Means Engineering, Inc.

Product development engineering in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment & military with a standard of excellence in form, function and design.


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(760) 931-9452 | info@meanseng.com
5927 Geiger Court, Carlsbad, CA 92008-7305

Silicon Use in Electronics

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Silicon Use in Electronics

Most modern day electronics contain silicon. This important semiconductor material is used to power a wide variety of electronic devices from supercomputers to microwave ovens.

In its pure state, silicon resembles aluminum. Silicon wafers are commonly used as a substrate for microelectronic devices. These devices are built in or over the wafer.

What is silicon?

Silicon is a chemical element found in both sand and glass. It is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. Silicon is typically found compounded with other elements. Silicon elements are able to bind atoms tightly and in complex arrangements. The abundance of silicon makes it inexpensive and easy to acquire. This is the biggest reason why silicon is the most widely used semiconductor material.

What is a semiconductor?

Semiconductors are able to conduct electricity under certain conditions and act as an insulator under others. In its pure form, silicon acts as an insulator. Adding impurities changes the electrical properties of silicon. This process is known as doping. Semiconductors are treated with a variety of dopants to change the material’s resistance.

How is silicon manufactured?

Silicon wafers are used in the production of a wide range of electronic components. These wafers are created through a complex manufacturing process. Silicon manufacturing involves the production of metallurgical silicon, which is converted into trichlorosilane then purified and decomposed with hydrogen. This process creates a poly-silicon rod, which is crystallized and cut into wafers.

Why is silicon the most commonly used semiconductor material?

Although there are other semiconductor materials available today, silicon is the most commonly used. There are a many reasons silicon is the preferred material for electronic devices. Perhaps the most obvious is the abundance of silicon in the Earth’s crust. Silicon can be obtained through extremely effective extraction and purification methods. In addition to its availability, silicon forms a nice stable oxide and is relatively strong and easy to handle. The abundance of silicon makes it possible to create wafers of all shapes and sizes, no matter how big or small the requirement. These and other reasons make silicon the best choice for electronic devices.

 

 

 

Environmental Management Systems

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Environmental Management Systems

Technology is always changing. The electronics industry is under a lot of pressure to create new products. High demand combined with fierce competition in the industry has created a number of challenges for electronics manufacturers. Many electronics companies turn to questionable practices in an effort to save money. These practices often produce poor quality products.

Until recently, manufacturing practices have been based around improving efficiency and profitability, and environmental issues were seen as added costs. However, there is more pressure than ever before for electronics manufacturers to reduce their environmental impact. Fortunately, many manufacturers are learning the benefits of increased sustainability. Reducing environmental impact is good for both the manufacturer and the consumer.

What is an EMS?

An Environmental Management System (EMS) refers to the practices and processes used by an organization to reduce their environmental impact. An EMS is commonly used to decrease the impact of products, processes and services. An EMS can be designed in compliance with ISO 14001 standards. This ensures reduced environmental impact and increased product performance.

ISO 14001

There are a number of practices that can be used to improve efficiency and sustainability. Some of these practices are better than others. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed ISO 14001 to specify the international requirements for an EMS.

Sustainability is crucial to the electronics industry. ISO 14001 was specially designed to help businesses decrease their environmental impact. ISO certification helps consumers locate companies that are taking the necessary steps to ensure sustainability. ISO 14001 certified companies have proven they are doing all they can to reduce their organization’s impact on the environment.

Choosing a contract manufacturer

When choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, you should select a company that has strict quality control measures in place. ISO 14001 certification ensures the contract manufacturer has met the international Environmental Management System requirements. ISO 14001 is designed to help business owners become more aware of their impact on the environment.

Means Engineering, Inc. is an ISO 14001 certified contract manufacturer. This allows us to create high quality products while increasing sustainability of our products and practices.

Can a Contract Manufacturer Help Your Business?

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Can a Contract Manufacturer Help Your Business?

Although each electronics company has its own unique needs and capabilities, there are several parts of the manufacturing process that can be improved with a little outside help. Many electronics companies benefit from working with a qualified contract manufacturer. A contract manufacturer can help with the following situations.

Streamlining the design process

It can be difficult for designers and project engineers to come up with new ideas. A contract manufacturer provides an extra set of eyes when creating new products. Contract manufacturers are often able to figure out ways to make production more efficient. This can save you a lot of time and money in the long run.

Producing large orders

As your company grows, you might find that you simply do not have the manpower or equipment to fulfill large product orders. A contract manufacturer can help you turn out larger quantities of your electronics products without having to purchase additional equipment or hire additional engineers.

Producing smaller, more complex devices

Many electronics companies find it difficult to keep up with technology. Modern electronics components are smaller and more complex than ever before. In order to produce these components, it’s crucial to remain up-to-date with the latest technology. Older equipment simply isn’t able to produce complex devices. Contract manufacturers keep up with the latest technologies and have the equipment necessary to produce small, complex devices.

