Your Trustworthy Through Hole PCB Assembly Manufacturer

PCBMay- The Ultimate Supplier of Through Hole PCB Assembly

PCBMay is a well-known supplier of through-hole PCB assembly in China. We can provide a well-manufactured through-hole printed circuit board assembly to ensure its superior quality. Here you’ll get the most outstanding through-hole PCB assembly.

PCBMay through-hole technology (also spelled “thru-hole”) is the installation scheme used for electronic components that utilize leads inserted into drilled holes on printed circuit boards (PCB) and soldered to pads on the opposite side either by hand or with automated insertion mount machines.

This PCBMay through-hole PCB assembly has benefits such as:

• Increased physical connectivity – component leads run throughout the board instead of secured to the board’s surface, as with SMT components.
• More-reliable prototyping- Through-hole components are easily replaceable; more challenging to heat (better heat tolerance) means THT is a good choice for military and aerospace products,
• Power handling capability – Through-hole soldering is better suited for more significant components that undergo high power, high voltage, and mechanical stress.

With the help of our skilled engineers, we are confident that we can deliver the best through-hole PCB assembly that you wanted. PCBMay is your one-stop solution for through-hole PCB assembly. We offer layouts and designs to come up with your ideas, we are open for discussion about it, and we are patiently tackle everything for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us we are so delighted to answer all your questions.

PCBMay has an expert engineer and technical team to accommodate all your request. To help you provide professional advice regarding through-hole PCB assembly and other related products during the procedure like the designs, ideas to conserve your time and money. No need for you to find another supplier because PCBMay is all you need.

Be our partners now! We have a lot to offer you. Aside from the skilled engineers, we have our advanced technology to manufacture your through-hole PCB assembly. We are also ISO certified and UL US and Canada approved.

What are you waiting for? Contact us now.

Through Hole PCB Assembly: The Ultimate FAQ Guide

Are you worried about the durability of your PCB-driven devices?

Through-hole PCB assembly is the ultimate choice to take care of this problem. This assembly enables electric circuits to endure extreme types of stress. The immense benefits of through-hole PCB assembly make it supremely effective in prototype PCB productions.

But, do you have a sufficient idea about through-hole PCB assembly? If not, don’t get nervous. PCBMay is the most reliable manufacturer of PCB through-hole technology. This FAQ guide will let you know the ins and outs of through-hole PCB assembly. Let’s start with us.

What Is Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Through-hole PCB assembly is conducted through THT(Through-Hole Technology). Here, through-board components with leads are inserted into the PCB surface via drilled holes. These leads are soldered manually or by using the wave soldering method.

Through-hole PCB assembly is highly applicable where impressive robustness is required. This process allows the leads to go through the PCB holes. That’s why PCB can put up with huge mechanical and thermal stress.

Through-hole PCB Assembly

Besides, THT promotes layer bonding of PCBs. This technology can resist corrosion, high acceleration, etc. So, electronic devices which incorporate through-hole PCB assembly render their service for a long time.

What Are The Advantages Of Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Through-hole PCB assembly offers numerous advantages in versatile applications. So, it has become the leading method of PCB assembly nowadays.

The most noteworthy benefits of through-hole PCB assembly are explained here for you.

High Durability

Through-hole PCB assembly provides a higher resistance in opposition to mechanical pressure. It makes the attachment between PCB layers strong. This property obstructs the breakage of electric circuits.

Highly Durable Through-hole PCB Assembly

Again, thorough-hole components like chip capacitors don’t get affected by vibration because of having lead wires. That’s why through-hole PCB components are highly durable.

Thermal resistivity

Effective temperature resistance is another advantage of through-hole PCB assembly. Through-hole PCB components operate in a wide range of temperatures. But, they don’t compromise the performance of through-hole PCB assembly.

Longevity

The components used in through-hole PCB assembly last for a long period. They can function amidst the extreme thermal state, stress, etc with great efficiency. So, through-hole PCB assembly provides superior longevity.

