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.

 

 

 

Importance of Quality Control in Electronics Manufacturing

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Importance of Quality Control in Electronics Manufacturing

Outsourced manufacturing is one of the fastest growing trends in the electronics industry today. Many businesses throughout the world use contract manufacturing as a way to cut costs and reduce time to market. This widely accepted business strategy helps businesses of all shapes and sizes remain competitive in an ever-changing marketplace. As a result, many contract manufacturers are strengthening their position by upgrading their facilities and improving their practices.

Using a Contract Manufacturer to Produce Electronic Parts

While contract manufacturers used to only provide assembly of electronics components, many now offer design and full production of products. This often includes testing for quality. Contract manufacturers that offer testing must be extremely careful to follow good manufacturing practices, especially when producing products for demanding fields.

Outsourcing your manufacturing and testing of products has a number of benefits including capital risk reductions, increased asset productivity and access to the latest technologies. When you use a contract manufacturer, they handle everything for you, allowing you to focus your attention on other aspects of your business. Using a contract manufacturer also allows you to catch production issues early, when they can be addressed more effectively.

ISO 9001 Certified Contract Manufacturer

The quality of parts produced is extremely important. Effective quality control measures must be in place to ensure overall quality and reliability of electronic parts produced. In addition to quality, other requirements must also be met such as product yields and time to market.

When selecting a contract manufacturer to work with, you will need to ensure they have the proper certifications and standards in place. Compliance with nationally recognized standards such as ISO 9001 ensures consistent, high quality production.

Final Thoughts

As electronic assemblies become more complex, more and more emphasis is being placed on standardizing quality measurement. However, this can be difficult across multiple assemblies and components.

The contract manufacturer you use should have multiple capabilities and certifications. Means Engineering, Inc. is ISO 9001, AS 9100 and IOS 13485 certified to ensure consistent quality of all parts produced. We are committed to meeting and exceeding our customer’s ever-changing quality requirements. We work directly with you throughout the entire manufacturing process.

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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