Outer Layer Imaging w/ CAM Engineer Dave Wilcox

Pick, Place, Podcast

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

32:12

DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

3 years ago 56:44

MP3•Episode home

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

85 episodes

Pick, Place, Podcast

Outer Layer Imaging w/ CAM Engineer Dave Wilcox

Pick, Place, Podcast

14 subscribers

published 3 years ago

MP3•Episode home

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

21 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

23 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

26 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

28 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

38 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

40 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

42 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

44 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

47 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

50 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

52 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

1 year 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

2 years 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

3 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

3 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

Pick, Place, Podcast

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

3 years ago1:02:13

1:02:13

We apologize for our extended break! Chris has been hard at work from morning til late at night every day setting up Worthington's two new Fuji pick and place machines. Now that some of the dust has settled we hope to get back on a more regular recording schedule. We've had several requests from our listeners to have an episode on on impedance control, which is unfortunately a topic Chris and Melissa have little expertise on. Fortunately we were able to connect with Ryan Miller from NCAB group who specializes in the subject and kindly agreed to come on the show to give us a lesson on what impedance control is, in what situations is it necessary, and more. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Alternative Component Mounting 1:06:27

3 years ago1:06:27

1:06:27

In today's episode, Chris teaches us about different categories of components that don't use a traditional surface mount or through-hole mounting methods. Think epoxy mounting, press-fit, mechanical assembly, swaging hardware, snap sockets, dome switches, hot bar soldering wires and cables, adhesive tape, and RTV. Exciting news, Chris is a guest host on Hackaday Chat! Join him on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, 12:00 pm PST (3 PM eastern): https://hackaday.io/event/183578-pick-and-place-hack-chat Episode links: Epoxy capacitor mounting explained TE whitepaper discussing the details of press-fit parts Press-fit design and assembly considerations How to determine a torque specification Snap socket example Dome switch example Hot bar soldering machine 3M VHB Tape MG Chemicals RTV pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
How to keep morale high in a high-stress manufacturing environment 1:08:29

4 years ago1:08:29

1:08:29

We talk a lot about equipment and techniques used to assembly PCBs, but wanted to dedicate an episode to focus on the people who are actually getting the work done. In this episode, we talk to Worthington employee, David Mulherin, about how to keep work output high in a high-stress manufacturing environment while also making sure factory workers feel like they are valued. pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
How Chinese New Year Impacts Manufacturing 44:50

4 years ago44:50

44:50

Chinese New Year (aka Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) is a welcome and well-deserved break for Chinese workers. However, it is also a notoriously stressful time for the global manufacturing industry. In today's episode, we give you a manufacturer's perspective of why it is usually such a disruptive period. Links: Some fun (non-manufacturing related) facts about Chinese New Year Information on 2022 Chinese New Year closures China post-Lunar New Year job exodus pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Showstoppers that delay PCB assembly w/ Production Manager, Rob OConnell 1:03:23

4 years ago1:03:23

1:03:23

We love it when PCB orders run through the assembly line smooth as butter. Inevitably, however, sometimes things do get delayed. On today's episode, we sat down with CircuitHub Production Manager, Rob OConnell, on the biggest showstoppers that cause orders to run late and some things customers can do to prevent this from happening. Chris' KiCon 2019 Talk - Your Manufacturer is Stupid The Perfect 0402 Footprint pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
When to request first articles 40:24

4 years ago40:24

40:24

First articles, also known as batch run or first-run amongst other terms, is when a customer requests the first several finished PCBAs from a production run be delivered for inspection before the entire quantity is built. In this episode we go over when it's appropriate to request first articles (and when it's not), the difference between first articles and prototypes, examples of how using first articles has benefitted our customers. Chris also introduces us to his fascinating new theory regarding the pen industry. How to request first articles from CircuitHub pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Evaluating Pick and Place Machine Suppliers 49:58