Functionality

Through-hole PCB assembly renders commendable functionality. Here, through-hole PCB components can be interchanged easily. So they are compatible with PCB prototype applications. You can test these components without any complications.

Through-hole PCB assembly is highly applicable in the aerospace industry and defense technology due to its high robustness. It also resists the frictional loss of through-hole PCB components. All of these properties enhance the functionality of through-hole PCB assembly

High Power

Through-hole PCB components operate at high power levels. That’s why solder joints can carry high current loads in through-hole PCB assembly.

Hybrid

The components used in through-hole PCB assembly combine through-hole pins and SMPs(Surface Mount Pads). Such as the mounting pins of the connectors are through-hole where the signal pins are surface mount.

The amalgamation of these impressive advantages turns through-hole PCB assembly into a widely used process.

What Are The Disadvantages Of Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Despite having tremendous benefits, through-hole PCB assembly also has some limitations. Such as:

• The drilling of holes in through-hole PCB assembly is costly and lengthy.
• The rate of component placement is low.
• Manual soldering lacks the reliability of through-hole PCB assembly.

You can lessen these disadvantages if you choose the best manufacturer for through-hole PCB assembly. Contact us to experience the excellence of PCB with through-hole PCB assembly.

Effective Through-hole PCB Assembly

What Are The Components Of Through Hole PCB Assembly?

The components of through-hole PCB assembly are the best choice to ensure a  powerful layer connection in PCB. These components are extremely durable. They are the key factor behind the immense application of through-hole PCB assembly.

Through-hole PCB Assembly Components

Here, The components of through-hole PCB assembly are enlisted for your convenience.

• Resistors
• Diodes
• Inductors
• Capacitors
• Transistors
• Relays
• MOSFET(Metal Oxide Field Effect Transistor)
• Switch
• Connectors
• IC

These components are classified into two categories. One is radial lead components and the other is axial lead components. Both of these types of components are highly effective in reliable through-hole PCB assembly.

What Are Radial Lead Components In Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Radial lead components in through-hole PCB assembly are placed vertically on the PCB surface. They cover a small portion of PCB. Radial lead components always maintain a  fixed distance.

Versatile capacitors like ceramic capacitors, electrolytic capacitors, LDRs, VDRs, transistors, connectors, etc are some of the radial lead components of through-hole PCB assembly.

Radial Lead components Of Through-hole PCB Assembly

Radial lead components are compatible with high-density PCB projects and high-speed automated applications. They promote the portability and flexibility of electric circuits in through-hole PCB assembly.

What Are Axial Lead Components In Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Axial lead components in through-hole PCB assembly contain lead. Here, leads come through each terminal of cylindrical-shaped components. Axial lead components refer to the flexibility of lead distance in through-hole PCB assembly.

Axial Lead Components Of Through-hole PCB Assembly

The two lead ends of axial lead components undergo the drilled holes on PCB. So, these components remain flat and close to the PCB surface. Carbon film resistors, rectifier diodes, axial lead capacitors are some notable axial lead components used in through-hole PCB assembly.

What Techniques Are Applied In Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Applying the most effective technique in through-hole PCB assembly is very important. There are two most applicable assembly techniques available for through-hole PCB assembly.

• Manual through-hole PCB assembly
• Automated through-hole PCB assembly

You have to choose your required technique concerning the application type, production scale, cost, time length, efficiency, and so on. You have an opportunity of doing a mash-up between these two techniques.

This is called the mixed through-hole PCB assembly technology. We provide a worthwhile through-hole PCB assembly by applying the best technique required for your PCB projects.

What Is Manual Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Manual through-hole PCB assembly is a  common technique for PCB assembly. Here, you have to place the through-hole components on the PCB surface and solder them. You can easily perform these tasks manually.

