Multilayer PCB fabrication is some sort of very sophisticated process especially when many layers are involved on a small measurement panel. As the gadgets are getting small together with smaller - determined simply by the ergonomics features that this consumer expects - we are required to fit additional elements per square inches than in the past. Circuit construction will become a problem. Although by means of using modern computer system software program it is relatively simple to design a good electronic system and print it by means of advanced etching techniques, it's when the layers have to add up that many of us can be faced together with issues.
If the copper sheets are not aligned perfectly, the whole system will fail to work because the current won't flow between the sheets or the wrong points will come into contact. The circuit will malfunction, reducing all the design effort to nothing.
Earlier the manufacturers of multilayer PCB used mechanical contact methods to align layers. Now it is much more easier. With imaging systems it is possible to use cameras to align the layers top to bottom and if imprecision is detected, they can be positioned in order to fit properly.
Many manufacturers are gradually adopting the so called Perfect Test system to achieve a top precision layer alignment. It determines the actual position of each inner sheet to 0.001 inch accuracy. By testing a certain number of prototype printed circuit boards, the test system determines the average design clearance between the pattern and holes that connect the sheets. The results are processed and then when you start the actual production process, the system will have calculated the best alignment and give you high precision multilayer PCB products that you'll be proud of.
Getting the prototype spot on is a huge step towards a superior product. Unfortunately, many manufacturers try to get through this important stage of production as quickly as possible. The aforementioned methods are not cheap but they are essential.
Each electronics company starting out or trying to improve their quality control has to consider what to use to make sure their product stands out. The competition in electronics sector is fierce and in the long run the best quality always wins.
Using copper clad boards is one of the most cost effective ways to create hobby or prototype printed circuit boards (PCB). A copper clad board is a laminate of non conductive substrate (often fiberglass and epoxy) and copper, that is used to create printed circuit board tracks that connect components of a circuit soldered to it. They are quite cheap, and they can be made into professional looking boards with simple household materials.
Cheap: Creating your board from a copper clad is most often cheaper than ordering a prototype batch from a manufacturer, since they often charge a setup fee or base price, which when buying a large volume isn't a problem since it represents a small percentage of the overall order, but when buying one or two boards it can be as much as ten times the cost of a copper clad, plus shipping.
Fast: Ordering from a manufacturer can take a long time.
Cheap PCB Prototype are shipped in five to six days for the basic shipping option, but if you need a board fast you can expect to pay quite a lot more, and it still takes two or three days to arrive. Making a board from a copper clad is very fast, specially if you already have the materials needed at home or in the lab.
Customizable: Developing your own copper clad boards has the great advantage of creating custom shapes and sizes, thing that most manufacturers can't (or won't) do, or will charge exorbitant fees. This gives you the flexibility to make your circuits fit into odd shapes, or making really small boards.