4 years ago49:58

49:58

Worthington is in the process of upgrading its pick and place machinery. In order to do that requires a long process of evaluating potential new suppliers. Chris walks us through what that journey is like, why a contract manufacturer may need to upgrade its equipment, his recent in-person visit to one of the suppliers they've narrowed down to, and more! pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
What are fiducials and why you should use them 50:11

4 years ago50:11

50:11

This episode is dedicated to fiducials which, for those who are unfamiliar with the term, are the small copper dots you may have seen on your bare PCB. We get into the details of what they are, where and why are they are used, and how you can use them in your design. https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/blog/2014/12/29/what-are-fiducials-and-why-are-they-useful If you are already using fiducials in your designs tweet us a photo or screenshot of them with the hashtag #fiducialsFTW :) pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Get to know Melissa and Chris 1:04:33

4 years ago1:04:33

1:04:33

To celebrate reaching 10,000 downloads of the podcast, Chris and Melissa mix things up and interview each other so that you can get to know your hosts better! We talk about what we were doing before joining CircuitHub and Worthington, our journeys towards getting there, imposter syndrome, our love affair with Grape Nuts, and more! pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
An EDA Tool Walks Into a CM w/ Fusion 360 Electronics Product Manager, Ben Jordan 1:30:09

4 years ago1:30:09

1:30:09

We're very excited to be joined on this episode by Ben Jordan. Ben, who was previously at Altium for many years, now works at Autodesk as a Senior Product Manager for the Fusion 360 Electronics product. We chat about: Why we call them DuPont headers Machine pin headers are awesome A brief history of Altium's founding in Australia as Protel Systems Chris' love for Australia Lots of Ben's dad jokes The Coriolis Effect , Ben's new show with Bil Herd Fusion 360 - the benefits of using a unified ECAD-MCAD-SIM software platform Chris has finally found a perforated cardboard tab that actually works: https://www.packworld.com/issues/sustainability/article/21136720/nespresso-coffee-capsule-made-from-80-recycled-content Ben's pet peeve - people who abuse nonstick pans pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
The basics of the PCB drilling process w/ CAM Engineer Dave Wilcox 43:01

4 years ago43:01

43:01

As a continuation of last week's episode with CircuitHub CAM Engineer, Dave Wilcox, we discuss the basics of what happens during the PCB drilling process. We also drill into some fun topics including the confusing inconsistencies regarding the recommended tolerance on JST connectors and why NC drill data is so difficult to interpret. Listen to these other great episodes with Dave! The PCB CAM Process Bare PCB Materials An Overview of Bare PCB Fabrication Inner Layer Production pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Inner Layer Production w/ CAM Engineer Dave Wilcox 1:19:18

4 years ago1:19:18

1:19:18

We're joined again by CircuitHub CAM Engineer Dave Wilcox to talk more about bare circuit board manufacturing. In this episode we Dave teaches us what happens during the inner layer production process. Check out more episodes with Dave! The PCB CAM Process Bare PCB Materials An Overview of Bare PCB Fabrication pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Small PCB layout decisions that have a significant impact on assembly 1:02:30

4 years ago1:02:30

1:02:30

In today's episode Chris, a self proclaimed novice engineer, touches on the layout process and how small decisions can have a significant impact on assembly. We provide some on advice on the best proximity of vias with adjacent pads and plated thru-holes, edge clearance, fiducials, and more. Useful articles: https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/blog/2014/12/29/what-are-fiducials-and-why-are-they-useful https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/blog/2018/6/20/recessing-your-pcb-edge-for-perforated-tabs pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
Our top suggestions for customers w/ CircuitHub Account Manager, John Jacquinet 1:13:05

4 years ago1:13:05

1:13:05

Although we like to keep our episodes targeted towards anyone who is interested in PCB assembly as a whole, we know that many of our listeners are CircuitHub customers. In this episode we sat down with John Jacquinet, who is an Account Manager at CircuitHub. We talk to John about how his work experience as en electrical engineer influenced his views when moving over to the assembly side, how to take advantage of the Account Manager team's help at CircuitHub, and customer best and worst practices. P.S. If you're only interested in listening to Chris' 15 minute rant regarding poorly designed pull tabs, feel free to skip to 59:30. Useful documentation: http://docs.circuithub.com/en/articles/62935-how-do-i-consign-parts-to-the-factory https://circuithub.com/pcb-stackups pickplacepodcast.com…