Again, you can replace through-hole PCB components efficiently. through-hole PCB assembly consists of some consecutive steps. You need to deliver the PCB to another section to perform the next step.

The manual technique is effective for small-scale PCB production. This is actually a designer-dependent assembly technique. The designer uses tweezers to pick and place through-hole components.

Manual Through-hole PCB Assembly

The performance testing of manual through-hole PCB assembly is very lengthy. There is a higher chance of inaccuracy. Again, manual through-hole PCB assembly delays your production in the case of soldering problems.

But, this technique saves your money. Despite having some drawbacks, the manual technique is applied in through-hole PCB assembly. Watch the following video:

What Is Automated Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Automated through-hole PCB assembly is the most reliable technique for PCB. You can be free from the sufferings of time delay, poor production value, etc. Here the placement of components, soldering, inspection, etc are conducted without any human input.

This technique is more reliable than manual through-hole PCB assembly. You can apply automated through-hole PCB assembly in both small and large-scale PCB productions. You can get better performance from your devices through automated through-hole PCB assembly.

Automated Through-hole PCB Assembly

There are so many effective automated testing methods available. Such as automated optical inspection, X-ray inspection, etc. These inspections take less time to identify defects and provide higher accuracy.

Automated through-hole PCB assembly is costly. So, it has fewer uses in low-volume PCB applications.

Through-hole Vs SMT – Which One Is Better?

Through-hole and surface mount PCB assembly are two classic assembly processes nowadays. through-hole PCB assembly is superior to SMT in versatile aspects.

Through-hole VS SMT

The significant factors which differentiate through-hole PCB assembly and SMT are explained here.

• Through-hole PCB assembly delivers higher durability than surface mount technology. Through-hole components and PCB have a strong bond due to wave soldering.
• Through-hole PCB assembly is applicable in high power load components like electrolytic capacitors, connectors, transformers, etc. Its outstanding stress tolerance makes it more usable in the military and aerospace industries.
• The resistance against corrosion is high in the case of through-hole PCB assembly. Its acceleration tolerance is also high. SMT PCB assembly suffers from high frictional damage.
• Through-hole PCB components are easier to swap compared to SMT. That’s why you can easily inspect through-hole PCB assembly. This property helps to ensure hassle-free PCB manufacturing.

But, if you think about cost and high reliability, SMT PCB assembly renders better performance than through-hole PCB assembly.

What Equipments Are Used In Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Through-hole PCB assembly consists of multiple steps. Each step requires specific types of equipment to operate the assembly. Now, have a  look at the necessary equipment used in different steps of through-hole PCB assembly.

Using solder paste

This is usually the first step of through-hole PCB assembly. You need to apply solder paste on the PCB surface to attach the components properly. Here, you need to use the following machines-

• Solder paste printing machine
• Solder paste inspection machine.

These types of equipment make the paste application perfect.

Placement of components

In through-hole PCB assembly, components placing is a crucial subject. In this phase, a machine is used to put dots of glue on PCB. You need to place the components in those locations.

Through-hole PCB Assembly Equipments

Besides, a pick and place machine places the through-hole components on the specific spots of PCB.

Soldering

Through-hole PCB assembly uses a wave soldering machine to weld the PCB surface. This machine supplies a solder wave to weld the through-hole components lead on the other side of PCB.

Inspection

This step is the last but not the least. A proper inspection ensures a top-class through-hole PCB assembly. Usually, automated optical inspection is conducted through an AOI machine.

Besides, a special X-ray machine is used to conduct automated x-ray inspection.

What Are The Processes Of Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Through-hole PCB Assembly is a combination of several processes. You have to go through some important steps to make sure a perfect through-hole PCB Assembly.

Now, the required steps of the through-hole PCB Assembly process are-

• Prepare the bare PCB by applying solder paste to it.
• Place the through-hole components on the PCB.
• Soldering the components manually or by using the wave solder machine.
• Identify the faults through some reliable testing methods and correct them.
• Clean the PCB surface
• Separate the PCB panels.

