What does A Squared Technologies do?
A Squared Technologies Ltd specialises in design and assembly of printed circuit boards (PCB’s), looms and box builds for the manufacturing industry – but what even are PCB’s, looms and box builds!?
So, let’s look into the basics briefly …..
Printed Circuit Boards
If you have ever seen inside an electronic device, you may have come across a printed circuit board (PCB) which most likely would have been green, but they do come in other colours. These green plains are topped with little components and are the ‘brains’ of the unit. On this board, between the components there are tracks and these tracks connect to pads that each component sits on and forms the circuit. The components are connected to the pads and kept in place by solder.
At A Squared we use two methods to populate the PCB’s – ‘surface mount’ (SM) and ‘through hole’ (TH).
Surface Mount
‘Surface mount’ kind of does what it says on the tin – it is electronic assembly where the components are mounted on to the surface of the PCB, usually by a Pick and Place Surface Mount Machine. SM technology came around to minimise manufacturing costs and in turn also made efficient use of PCB space allowing for more complicated circuits with smaller assemblies. We have invested in three surface mount machines over the last several years which enables us to complete high volumes of production output.
Through Hole
‘Through hole’ is where the legs of the components are pushed through the board and then the boards are put through our Wave solder machine where the pads pick up the hot solder in the wave bath. The benefit to TH is that it generally creates a stronger and more reliable connection and can be a great way to bond larger components that tend to come under high power, voltage and mechanical stress.
On occasions there is a need for either TH or SM components to be hand soldered by our skilled technicians giving us diversity in the support we give to our customers.
So, depending on the board design and it’s expectations, we can assemble your PCB by either method or a combination of both. In batches or single format. A Squared will meet what requirements the customer requests.
Looms
Looms – or wiring looms, or cable assembly – as they can be called interchangeably – is an assembly made up of many different wires/cables that are connected or bound together into a single unit.
‘Intertwining’ and combining these wires/cables, which could be different types like data or power, can be very beneficial. These looms are made to the specific length and size and are grouped together in a particular way that avoids wasted space, unnecessary cabling and makes installation more efficient – minimising costs.
In aid of making the looms, A Squared has a Janquan wire cutting machine which reduces the time in preparation of the wire and enables consistency in batch production.
A Squared can cut, strip and crimp specified wires or cables ready to be sent to the customer. Glands, grommets, or connectors can be attached where required.
The Company has worked with many types and styles of looms and can offer the service to enhance a vast range of products or as an individual item.
Box Builds
A box build is a unit built completely from start to finish. A Squared offer PCB design, fabrication and then the assembly connecting various looms or sub-assemblies – completing the final stages of the build so the product is ready for installation upon delivery to the customer. A one stop shop – if you will!
Offering the complete build in house is a simple ‘single order’ solution and means lower cost – which of course makes a happier customer. Completing all the build stages allows us to maintain the high level of quality across all the sub-assemblies of the product ensuring the final item is of a high standard.
At A Squared, we are experienced in electromechanical builds interacting electrical circuits with mechanical systems. We can offer a flexible approach and the availability of using our full or partial turnkey concepts – so the customer’s needs and requirements are always met.
So… A Squared has a lot to offer – to name but a few services we provide, there is always more we can do for the customer …. All you have to do is ask!
Find out how A Squared can support your business @ info@asquared.uk.com