Pick, Place, Podcast

1
When to use through hole vs surface mount components 49:36

4 years ago49:36

49:36

When are through hole components recommended over surface mount components, and vice versa? The answer is not always straightforward. In this episode we break down the cost, reliability and application implications of using SMT vs through hole parts in your design. Bare board destacker: https://youtu.be/b94-3rr_BHg Test Point Part Numbers Harwin - S2761-46R - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/harwin-inc/S2761-46R/5250500 Keystone - 5019 - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/keystone-electronics/5019/3907343 KOA Speer - RCUCTE - https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/koa-speer-electronics-inc/RCUCTE/11476561 pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
The role of electronic components distributors w/ Digi-key 1:02:35

4 years ago1:02:35

1:02:35

In this episode we continue our conversation with Mike Rankins and Gary Shanahan, supply chain specialists at Digi-Key . (If you haven't listened to the first half about the global electronics parts shortage, we definitely recommend it). In the second half we take a broader look at what electronics distributors like Digikey are, what role they play, and what value adds the provide in addition to selling components. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How PCB panelization methods inform depanelization 35:39

3 years ago35:39

35:39

In episode 19, we focused on the different types of depanelization methods that can be used during assembly. In this episode, we take a deeper dive into panelization, how we decide what panelization methods and sizes to use, and how this informs depanelization. pickplacepodcast.com

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1
A Conversation with The Awkward Engineer 1:11:08

3 years ago1:11:08

1:11:08

In this episode, which might just be our nerdiest one yet, we are joined by Sam Feller, aka The Awkward Engineer. First and foremost he would like everyone to know that he is the awkward one, the engineering is top notch. Sam is a long time Worthington/CircuitHub customer, product manager at Tulip , former engineer at Amazon, and founder of the Awkward Engineer where he works on quirky hardware project and now does consulting! It was a pleasure to have Sam on the show. Some of the topics we touch on include: Why having common stock parts set up on reels is not actually the simplest idea to execute. Interesting sourcing stories. Soldering techniques for building prototypes The importance of having structured processes in place for your hardware of software development team . Sam's vickrey auction for his Voltmeter Clocks If you want to get in touch with Sam you can email him at questions@awkwardengineer.com pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
The nitty gritty details on solder 50:35

3 years ago50:35

50:35

We're back! In this episode we talk about what we were busy doing on our "break", the different types and formats that solder comes in, and some unfortunate consequences that sometimes occur while eating chips. pickplacepodcast.com

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1
All the Tricks and Gotchas in Surface Mount Assembly (Repost from the Coriolis Effect) 1:52:44

3 years ago1:52:44

1:52:44

Last week Chris was a guest on the Coriolis Effect , a podcast hosted by Bil Herd and Ben Jordan. Since we are still on hiatus (and because the episode was so great) we decided to repost the conversation. Don't worry, we expect to be back next episode with some new, fun and content and plenty of pet peeves! pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Custom tooling to the rescue 34:48

3 years ago34:48

34:48

Sometimes things are difficult to build....enter the help of custom tooling! In this episode, we highlight some of the applications for which we might order custom tooling, how they can help us assemble boards more efficiently and accurately, and some things you might want to do if you'd like to avoid custom tooling becoming necesesary. Show Links: Stentech products pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Benefits of intrusive soldering 40:24

3 years ago40:24

40:24

Intrusive soldering, also known as pin-in-paste, is a method that uses solder paste to solder the thru-hole leads instead of hand soldering, wave soldering, or selective soldering. If designed properly, it's a great way to save time and money during pcb assembly. In this episode, we discuss how intrusive soldering is done, challenges associated with this process, and design recommendations. Episode links: Wurth USB-C Guide Our favorite USB-C port pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
The role of flux in PCB assembly 37:19