These are the required processes of through-hole PCB Assembly.

What Information Do You Need Before Ordering Through Hole PCB Assembly?

You need to know the minimum information before ordering through-hole PCB assembly properly. Are you aware of that? Don’t worry. We are here to let you know the required information to order an effective through-hole PCB assembly.

Gerber Files

Gerber files are a sum of 2D images of through-hole PCB. This file contains PCB trace width, pads, vias of each layer. You need to know some information about Gerber files.

 Gerber File In Through Hole PCB Assembly

Such as:

• Is it loading in the Gerber viewer?
• Are the PCB layers aligned properly?
• Is the trace width correct?

Centroid File

This file maintains the proper picking and placing of through-hole components.

Drill File

You get the information about the hole’s location and size from this file.

Board Outline

You need to be aware of the PCB outline and the placement of components from the board outline.

Components

It is very crucial to check the availability of the required components before ordering through-hole PCB assembly.

If you have all of these details, you can order through-hole PCB assembly now.

What Is The Preparational Process Of Through Hole PCB Assembly Soldering?

In through-hole PCB assembly, you need to make some preparations before soldering. Here, the preparational process includes-

• Gather the required soldering materials. Such as desolder tools, microscopes, wipes, etc.
• Select the proper iron for soldering.
• Clean the PCB without damaging any component or part of the PCB.
• Eliminate the unnecessary solder. Additional solder causes complications during placing the through-hole components.

Through-hole PCB Assembly Soldering Preparation

How To Apply Soldering In The PCB With A Through Hole PCB Assembly?

You can apply two popular soldering methods in PCB with a through-hole PCB assembly. They are-

• Wave Soldering
• Through Hole Reflow(THR) Soldering

Let’s have a look at the explanation of these solderings.

Wave Soldering

This soldering technology has the widest uses. Here, through-hole components with leads go through the holes on PCB. A wave is applied on the opposite side of the PCB surface at a high temperature. This soldering wave creates a plate on that portion.

The PCB portion out of soldering should be enfolded with a protective mask. Otherwise, undesired welding at some portions of the PCB surface may occur.

Through-hole PCB Assembly Wave Soldering

Wave soldering is cheaper compared to other soldering methods in through-hole PCB assembly. This is compatible with both small-scale and large-scale productions.

Watch this video on wave soldering:

THR Soldering

In through-hole reflow soldering, solder paste is applied to the holes. You need to control the temperature to melt this solder paste properly. It melts at more than 100⁰C and fills the PCB surface perfectly.

A proper connection is established between through-hole PCB components when the temperature decreases. THR soldering ensures high mechanical balance in through-hole PCB assembly.

But, it costs more than wave soldering. THR soldering is not reliable for low-volume through-hole PCB assembly.

What Are The Applications Of Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Through-hole PCB assembly has immense application in various industries. Its supreme reliability makes it a widely used assembly technology for PCB manufacturing.

Here, some notable applications of through-hole PCB assembly are included for you.

Defense Industry

The pieces of equipment used in defense technology like military sectors require strong robustness. Again, corrosion is a big issue in this industry. Through-hole PCB assembly provides tremendous durability which makes it the best choice in the defense industry.

Widely Used Through-hole PCB Assembly

Aerospace Industry

through-hole PCB assembly can tolerate high rotational acceleration. Besides, this is useful to resist friction to a large extent. That’s why the aerospace industry utilizes through-hole PCB components for their versatile applications.

Prototype Circuits

through-hole PCB assembly is simple to operate and swap. This property makes through-hole components compatible with prototype PCB assembly. Since PCB is the base of electric circuits, various electric devices incorporate through-hole PCB assembly for longevity and excellent performance.

Besides, you will find through-hole PCB assembly in medical equipment, automotive devices, etc.

Can You Test Through Hole PCB Assembly?

