Through Hole PCB Assembly Service

Through hole PCB assembly (THT) helps create robust, high-performance electronic circuits that can withstand demanding environments. In through hole assembly, components are inserted through holes in the circuit boards and soldered securely. THT PCB assembly is used in industries that demand reliability, such as military, aerospace, and industrial applications. At PCB YOU, we offer through hole PCB assembly service that ensure high-quality production while maintaining cost efficiency. Our through hole PCB assembly service are compliant with ISO and RoHS standards, guaranteeing exceptional performance and environmental responsibility. Whether you need prototypes or high-volume production, PCB You has you covered.

Why Choose Through Hole PCB Assembly?

THT is one of the important mounting processes for applications experiencing extreme acceleration, collisions, or high temperatures. A few of the notable advantages of this assembly technique include:

Superior Durability: Through hole assembly offers exceptional mechanical strength, making it resistant to stress, vibration, and physical impact, saving you more frequent replacement expenses. This durability is critical for applications that handle harsher conditions without substantial wear and tear or damage.
Improved Thermal Management: This technique has been a cornerstone of electronic component assembly for several decades owing to its efficient thermal dissipation. Which is crucial in high-temperature applications. This feature helps protect components from overheating and ensures reliable operation over time.
High Power Handling: Thru hole assemblies can manage higher currents, making them suitable for high-power applications such as power supplies and amplifiers. They are also chosen for high-reliability products that require high-strength connections, such as heavier or bulkier components including semiconductors or electrolytic capacitors.
Ease of Inspection and Maintenance: With through-hole components visibly mounted on the PCB, inspection and maintenance are simpler than other techniques. This adds to its convenience during testing, troubleshooting, and modifying assemblies, especially during prototyping.

Through Hole PCB Assembly Capabilities Available at PCB YOU

At PCB You, we have been offering through-hole assembly services to clients across industries. The following capabilities allow us to serve our clients better.

Assembly Type: At PCB You, we offer through hole PCB assembly using single and double-sided boards. Whether you need simple or complex designs, our boards meet your specific needs. We can handle various component sizes and configurations, delivering reliable and durable assemblies that exceed industry standards, making us your trusted partner for even the most demanding THT projects.
Complex Component Handling: We utilize advanced automated insertion equipment for efficient component placement, ensuring high-speed installation with precision. Our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for proper solder paste application and automated wave soldering equipment for accurate soldering of through-hole components.
Quality Standard Compliance: To maintain the highest quality standards, we employ a wide range of through-hole testing capabilities, including in-circuit testing, automated optical inspection (AOI), automated X-ray inspection (AXI), and burn-in testing. These comprehensive solutions allow us to deliver reliable products while keeping costs competitive.
High-reliability Applications: With careful planning and execution, we support both low and high-volume requirements across industries, including aerospace, medical, automotive, and telecommunications, ensuring that all our clients receive optimal solutions tailored to their needs.
Customized Solutions: We understand that every project is unique, which is why we offer tailored solutions for specific material and process requirements, including lead-free soldering and specialized finishes like gold plating. Our ability to adapt and fulfill your exact specifications makes us a trusted partner.

Benefits of Through hole PCB Assembly

THT PCB assemblies offer several advantages, especially for applications requiring high reliability and durability. Here are some important ones that can positively impact your business.

Strong Mechanical Bonds: The through hole assembly creates robust connections between components and the PCB, making it ideal for environments that experience mechanical stress or vibration.
Superior Durability and Reliability: The through-hole assembly provides enhanced durability with its strong physical connections. Components are less prone to damage from environmental factors such as heat, humidity, and vibration, offering long-lasting performance even in the harshest environments.
Better for High-Power Components: THT assembly is performed on large, high-power components like connectors, capacitors, and resistors. These components need the extra mechanical stability and strength that through hole technology process provides to function properly over time.
Easier Repair and Replacement: Through-hole components are more accessible, making repairs and replacements easier and more cost-effective. This is especially beneficial in industries where long product lifecycles are a priority, and the ability to service components is critical.
Compatibility with Mixed Technologies: Through-hole assembly can be seamlessly integrated with Surface Mount Technology (SMT) in mixed assemblies. This flexibility allows for diverse component types and designs, offering the best of both technologies.
Enhanced Testing and Inspection: The larger lead connections in through-hole assemblies make thorough testing and inspection easier, ensuring top-tier quality control. Methods like in-circuit testing (ICT) and automated optical inspection (AOI) can verify component integrity.
Proven Track Record: Through hole PCB assembly has been a reliable, trusted method for decades. Its consistent performance continues to make it the preferred choice for high-reliability industries where performance is paramount.