3 years ago37:19

37:19

Flux is friend. Not foe. To create a solder joint, you have a lot working against you. Boards, parts, the air...it’s all very cold compared to the melting point of solder. Those are easily overcome with a good heat source in the way of a soldering iron, wave solder, or selective solder. However, none of this will do you a lick of good without flux because metal oxide is the biggest challenge you have to combat. In this episode, we go over flux's role in fighting the oxide layer that forms during PCB assembly, the basic chemistry of flux, what cold solder joints are, and more. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Debugging PCB Assemblies 30:14

3 years ago30:14

30:14

It's a fact of life that defects and failed boards will sometimes occur, which is why it's so important to have a debugging procedure prepared to help your CM know how to move forward. In this episode, we talk about best practices on how to work with your CM when these problems arise. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Advanced Drilling w/ CAM Engineer, Dave Wilcox 1:28:49

3 years ago1:28:49

1:28:49

We've finally managed to convince CircuitHub CAM Engineer, Dave Wilcox, to come back on the show to continue our series about the intricacies of PCB fabrication. If you're just tuning in, we recommend you listen to our episodes about Inner Layer Production and PCB Drilling Basics before this one. In this episode, we cover some of the finer details of PCB drilling including what the drilling setup physically looks like and tips you can implement to save your PCB fab time. We also learn that Melissa really needs to work on her email management setup. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How to Manage Moisture Sensitive Devices 1:09:06

3 years ago1:09:06

1:09:06

Similar to our discussion on ESD a few episodes back, moisture is also a "silent killer" for many electronic components. In this episode, we talk about what kind of damage moisture can cause in components, what precautions we take in the factory when working with moisture-sensitive devices, the different levels of moisture sensitivity, and measures you should take at home to protect your MSDs. Chris also has an excellent pet peeve related to public bathroom doors. Show links: Complimentary digital download of the ANSI-S20.20-2014 spec A Minute with Miranda IPC Handling Moisture-Sensitive Devices Non-reversible humidity indicator cards IPC/JEDEC J-STD-020E Preview IPC/JEDEC J-STD-033D Preview Uline heat sealer Moisture barrier bag selection chart Silica gel packs on Amazon pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How IPC helps the global manufacturing ecosystem build electronics better w/ Teresa Rowe and Patrick Crawford 1:25:45

3 years ago1:25:45

1:25:45

IPC is a global trade organization whose goal is to help OEMs, EMS, PCB manufacturers, and suppliers build electronics better. They provide numerous standards covering the electronics manufacturing supply chain as well as engineering education and training. We're very grateful to have IPC employees Teresa Rowe, Sr. Director, Assembly & Standards Technology and Patrick Crawford, Manager of Design Standards and Related Industry Programs join us in this episode. We discuss how the standards created by IPC provide value, the process that goes into creating and updating different standards, how members can take advantage of IPC's extensive offerings, and more. This episode also features our best pet peeve yet! If you'd like to submit a comment on one of the standards feel free to email answers@ipc.org. For interest in the PCB design competition email patrickCrawford@ipc.org. * Edit: At 1:06 Patrick wanted to note that he was referring to perpendicular routing, not parallel. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Building a product at a big organization vs a startup w/ Barnacle Systems CTO, Darren Beckwith 1:25:26

3 years ago1:25:26

1:25:26

In today's episode, we are joined by Darren Beckwith, CTO of Barnacle Systems . Barnacle Systems is a startup based in Victoria, Canada which provides security and monitoring products for boats and yachts. We chat with Darren about his many years working at Carmanah Technologies where he worked as a firmware engineer along with a larger engineering team and some of the struggles he encountered after transitioning to a much small startup. Show Links: SNL: NPR's Delicious Dish pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How to Protect PCBs from ESD Damage 1:08:56