To experience the best performance from electronic devices, you need to conduct some tests for through-hole PCB assembly. A reliable testing procedure ensures the faultless assembly of through-hole PCB.

Here, the most worthwhile inspection methods are explained for your convenience.

Automated Optical Inspection(AOI)

This test is operated through an AOI machine. This machine is incorporated with high-quality cameras to capture images of through-hole PCB assembly. Then, these images are compared with the ideal through-hole PCB.

Automated optical inspection is compatible with prototypes and high-volume through-hole PCB assembly. This test never kills extra time. You can find out the defects of through-hole PCB assembly efficiently.

Automated X-ray Inspection(AXI)

Here, the penetration and scanning capabilities of X-rays are applied to identify fault solder connections.  It also checks any kind of conflicting feature of through-hole PCB assembly.

Through-hole PCB Assembly Testing

This test is a little bit costly. You need to wait some time to get the result of the through-hole PCB assembly inspection.

Electrical Testing  

Through-hole PCB assembly must need to pass the electrical test. It verifies the functionality of a through-hole PCB. In this case, the inspector should maintain the ambient atmosphere similar to the operating environment of PCB.

Then, a specific current is supplied to the through-hole PCB. The inspector of this test checks different endpoints, solder joints, etc with a tester. If any type of fault is found, you need to resolve that.

Except for these, you can conduct a visual inspection to verify the performance of through-hole PCB assembly.

What Is The Cost Of Through Hole PCB Assembly?

Through-hole PCB assembly is cost-effective. You need to apply drilled holes on the PCB surface. This process increases the cost of through-hole PCB assembly.

Cost-effective Through-hole PCB Assembly

But, this assembly process provides great robustness to the circuits. Thus, your electric devices get commendable longevity. That means through-hole PCB assembly trade-off between performance with apparent high cost.

We are providing a cost-effective PCB assembly service. Contact us to experience the effectiveness of through-hole PCB assembly now at an affordable rate.

How To Choose A Through Hole PCB Assembly Manufacturer?

The most crucial thing to ensure the high-quality performance of PCB is to choose a through-hole PCB assembly manufacturer. You need to follow some steps to find out the best manufacturer for through-hole PCB assembly.

Long Experience

First and foremost, you need to choose a manufacturer having huge experience in through-hole PCB assembly. You can check the following important information from its website-

• The operating period of the manufacturer
• Through-hole PCB assembly service providing time
• Production volume
• Its manufactured products
• Customer review

If these factors are impressive, you can keep the manufacturer in your choice.

Quality Of Assembly

You have to give optimum priority to the quality of through-hole PCB assembly. Through-hole PCB must be IPC class 2 or class 3 standard. To assure this high standard, the manufacturer must supply top-quality pieces of equipment.

Again, a through-hole PCB assembly service provider should have certifications from some reliable organizations like RoHS, ISO, etc. You need to check that the manufacturer has sufficient storage of raw materials.

Cost

A trustworthy manufacturer should provide an affordable rate for through-hole PCB assembly. You should verify the cost concerning the components, production volume, etc.

Customer Service

Through-hole PCB manufacturers must render 7/24  hours of sales and technical support. It should have a skilled group of technicians for giving instant service. Besides, You have to look after the warranty policy of the through-hole PCB manufacturer.

We have been providing superior quality through-hole PCB of IPC class 2 standard for more than 15 years. We also have ISO certification. So, contact us to enjoy the benefits of through-hole PCB assembly.

Conclusion

through-hole PCB assembly is the best process to make your electric circuits durable. Immense positive sides enhance its uses in different sectors where the robustness of PCB is a must. through-hole PCB assembly lifts the reliability of  THT PCB manufacturing.

PCBmay is the leading manufacturer of through-hole PCB. We have tried to cover each corner of the through-hole PCB assembly. We hope this FAQ guide will help you to choose the best PCB assembly. If you have any queries about through-hole PCB assembly, contact us.