As the year-end holidays inch closer and closer, relief from the global chip shortage seems to be inching further and further away. As demand continues to rise for consumer electronics, chip-heavy vehicles, and smart appliances, semiconductor manufacturers across the globe are continuing to feel the pressure.
(Editor’s note: This is part 3 of a six-part series on the history of Matric Group, from a $20 investment in 1971 to a $60+ million business today.)
There are many areas in life where accepting mistakes as inevitable is a good thing -- electronics manufacturing is not one of them. The end goal should always be to complete a production run with zero defects. While it may not be possible every time, it’s certainly the mindset you want your contract manufacturer to have.
So, how can you handle business on your end to make sure no defects exist in your electronics build?
Optimizing PCB layout design for manufacturability is one of the most crucial aspects of your product’s development process. Key decisions made during the design stage often have a tremendous impact on the cost and success of your product’s manufacturing and production.
Whether you’re in the electronics, healthcare, or manufacturing industry, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the hodgepodge of standards regarding PCB design. And that’s why it’s crucial to choose an electronic contract manufacturer that follows the IPC standards for PCB design.
With a practically worldwide push toward environmental responsibility, more companies are choosing to -- or have no choice but to -- demonstrate that they’re reducing their environmental footprint. Many original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) are starting to realize the importance of having ISO-certified electronics manufacturers in their supply chains.
Toughness in the military cuts across the board. It's not just the tough personnel, but also the electronics and the computers used in the field. Of course, that means that the printed circuit boards (PCB) used in the defense sector need to be tough as nails.
For companies that buy and sell products for use in a potentially explosive atmosphere, a roadmap of guidelines isn’t just helpful -- it’s also a must-have.
Sometimes, even the best technology in the world isn’t the right fit for the job. Simply put, time and volume matter.
A report in 2020 estimated that one in every 10 vehicles globally will be self-driving by 2030. Driverless cars come with several benefits, including improved business efficiencies and reduced road crashes, emissions, and congestion.
You probably take plenty of steps to protect intellectual property at your OEM. But what about the other guys handling your sensitive secrets?
You’re an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in need of an electronics contract manufacturer (ECM) to supply circuit boards for a product you haven’t built before. One of the first questions you need to ask is: “Should the boards meet Class 2 or Class 3 electronics standards?”
As we continue the countdown to Matric's 50th anniversary, let's recap so far the 1970s and how it all started. In part one of this series, we discussed how a shared passion for Ham Radios led two electrical engineers turned vo-tech teachers, Lee Richey and Andy Maitland, to open a new business that designed, manufactured, and repaired electronic devices.
(Editors Note: This blog was originally published in November 2020 and was updated in August 2021 to reflect new information)
It’s February 2021, you and your family are sitting around the TV watching the Mars Rover craft touch down on the surface of Mars using components you helped create. That's how life could be if you worked in electronics manufacturing
Even in our vastly internet-dominated world, nothing has quite replicated the impact of a face-to-face discussion with vendors and fellow engineers. Electronics manufacturing trade shows are valued for their inherent ability to establish a relationship and answer questions in ways you simply cannot achieve via email or over the phone
Electronic contract manufacturers use these shows to break ground with engineers and purchasers in a variety of fields. Matric Group will be attending several "in person" trade shows this year. We have listed our booth numbers so be sure to stop by!
Let’s take a look at some of the best electronics manufacturing expos out there for you to start meeting great new partners and vendors in the next year:
The year is 1971. Carole King's' hit single "I Feel The Earth Move" is playing through a Plymouth Volare as two electrical engineers/teachers enter a vo-tech school in Oil City, Pa. It is there that Lee Richey and Andy Maitland will meet and form Matric Limited.
The two teachers were electrical engineers and graduates of DeVry Technical Institute but would not meet one another until their teaching stints in Oil City.
With their classrooms side-by-side, they found they shared a passion for ham radios, and before long, they opened a small design and repair shop in Andy's mothers' basement.
In every facet of modern life, we're surrounded by electronic devices, all of which are powered by printed circuit boards (PCBs). With so many devices constantly emitting electronic signals in close quarters, the question of electromagnetic interference becomes a crucial one.
What do quality, efficiency, and a high passing yield rate have in common? Meticulous inspection.
Telecommunications PCBs (printed circuit boards) are a different breed. As you'd expect, you’ll need to reconsider everything you thought you knew about PCB layout and design to cater to this fast-moving industry.
Most often, the foundation, or base, of a printed circuit board (PCB) consists of a substrate and laminate. Different PCB laminate and substrate types determine how the PCB will perform. So, selecting the right types of PCB material for the intended purposes is critical to achieving the best possible:
When outsourcing your printed circuit board (PCB), electronics box build, or cable assembly to an electronics contract manufacturer, you expect a fast, accurate quote up front. It’s in the best interest of both OEM and manufacturer to prioritize accuracy from the beginning.
With the European Union (EU) working toward new strategies to cut down on hazardous chemicals within the electronics manufacturing industry, the rest of the world is looking on and taking note.
Today a growing number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) outsource some of their work to electronics contract manufacturers (ECMs). The ECMs are crucial partners when bringing your product to the market. However, while there are plenty of electronic manufacturing companies to choose from, not all are equal.
Selecting the ideal one can ensure a smooth manufacturing journey from design to aftermarket support. But, how will you ensure that you are partnering up with the right ECMs that you can truly put your trust in?
We ‘ve come up with a list of equipment your partner should have, plus other factors to guide your outsourcing process.
When talking with salespeople, design engineers, and other contacts within an electronic contract manufacturer, you may hear a lot of terms thrown about. Many of them -- often turned into acronyms are said with the assumption that you know what they mean.
For engineers and especially purchasers, this can be a pain -- especially if you’re trying to read design recommendations, testing results, or that quote you requested.
Do you work for an original equipment manufacturer or OEM? Chances are you’ve crossed paths with a...
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