Technical Factors to Consider in Through Hole PCB Assembly

To ensure optimal performance and reliability in thru hole assembly, our experts recommend several technical factors, such as:

Component Positioning and Alignment: To prevent electrical shorts and guarantee proper functionality of the assembly. It is essential to ensure correct positioning and alignment of components. Check to orient polarized components properly and ensure proper lead placement.
Drill Hole Size and Placement: Precise hole dimensions and accurate placement are important to achieve secure component fitting and effective soldering. For instance,
- Density Level A PCBs: Maximum lead diameter + 0.25 mm
- Density Level B PCBs: Maximum lead diameter +0.20 mm
- Density Level C PCBs: Maximum lead diameter + 0.15 mm
PCB Thickness: The thickness of the PCB should be carefully chosen after analyzing the application’s specific needs. Including mechanical durability and component compatibility. While thicker boards offer more strength, they require deeper holes, impacting the overall assembly process.
Soldering Methods: Consider the complexity of the design and the production scale beforehand and then wisely choose between wave soldering and manual soldering. Wave soldering is more efficient for mass production, whereas manual soldering provides better control for intricate or small-batch assemblies.
Pad Size: This is crucial in the PCB assembly for mechanical stability, improved solder joint quality, thermal management, manufacturing tolerances, and more. According to the IPC-2221, the pad sizes for through-hole components are determined by: Pad diameter = Minimum hole size + 2x Minimum Annular Ring + Standard Fabrication Allowance. Our experts recommend the standard fabrication allowance of 0.4mm, 0.5mm, and 0.6mm for C, B, and A density level PCBs.
Component Clearance: Ensure adequate clearance between components to prevent electrical shorts. Having a proper component clearance also makes inspection and testing easier, which is crucial for quality assurance.
Thermal Management: Since effective heat management is vital for maintaining the reliability of solder joints and the overall performance of the assembly, our experts recommend incorporating thermal relief features into the design. This contributes to dissipating heat more effectively during the soldering process, reducing thermal stress on both components and the PCB.

Choose PCB YOU for Reliable Through Hole PCB Assembly Solutions

At PCB YOU, we provide high-quality, durable, through hole PCB assembly services tailored to meet the needs of demanding industries. With our cutting-edge equipment, experienced team, and commitment to excellence, we ensure that your through-hole projects are executed with precision and reliability. Whether you are working on aerospace, military, or industrial applications, we have the expertise to deliver outstanding results. Reach out to us today to discuss how our through hole assembly services can support your next project and enhance your product's performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most of our clients ask the following questions regarding through hole PCB assembly. We have tried to answer them in the best possible way.

How Does Through-Hole Assembly Differ from Surface Mount Assembly?

Throug hole assembly involves inserting component leads through drilled holes in the PCB and soldering them on the other side, providing strong mechanical support. In comparison, surface-mount assembly places components directly onto the board's surface, making it suitable for high-density and smaller components and is more efficient for mass production.

Is It Possible to Use Through Hole Components in Multi Layer PCBs?

Yes, through-hole components can be used in multi layer PCBs. The component leads pass through the various layers, and the connections are soldered on both sides of the board. This method is ideal for ensuring strong mechanical bonds and reliable connections in complex, multi-layered designs.

What is the Typical Hole Tolerance for Through Hole Technology (THT)?

In Through Hole Technology, the typical hole tolerance ranges from ±0.2mm to ±0.25mm, depending on the manufacturing specifications and component sizes. This tolerance ensures that the component leads fit correctly into the holes and guarantees secure soldering.

When Should I Choose Manual Soldering Over Wave Soldering?

Manual soldering is best for low-volume or specialized production runs, particularly for complex or delicate components. Wave soldering, however, is better for high-volume production, where consistent, automated soldering of through-hole components across the entire PCB is needed for efficiency.

What Certifications Should a Through Hole Assembly Provider Have?

When choosing a through hole assembly provider, look for certifications such as ISO 9001 for quality management, IPC-610 for assembly standards, and RoHS compliance for environmental regulations. These certifications ensure the provider meets the highest industry standards for quality and environmental responsibility.

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