3 years ago1:08:56

1:08:56

ESD (Electro Static Discharge) is an invisible, silent killer for PCBs. Protecting your boards from ESD damage while they're in the factory and being shipped to you is something we take very seriously. In today's episode we talk about what ESD is,how it damages your boards, and measures that should be taken to prevent this damage from occurring including what you can do at home. Episode Links: ESD Association ESD Overview The dangers of ESD What is a Faraday cage? Anti-static vs static shielding bags Uline Anti-static bags Visual of microcircuit ESD damage The worm ESD table mat Mat grounder Wrist strap grounders Heel strap grounders Smocks ESD continuous monitor Affordable ESD mat kit ESD gas station fire pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How to Send Consigned Material to Your CM 58:17

3 years ago58:17

58:17

Consigned material is material purchased and sent to the CM by you, the customer. From your CMs point of view, managing consigned material can sometimes be tricky, especially if the material does not arrive how they were expecting it to. Here are our recommendations on how you can send your consigned material that will make the process go as smoothly as possible. http://docs.circuithub.com/en/articles/62935-how-do-i-consign-parts-to-the-factory pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How to develop a PCBA functional test system w/ FixturFab 1:20:51

3 years ago1:20:51

1:20:51

In this episode, we are joined by Duncan Lowder and Joe Selvik, co-founders of FixturFab , to learn about how to develop a PCBA functional test system. FixturFab is a software design platform that uses generative Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technologies to automate the design process of PCBA Functional Test Fixtures. They can assist with Mechanical Fixture, the Test Instrumentation, and Test Software for both small prototype runs and mass production. Show links: FixturFab Blog Flying Probe Testers In-Circuit Tester Wire Bonding Machine Ingun Test Fixture pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Discussing the Global Electronics Parts Shortage w/ Digi-Key 47:25

4 years ago47:25

47:25

The current global electronics parts shortage is affecting all of us in this industry. We had the pleasure of chatting with Mike Rankins and Gary Shanahan, supply chain specialists at Digi-Key , to break down the details of the shortage from their perspective. We discuss how this parts shortage is different than those in the past, what is causing it, how Digi-Key is navigating it, and more. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Board Cleaning w/ Mike Konrad (part 2) 1:25:23

4 years ago1:25:23

1:25:23

In the second half of our conversation with Mike Konrad of Aqueous Technologies we talk all about how to implement a board cleaning process. If you're just tuning in we recommend that you listen to the first half of our conversation with Mike where we learn about the history of board cleaning and why board cleaning is useful, before listening to this one. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Board Cleaning w/ Mike Konrad (part 1) 44:29

4 years ago44:29

44:29

In this episode we are joined by Mike Konrad to chat about board cleaning. Mike founded Aqueous Technologies in 1992 in response to the Montreal Protocol and the resulting international treaty banning most popular cleaning/defluxing solvents. Their board cleaning equipment assists manufacturers with increasing product reliability while saving both water and energy, reducing the industry's environmental impact. In addition to being the president of Aqueous Tech, he is also a fellow podcaster and runs the Reliability Matters Podcast , which discusses reliability of circuit assemblies, reliability "best practices" and success stories. In the first part of this conversation we delve into 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. If you want to listen to us get into the nitty gritty details of how to implement a proper circuit board cleaning process, make sure to listen to the second half of this episode. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How to safely and successfully ship assembled PCBs w/ Nicole Poirier 53:13

4 years ago53:13

53:13

On this episode we are joined by Nicole Poirier who works in the receiving and shipping department at Worthington. She walks us through how we prepare the boards to leave our facility on their end journey to your doorstep. Although it might not seem like the most glamorous step of pcb assembly, we cover a lot of important topics including: Importance of using ESD packing materials. Different types of filler material Importance of packing slips Dealing with international shipments and customs Packing boards with weird board and/or part geometries pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
The PCB CAM Process w/ Dave Wilcox 1:33:04

