Various industries are increasingly adopting LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) for lighting applications. These solid-state lighting devices efficiently convert electricity into light when current passes through the semiconductor junctions of the LEDs. Compared to traditional light bulbs, LEDs are far more efficient, converting over 80% of the input energy into light. They also have a longer lifespan than most other light bulbs. Their small size and environmental friendliness make them even more advantageous.
At Stream PCB, we specialize in LED PCBs (Printed Circuit Boards) designed specifically for mounting LEDs. Our LED PCBs are thin boards that provide physical support for the LEDs and effectively transfer heat away from the bulbs. These boards enhance the performance of the LEDs mounted on them while preventing potential damage.
Our LED PCBs, also known as MCPCBs or Metal Core PCBs, have significantly advanced the LED industry. They play a key role in improving the lifespan and performance of LEDs.
While LEDs are highly efficient in converting electricity into light, they generate heat when operating at high power. If this heat is not managed properly, it can lead to thermal runaway, damaging the LED. The metal core in the LED PCB helps distribute the heat effectively, preventing this issue.
Industries that use LEDs often prefer metal-core LED PCBs because the metal core has superior heat dissipation capabilities, allowing the LEDs to stay within their optimal temperature range. Aluminum is typically used as the metal core for LED PCBs due to its excellent performance and cost-efficiency.
Aluminum is widely available and relatively easy to mine and refine, making it more cost-effective than other metals. It serves as a cheaper alternative to methods like heat sinks for transferring heat, which helps reduce the overall cost of producing LED PCBs.
Aluminum is non-toxic and recyclable, which helps reduce the environmental impact of producing LED PCBs. Its recyclability reduces the carbon footprint, and it is easier and safer to dispose of once the LED PCB reaches the end of its life.
The aluminum backing enhances the durability of fiberglass or ceramic PCBs, making them more resistant to damage during manufacturing, assembly, and use. This added durability makes aluminum-backed LED PCBs suitable for harsher environments.
Aluminum is lighter than other metals like copper or stainless steel, making it easier and cheaper to handle and ship LED PCBs. This lightweight characteristic, combined with its reliability and robustness, makes aluminum LED boards ideal for applications in vehicles and aerospace.
At Stream PCB, we primarily use SMD (Surface Mount Device) LEDs or COB (Chip-on-Board) LEDs for most of our LED PCBs. We mount SMD LEDs on the surface of the board along with other components, while COB LEDs are arranged in a pattern and directly bonded to the PCB.
Assembling an LED PCB involves mounting all the necessary electronic components, including LEDs, onto the board.
For SMD LEDs, we follow these steps:
Through-hole assembly involves passing component leads through holes in the PCB and soldering them onto copper pads. Although this provides stronger and more durable connections, it is less commonly used today compared to SMD LEDs.
If you want to fully capitalize on the advantages of LED PCBs, look no further than Stream PCB. With decades of experience in fabricating and assembling LED PCBs, we have the expertise and equipment necessary to ensure optimal performance for your LED projects. LEDs are sensitive to temperature, and they require intricate circuit designs for compensation. At Stream PCB, we specialize in creating high-quality LED PCBs, leveraging our years of experience to support your LED project needs
LED PCB assembly is the process of mounting LEDs and other components onto an LED PCB to create a functional LED product. The assembly process includes several steps, such as PCB fabrication, solder paste dispensing, component placement, reflow soldering, inspection, and testing.
No, the best practices for LED PCB assembly are similar to those used in any other electronic assembly. It involves design for manufacturability (DFM), quality assurance, and proper training for personnel.
Visual inspection is a manual process, where a human operator uses an illuminated magnifying glass to check the board. Automated optical inspection (AOI), on the other hand, uses cameras and image processing software to detect defects. AOI is faster, does not tire, and is more objective compared to visual inspection.
Electrical testing is crucial to ensure that all LEDs mounted on the PCB are functioning properly. It helps detect issues such as incorrect mounting, missing components, shorts, or opens. The electrical test involves powering up the LED PCB and testing its performance under various conditions like temperature, vibration, and humidity.
Polarity reversal due to incorrect mounting is the most common defect in LED PCB assemblies.
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