Avoiding costly design and production errors

If your electronics company does not have the capabilities necessary to fulfill large orders, a lot of time and money can be wasted on creating faulty electronics. Using a contract manufacturer ensures all products are tested regularly for flaws. This allows you to catch and correct problems sooner.

Choosing a contract manufacturer

When choosing a contract manufacturer to work with, it’s important to look for a company with ample experience. They should have strict quality control measures in place to ensure consistent quality of products produced.

Means Engineering, Inc. provides comprehensive contract manufacturing services from our location in Carlsbad, California. We are up-to-date with the latest technologies and are an ISO 9001, AS 9100 and ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer.

Top Challenges Faced by Electronics Manufacturers

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Top Challenges Faced by Electronics Manufacturers

The global marketplace is constantly evolving. No other industry experiences more change than electronics. New technology becomes available at an alarming rate. In order to remain competitive in the electronics industry, electronics manufacturers must be able to keep up. Electronics companies of all shapes and sizes face the following challenges.

Short Product Life Cycles

Technology evolves to meet the wants and needs of consumers. It’s crucial for electronics manufacturers to have the right processes in place for new product introduction. Teaming up with a qualified contract manufacturer ensures new products meet all quality, volume and release requirements.

Meeting Demand

Demand for technology is rapidly changing. Because technology is so closely intertwined with demand, it is extremely vulnerable to changes in local conditions. Production capabilities should be kept lean and able to shift to meet changing demand.

Environmental Impact

New standards and regulations require electronics manufacturers to consider the environmental impact of a product’s entire life cycle. Every aspect must be considered, from the manufacturing process and the chemicals used, to consumer energy use and disposal of the product.

Managing Service and Warranty

Having good quality control measures in place ensures that only high quality products are produced. However, sometimes things go wrong. Being able to service faulty parts as opposed to replacing products under warranty saves both time and money. It also allows electronics manufacturers to provide a greater level of customer service and increase trust in their brand.

Power Consumption

It’s becoming more and more important for electronics manufacturers to produce smaller products that last longer and consume less power. This can be a challenge for manufacturers without the equipment or technology necessary to create new products. Contract manufacturers stay up-to-date with the latest technology and practices. They help companies produce new products without spending the cost and time involved with training and equipment.

Quality Control

With so many electronics companies competing in the marketplace, it’s more important than ever to produce good quality products. Consumers want electronic products that operate the way they should. Strict quality control measures ensure consistent quality of all products produced.

Means Engineering, Inc. offers electronic manufacturing services to a wide range of industries. We are an ISO 9001, AS 9100 and ISO 13485 certified contract manufacturer. We work directly with you from concept to completion.

 

 

 

Improving Electronic Assembly Processes

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Improving Electronic Assembly Processes

The electronics industry is always changing. New technologies become available at an alarming rate. It can be difficult for small to mid-size companies to keep up. Sometimes even larger companies find that they have room for improvement.

While changing your business processes might seem overwhelming at first, the benefits of doing so far outweigh the inconvenience. The following tips can help you improve your electronic assembly processes and make your business more successful.

Never Stop Improving

Many companies become overly comfortable with their processes and believe that their boards and designs are as good as they can get. However, when it comes to electronic assembly, there’s always room for improvement.

It can be extremely beneficial to team up with a respected contract manufacturer. These experienced professionals can look over your plans to locate areas that can be improved. Often times, these improvements will save you money and increase efficiency.

Never Settle For Less Than The Best

In order to stay competitive in the electronics industry, you need to speed up your assembly processes. New equipment and technology can help you reduce time to market without compromising on quality. Unfortunately, many companies don’t have the resources necessary to acquire and manage new equipment.

A good contract manufacturer will be up to date with all of the latest practices, technology and equipment. By working together, you can gain access to these things without having to obtain, store and manage them yourself.

Cut Down On Warranty Replacements

Warranty replacements can end up costing electronics companies a lot of money. It’s a much better idea to partner with a qualified contract manufacturer that is able to troubleshoot and make repairs to your products. Not only will this save you money, it will also increase customer confidence in your brand.

Means Engineering, Inc. provides reliable, high quality contract manufacturing services. We work with a wide range of industries. Our experienced team stays up to date with the latest practices and technology. Our stringent quality control measures ensure consistent quality of all parts produced. We are ISO 9001, AS 9100 and IOS 13485 certified.

ABOUT US

MEI features depth of experience in medical, industrial, semiconductor equipment and military products. All product development efforts start with a unique set of requirements, yet we deliver results that share a common standard of excellence in form, function and design.

Our turn-key capabilities provide smart, simple solutions to cumbersome outsourcing issues, and provide our clients with an intelligent route from concept to market.

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