4 years ago1:33:04

1:33:04

On this episode we have CircuitHub CAM engineer, Dave Wilcox, back on the show to walk us through the CAM process. -What is the CAM process all about? What is its purpose? -Dave briefly discusses how CAM used to be done "back in the day" -We go through the main steps of the CAM process. 1. Silkscreen 2. Soldermask 3. Copper 4. Drill 6. Route Have a pet peeve you'd like to get off your chest? We'd love to include it in the show! Want to get in touch? Email us at contact@pickplacepodcast.com or tweet us @CircuitHub or @WAssembly. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How Blue Robotics is enabling the next generation of ocean exploration robots w/ Rustom Jehangir 56:17

4 years ago56:17

56:17

What does a NASA JPL underwater vehicle that monitors methane bubbles in the arctic, robots that kill invasive species of starfish, and a robotics swan light show have in common? They are all examples that have used marine robotics components created by Blue Robotics. We're so excited to have CircuitHub customer, Rusty Jehangir, on the show. He shares his story of how an idea to send a solar powered robotic surfboard from Los Angeles to Hawaii transformed into a company that provides the world's most affordable high-performance ROV and marine robotics components. Learn more about Blue Robotics . pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
PCB Depaneling 39:15

4 years ago39:15

39:15

PCB Depaneling is the process of breaking the individual PCBs out of the panel that is used to assemble the boards and is typically one of the very last steps assembled circuit boards go through before they are shipped. Show Notes: First, what are panels and why do we use them? What factors dictate which panelization and breakout method is used? What types of depaneling methods can be used? What else happens during this step? Guide to V-Scoring Recommendations Consider how your product fits into its final location . Are there areas that must be dimensionally accurate? Consider using recessed tabs (mouse-bites) pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How sensors.AFRICA empowers citizens to fight against pollution w/ Jack McLeans 50:18

4 years ago50:18

50:18

Everyone deserves to live in an environment free of pollutants. This is something that today's guest is especially passionate about. On this episode we're joined by Jack McLeans to discuss sensors.AFRICA , a pan-African citizen science initiative that uses low-cost sensors to monitor air, water and sound pollution to give citizens actionable information about their cities. sensors.AFRICA is a project under Code for Africa, which is Africa’s Largest Civic Technology + Open Data + Data Journalism Initiative. The initiative is open source; if you're interested in learning more or contributing check out their GitHub page . pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Bare PCB Materials w/ Dave Wilcox 1:12:17

4 years ago1:12:17

1:12:17

In this episode Dave Wilcox, CAM engineer at CircuitHub , joins us again to educate us on bare printed circuit board materials....think prepreg, laminate etc. Show Notes: -FR4 is the most common, widely available PCB material. It is a woven glass cloth filled with epoxy resin the is bonded together to form sheets of prepreg and laminate -If a circuit board were a sandwich, the laminate is the bread and the prepreg is the filling. -We discuss differences in FR4 used for lead vs lead free process. -What does high TG and the different TG ratings mean? -We briefly touch on some more exotic materials. -The laminate comes in different thicknesses laminated with different copper weights that are used to build different stackups. -Copper foil is used on the outside and also come in different weights. -What does is mean to be UL approved and how to PCB fabs get UL approval? -Sometimes more sheets of prepreg are used to get greater resin content. -How do the different materials arrive at the PCB fab? -Pet peeves - the news and printers. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
The selective soldering process 58:16

5 years ago58:16

58:16

On today's episode we continue on with our technical subseries about the assembly process. We delve into selective soldering, which is used to solder through hold components onto boards. Show notes: -We answer a question from a listener about tomb stoning, why it is no longer as prevalent in pcb assembly today, and how to prevent it - https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/perfect-0201-footprint - https://www.worthingtonassembly.com/perfect-0402-footprint -Worthington uses selective soldering machines made by RPS Automation which is now ---Hentec Industries - https://rpsautomation.com/vector460/ -Need to see it to understand it. https://youtu.be/p-VImd2yW5s -Stages of selective soldering - we use 1. preheat 2. flux 3. solder -Advantages vs disadvantages of selective soldering -Design tips to make it go more smoothly pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
The importance of having different perspectives in engineering w/ Eli Hughes of Tzero Labs (Part 2) 54:26

