JLCPCB Blog

Heating Technology & Trends

Induction Heat Treatment: Hardening, Tempering & Stress Relief

Induction heat treatment is a heat treatment process that uses an alternating electromagnetic field to generate heat inside an electrically conductive workpiece. It enables manufacturers to selectively heat specific areas of a component for processes such as hardening, tempering, annealing, and stress relieving, rather than heating the entire part in a furnace. This localized heating makes induction particularly useful for applications that require controlled case depth, repeatable results, and integr......

Oct 10, 2026

PCB Materials Science

Is FR4 the Best Board Material for Your Design

Key Takeaways Best All-Rounder: Ideal balance of strength, insulation, and low cost for standard PCBs. Clear Limits: Poor heat dissipation (~0.3 W/m·K) and high loss for RF (>3 GHz). Alternatives: Use Rogers for RF, Aluminum for high heat, and FPC for flexibility. Selection Essentials: Pick High-Tg (170°C+) for lead-free reflow and custom stackups for impedance. JLCPCB Advantage: 1–32 layer FR4 boards with ±10% impedance control and 24h fast dispatch. In the world of electronics and printed circuit bo......

Oct 10, 2026

Basics & Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Relay Symbol: Coil, Contacts, Diagrams, and Circuit Applications

Think of a standard switch as a drawbridge you lift by hand. Now, imagine a relay symbol diagram as a remote-controlled drawbridge. It allows a tiny, low-power electronic signal to control a high-power electrical load from a distance safely. Understanding how to read relay symbol configurations is the absolute cornerstone of advanced circuit design. By mastering this relay schematic symbol, you move beyond basic electronics and enter the world of professional hardware logic and safe PCB design. What Y......

Oct 10, 2026

PCB Structures & Fundamentals

Demystifying Bare PCB Quality for Reliability-Critical Applications

Key Takeaways Early Defect Catching: Catching faults at the bare board stage costs only the PCB, avoiding wasted components and rework later. Perfboard Risks: Zero PCBs lack reference planes and plated holes, causing signal noise above 10–20 MHz and pad lifting. Critical Material Specs: Reliability depends on hole barrel copper (20–25 µm), Tg, Td, and CTI ratings matching your operating environment. Finish & Shelf Life: HASL and ENIG last ~12 months, while OSP and Immersion Silver/Tin expire in ~6 mon......

Oct 10, 2026

PCB Materials Science

Optimizing High-Voltage Circuit Safety with PCB Dielectric Strength

Key Takeaways Non-linear Scaling: Dielectric strength drops as thickness increases. Safety vs Signals: Dielectric strength ensures safety, while Dk controls signal speed. Material Selection: High-voltage safety depends on Tg, CTI, and moisture resistance. Spacing Rules: Clearance prevents air arcs, while creepage prevents surface tracking. Assembly Testing: Hi-pot testing requires finished assemblies, not bare boards. Dielectric strength is the number engineers quote to prove a board is safe at mains ......

Oct 09, 2026

Design Fundamentals & Schematics

How to Read and Create PCB Schematics

Key Takeaways Read Schematics: Understand symbols, net labels, and component values. Design in EasyEDA: Place components and create circuit connections. Run Design Checks: Use ERC and DRC to identify potential issues. Verify Components: Check pin assignments and PCB footprints. Prepare for Manufacturing: Validate PCB layouts and manufacturing files. Printed circuit board (PCB) design begins with a clear understanding of how the electronic circuit should function. A schematic diagram represents the cir......

Oct 09, 2026