6 Challenges in Medical Tech Manufacturing: Standards & Certs
More opportunity, more money … and more problems.
Flying Probe Testing 101
PCB design is tricky. Depending on how complex your project is -- or how much is at stake if something fails -- you may need top-end testing before launching your product.
What Is Turnkey PCB Assembly?
Turnkey assembly -- buzzwords or worth looking into?
Why an ISO 13485-Certified Manufacturer Is Vital for Medical Devices
Medical device companies looking for a PCB design and assembly partner have many important factors to consider, all with the end user’s well-being at risk. Finding an experienced, ISO 13485-certified manufacturer is one of the most important.
5 Medical PCB Assembly & Design Tips
The benefits of new technologies in health care are awesome. Developers are showing off some amazing ideas for medical devices. It’s no surprise that medical electronics companies are rushing to be at the forefront of tech.
Medical Device Electronics Design: Preventing Component Shortages
Obsolescence: A Pain in Medical Device Product Life Cycle Management
Medical device product life cycle management is a challenge at the best of times. When supply chains are disrupted (such as during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020), it becomes even harder.
These challenges are a way of life for any device that needs to go through an extensive certification process. Since medical equipment is as high-stakes as it gets, it undergoes a more extensive review than most.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can stay ahead of the curve.
Story of an American Electronics Manufacturer Pt. 3: The 1990s
(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.)
How to Achieve Zero Defects in Your Electronics Build: 8 Tips
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?
PCB Layout Design for Manufacturability: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
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.
Electronics Design Guide for Autonomous Vehicle PCBs
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.
Electronics Manufacturing Plant Security Procedures Your ECM Must Use
You probably take plenty of steps to protect intellectual property at your OEM. But what about the other guys handling your sensitive secrets?
3 Ways to Prep for Your High-Reliability Class 3 Electronics Project
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?”
Story of an American Electronics Manufacturer Pt. 2: The 1980s
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.
HDI PCBs For Medical Device Electronics Design
(Editors Note: This blog was originally published in November 2020 and was updated in August 2021 to reflect new information)
2021 Electronics Manufacturing Trade Shows You Don’t Want to Miss
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:
Story of an American Electronics Manufacturer Pt. 1: The 1970s
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.
Best PCB Substrate Types For Your Board
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:
How to Get Accurate PCB Quotes From an Electronics Contract Manufacturer
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.
Glossary: Terms Your Electronics Contract Manufacturer May Use
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.
What Is the ISO 14001 Standard for Electronics Manufacturing?
If you’re looking for an electronics contract manufacturer, what are the most important factors you consider? Is it the price or quality of the product? Maybe it’s Nadcap or AS9100 compliance.
How to Tell Tombstone Defects in PCBs ‘Rest in Peace’
Working with small circuit board areas can increase the risk of various PCB defects, tombstoning in particular.
INFOGRAPHIC: Conformal Coatings vs. Potting/Encapsulation
The electronics sector is one of the most dynamic industries, with virtually unlimited applications. This is why its growth is expected to remain steady in the coming years.
All You Need to Know About Rigid-Flex PCB Design Guidelines
Rigid-flex PCBs (printed circuit boards) combine the best traits of both rigid PCBs and flexible PCBs, making it easier for manufacturers to install PCBs in small spaces. The added flexibility enables manufacturers to maneuver boards precisely and with ease during installation.
Common Causes of PCB Failure
Printed circuit boards, or PCBs, are essentially the lifeblood of the devices we use every day. Cellphones, TVs, cars, street lights and so many other devices rely on PCBs, which is why it can be extremely disruptive when one fails.