5 years ago54:26

54:26

Welcome to the new year! This episode is a continuation of our conversation with Eli Hughes of Tzero . If you haven't checked out the first part , we recommend you do so first before listening to this episode. Show notes: - Without first building relationships, trust can't be established. -Even though engineers are dealing with highly technical problems, most have underpinning problems that aren't technical in nature. -Eli's episode on the Amp Hour . -Opinion: American chocolate is so much better than European/International chocolate. -Pet peeve: Fans saying that "we won" the game. -The importance of having diversity in gaining different perspectives. -Are women better at assembling circuit boards? -This is the best USB-C port . -Eli's contact info: Twitter - @emh203 / Email: eli.hughes@tzerolabs.com pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
How to build and manage a great team w/ Eli Hughes of Tzero Labs (Part 1) 1:07:59

5 years ago1:07:59

1:07:59

On this episode, we chat with a CircuitHub customer, Eli Hughes. He tells about how his work at the Penn State Applied Research Laboratory and background in acoustics led to the founding of Tzero Labs. We also have a great conversation with him about the importance of building strong relationships with both your teammates and suppliers. The trust that comes out of it will ultimately help everyone work through the mistakes that inevitably pop up during the manufacturing process. Show notes: -Chris discusses a unique, recent situation where Worthington was having difficulty placing a part even though the customer did everything correctly in designing their footprint. -We're talking to Eli Hughes, co-founder of Tzero Labs , which makes a real time fermentation monitoring system. -Eli talks about his perspective, as an engineer, of what happens when things in manufacturing go wrong and how he's tries to prevent those errors. -Eli: "While technical skills are important, understanding how to interact with other humans to build truly great organizations is the #1 key to success. Communication, curiosity and culture are of upmost importance in today's organizations. Get those three things right and groups of ordinary people can do extraordinary things." -When you build a relationship with people, the fact that you made a mistake isn't what you're worried about. -Founders of Tzero Labs came out of the Pennsylvania State Applied Research Laboratory (ARL) which is a U.S. Navy University Affiliated Research Center. -Eli discusses the story behind Tzero Labs was formed and what exactly their product does. -We touch on the importance of building trust in your business relationships. We had such a great time chatting with Eli that we ended up with nearly 3 hours of recording. The second half of our conversation will be coming out in the new year. Thank you to each and every one of you who tune into our show. It truly puts a smile on our face when we hear you tell us you've been enjoying it. We have a ton of content to talk about in 2021 and we can't wait! We hope everyone has a wonderful and safe holiday season! -Melissa and Chris pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for PCB Assembly 59:17

5 years ago59:17

59:17

In this episode we delve into the process of Automated Optical Inspection (AOI). We cover what details of the circuit board AOI looks at, what kinds of defects can be checked during AOI, and the differences and benefits of 2D AOI vs 3D AOI. Chris also goes into some misconceptions regarding AOI and how you can design your CircuitHub to make it go through the AOI process more seamlessly. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
An overview of bare PCB fabrication w/ Dave Wilcox 1:06:12

5 years ago1:06:12

1:06:12

Even though we talk a lot about PCB assembly on this show, one aspect of the process still remains a bit of a mystery to Chris and Melissa - the ins and out of the PCB fabrication process. On this episode are joined by Dave Wilcox, a CAM engineer at CircuitHub who has been working with PCBs for 32 years. Dave gives us a 10,000 ft level overview of the PCB fab process, using a simple, standard 1.6mm thick, 2-layer board as an example. He breaks it down into all the steps that have to take place in order to have a finished circuit board that is ready to be assembled: Engineering/CAM Drilling Print Outer layers Plating and Etching Solder Mask Surface finish - ENIG/HASL Silkscreen Routing As always if you have any questions for us (or Dave), you can email us at contact@pickplacepodcast.com or tweet us @CircuitHub or @WAssembly. pickplacepodcast.com…

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1
Reflow soldering 42:24

5 years ago42:24