Introduction
When it comes to manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs), two common techniques used are edge plating and panel plating. Both techniques have their advantages and disadvantages, and it can be difficult to tell which one is best for a particular application. In this blog post, we'll be comparing edge plating and panel plating in terms of their cost, time, quality, and design factors.
Cost
In terms of cost, panel plating tends to be the more cost-effective option as it allows for multiple PCBs to be produced simultaneously. Edge plating, on the other hand, requires groups of PCBs to be processed individually, which can result in higher manufacturing costs.
Time
When it comes to manufacturing time, edge plating tends to be faster as the process can be done separately for each PCB. Panel plating, on the other hand, requires several PCBs to be processed together, which can increase the manufacturing time.
Quality
In terms of quality, both techniques can produce high-quality PCBs. However, it is important to note that edge plating can be prone to issues such as copper adhesion due to the small surface area. Panel plating, on the other hand, can result in uneven plating around the edges of the PCBs.
Design factors
There are several design factors that need to be considered when choosing between edge plating and panel plating. For example, edge plating allows for more flexible design options as it allows for copper conductors to be placed closer to the board's edge. Panel plating, on the other hand, allows for better utilization of space as several PCBs can be produced on a single panel.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both edge plating and panel plating have their advantages and disadvantages. Edge plating tends to be faster and allows for more flexible design options, while panel plating tends to be more cost-effective and allows for better space utilization. It ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the application to determine which technique is best suited.
References
- Rocket PCB. (2021). The difference between edge plating and panel plating. www.rocket-pcb.com/the-difference-between-edge-plating-and-panel-plating.
- Sierra Circuits. (2021). Edge plating or panel plating? Which is right for your PCBs? www.protoexpress.com/blog/edge-plating-or-panel-plating-which-is-right-for-your-pcbs.