask? Because it just so happens to be Chris' favorite topic! Chris has an addiction to progress and conveyers are one of the best ways in a factory setting to achieve that (both literally and figuratively). We get an overview of the different types of conveyers typically used in a factory setting and get into the technical aspects of how to set conveyers up before venting about the end of daylight saving time. Transfer inspection conveyer - https://vanstron.us/collections/transfer-inspection-conveyors/products/copy-of-ptb-460l-5m-20-long-pcb-transfer-inspection-conveyor pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
An Answering Your Questions Grab Bag 59:53

2 years ago59:53

59:53

At the end of our episodes we've been asking you to send in any questions you had...and we're finally answering them. In this grab bag episode we discuss topics like what happens to excess parts, the ISO certification process, the shrinking size of resistors, and more! In honor of spooky season, we also share some scary stories from production. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Impedance Control Demo w/ NCAB Group Field Application Engineer Ryan Miller 1:32:34

2 years ago1:32:34

1:32:34

In this episode we welcome back NCAB Group Field Application Engineer Ryan Miller. The first time we had him on the show he gave us a lesson on what impedance control is, in what situations is it necessary, and more. This time we recorded a video demo going through how he would create a stackup the requires controlled impedance. In order for this episode to make sense watch the video version: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwsyTUTN1z0 pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Catch up with Chris 48:11

2 years ago48:11

48:11

What's been going on at the factory while we've been away? Chris catches up Melissa and all of you listeners on all of the new people, machines, and processes that have been introduced during our break. pickplacepodcast.com

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
ESD Flooring w/ SelecTech CEO Tom Ricciardelli 52:37

2 years ago52:37

52:37

After a LONG hiatus, we're back! Our break was for a very good reason though. Listen to find out why! In this episode, we welcome SelecTech CEO and co-founder Tom Ricciardelli. Tom is a technical flooring expert on static control or ESD flooring. He is also chairman of the committee formed by the ESD Association ( www.esda.org ). His company, SelecTech , is a leader in the manufacture of innovative flooring products and has a very interesting story on how it came to be. Tom gives us a quick recap on what ESD is (we also have a full overview episode on ESD) and discusses the importance of having an ESD-protected floor. We also talk about what the ESDA is, LEED certification and sustainability, as well as a very meta pet peeve. For more information on SelecTech's ESD flooring visit https://staticstop.com/ Side note: Worthington Assembly is currently selling their used MY100 pick and place machine. If interested contact Chris at cdenney@worthingtonassembly.com or visit https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/my100-sale for more information. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Soft Skills of Engineering w/ Being an Engineer Host, Aaron Moncur 1:07:02

2 years ago1:07:02

1:07:02

This week we're joined by fellow podcast host Aaron Moncur who runs the Being an Engineer Podcast and is also the founder of Pipeline Design and Engineering . We had a fun discussion on the soft skills of engineering, including how to have systems in place that align with/support your goals, time management, and productivity hacks you might find useful for managing yourself and your team. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment such as cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations, and more. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
How Small Manufacturers Manage Large Volume Orders 51:49

2 years ago51:49

51:49

How do smaller manufacturers like Worthington and CircuitHub manage larger volume orders? Recently we've seen a big increase in these types of orders so it only seemed fitting to have a discussion about it. We briefly touch on the financial and negotiation side of things before getting to the logistics of how we handle large-volume orders. This includes how we decide if we're going to build and/or ship in batches, how large orders change how we buy parts, and why building this wa can be a very successful way of producing boards. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
What Happens After the CHIPS Act w/ the Printed Circuit Board Association of America 59:45

2 years ago59:45

59:45

We're back after a bit of a break! In this episode, we're excited to welcome David Shield from the Printed Circuit Board Associated of America (PCBAA) to talk about how their work is influencing the US Congress to bring electronics manufacturing back to America. The Printed Circuit Board Association of America is the sole association of U.S. domestic printed circuit board manufacturers and suppliers. PCBAA was established in 2021 by PCB manufacturers and other industry stakeholders amid rising geopolitical challenges. PCBAA seeks to promote an environment in which U.S.-based printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturers can thrive. The PCBAA was formed to respond to the misunderstandings in the Chips Act. David explains to us what exactly the CHIPS Act is, what sort of impact might the efforts of the PCBAA have on people within the United States hiring a company like Worthington to order their circuit boards, and more. Links: Learn more about PCBAA's core mission and activities in Washington pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Even Cleaner Cleaning With Cleaning Expert Mike “Mr. Clean” Konrad 1:27:03

2 years ago1:27:03

1:27:03

We're very excited to have Mike Konrad, founder of Aqueous Technologies as well as host of his own podcast, Reliability Matters , back on the show. We first had Mike on the show to discuss the history of board cleaning, the electronics the industry's transition to primarily using no-clean flux, and why more and more companies are reintroducing board cleaning back into their assembly process. Mike recently reached out to us and offered to talk about the 2018 changes to the IPC cleanliness standards and why adoption of the new standard has been slow at best due to the lack of understanding of the standard's details. We of course jumped at the opportunity... We hope you enjoy this episode that is most definitely more entertaining than watching grass grow. Listen to Chris on the Being and Engineer podcast pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
The Benefits of Asynchronous Design Review for Engineers & Manufacturers w/ AllSpice.io 1:13:53

2 years ago1:13:53

1:13:53

This week we are joined by Valentina Ratner and Kyle Dumont, co-founders of AllSpice.io. Valentina and Kyle met while doing an MBA program at Harvard and realized they both shared a common frustration - the lack of asynchronous design review tools available for electrical engineers despite such tools being readily available for other engineering fields like mechanical and software. Thus they joined forces to create AllSpice. AllSpice is a git platform for hardware engineers that helps them to accelerate their time to market by enabling modern revision control and collaboration for native electronic designs. We had a great time having them on the show to learn more about AllSpice as well as Valentina's hatred of sharp-edged rectangles Show links: AllSpice website: allspice.io The Git for Hardware Guide: https://content.allspice.io/en-us/git-for-hardware-guide Questions / Demo: info@allspice.io pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Outer Layer Imaging w/ CAM Engineer Dave Wilcox 56:44

3 years ago56:44

56:44

CircuitHub CAM engineer, Dave Wilcox is back on the show to teach us more about the PCB fabrication process. In our last episode with Dave, we went into the fine details of drilling a PCB. Today we move on to the next step Outer Layer Imaging. pickplacepodcast.com

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Understanding Controlled Impedance w/ NCAB Group Field Application Engineer, Ryan Miller 1:02:13

3 years ago1:02:13