A prototype is basically a result of the electronic development process and it is an essential part of designing and developing a printed circuit board. Electronic manufacturers make prototypes by taking a concept existing on paper and bringing it into physical form. It is hard to know exactly how an electronic product like printed circuit board will react to user input and it is therefore important to first design a prototype to know that. With the help of a prototype, electronic manufacturers are able to figure out how the PCBA will reach and what changes need to be made. A prototype is like a tool in the development process of PCBA ’s. It allows electronic manufacturers to understand the complex interaction between the user and device.
Converting printed circuit boards from the primary concept and designing phase to the production process sometimes requires the construction of prototypes.
When electronic manufacturers are designing a product, there are different types of prototypes made. The first question they ask themselves is that what type of PCBA prototype do they need? Is it to check the functionality of the product or is it for getting it ready for manufacturing? There are some different types of prototype, but electronic manufacturers are looking for presentation prototypes. It is basically a presentation prototype that is a working representation of how the end PCBA will look like. It also demonstrates how the working of the gadget will be done.
Electronic manufacturers need to pay a lot of attention when the PCBA is in the prototype stage. To make that happen, complete resources of modern electronic manufacturing facility are used by them. This will result in high quality prototype boards. The prototypes are made using the same equipment as to make the final circuit boards.
For designing and making prototypes of printed circuit boards, electronic manufacturers use tools like 3D printers so that they can come up with practical and efficient prototypes for electronic assemblies. Following are some of the electronic prototyping tools used by electronic manufacturers:
- Coil winding
- Vision systems
- Manual IC programming
- Small stencils
- Hot air soldering
Mechanical prototype tools include:
- 3D printer
- Small injection molding machine
- Lathe for turning pins and other similar jobs
- CO2 laser for the purpose of cutting plastic
- Tools for folding aluminum or steel
During the development stage of printed circuit boards, a number of different prototypes are produced by electronic manufacturers. They are usually made by hand and then tested later. After that, these prototypes are sent to different people to gather feedback and identify any bugs which may be present. For making printed circuit boards, prototypes are very important because they allow the electronic manufacturers to understand the problems and come up with necessary solutions.
After going through testing and authentication, this prototype is considered to be a sample which is then used to create other printed circuit boards. The electronic manufacturers use this prototype to set a benchmark for other PCBA’s.
Electronic manufacturers may design more than one prototype. One can be designed at the initial stage while the other can be designed at some later time. It is understood that if the initial stage prototype doesn’t work out, then another one is created. However, if the initial stage prototype has no problems, then it is used as a sample or benchmark.
At Giltronics Associates our design team would like to partner up with you on new and existing projects to cut your manufacturing cost in the printed circuit board and electronics assembly. Our engineering team can design in new cost cutting materials and enhance the electronics to overcome your competitors. Don’t wait give us a try. Contact Giltronics Associates design team today!