Circuit Boards Make the World Go 'Round

 Just about everything is powered by circuit boards nowadays: iPhones, laptops, clock radios and even toasters. Manufacturers of consumer products (and plenty of non-consumer products as well) design circuit boards that make their products work just as they should. Then, they send their designs to external circuit board manufacturers who turn drawings into finished products.

What are Circuit Boards Made Of?

If you've ever looked at a circuit board, you probably noticed that it was green and lots of little gizmos all over it. Those gizmos are switches, transistors, capacitors and resistors. They all have different jobs -- for a more detailed and scientific explanation, you'll have to talk to an electrical engineer. You'll also notice lines that connect the gizmos and little holes which are called vias. (Again, for a more scientific explanation, consult your local, friendly engineer!)

How are Circuit Boards Made?

The process of manufacturing a circuit board involves several steps, including:

• Silk screen printing
• Photoengraving
• PCB milling
• Laser resist ablation

And that's just the very first stage of manufacturing! Next time you crack open an electronic device and take note of those little green boards, take a minute to stop and think about the sheer amount of work that goes into them!

Circuit Board Manufacturers

SAE Circuits is a Colorado-based circuit board manufacturer. The company has more than 35 years of experience and offers fast turn around times; their standard turnaround time is 10 days, but for customers who need orders filled fast, SAE offers 2-, 3- and 4- day turnarounds.  

Photo credit: docoverachiever / Foter / CC BY