Sonic Manufacturing Joins CMTA Panel on Building in California
What does it take to build products, and a business, in California today? Kenneth Raab, President, CEO of Sonic Manufacturing Technologies took on that question at the 2026 Coolest Thing Made in California Awards Ceremony, held October 28 at The Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Hosted by the California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA), the event […]
Why Small Businesses Should Invest in Automated PCBA Services
Small businesses often face challenges in balancing quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness when it comes to printed circuit board assembly (PCBA). Automated PCBA services offer a powerful solution, helping small businesses streamline production, improve product quality, and stay competitive. If you’re running a small business, it’s important to recognize the reasons why investing in automated PCBA […]
Top Quality Control Techniques in PCB Assembly
In Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly, quality control is essential to ensure that each board performs reliably and meets industry standards. With electronics becoming more compact and complex, even minor errors can result in significant performance issues, product recalls, and customer dissatisfaction. Effective quality control (QC) techniques in PCB assembly not only reduce defects but […]
The Importance of Solder Paste Selection in PCB Assembly
Solder paste selection plays a critical role in the success of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) assembly. Acting as the “glue” that connects surface mount components to the board, solder paste ensures robust electrical connections, mechanical stability, and reliability. However, choosing the right solder paste can be a challenge, as there are many different options available. […]
The Impact of AI on PCB Design and Manufacturing
As technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, the printed circuit board (PCB) industry is experiencing a transformation fueled by artificial intelligence (AI). AI’s integration into PCB design and manufacturing processes is streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, and ensuring higher quality outcomes. Let’s look closer at the profound impact AI is having on this critical […]
Ohlone College Students Tour Sonic Manufacturing
Sonic Manufacturing Technologies recently welcomed a group of students from Ohlone College to our Fremont facility. Ken Raab and Rob Pereyda led the group through our buildings, giving students a firsthand look at how a modern electronics manufacturing operation runs day to day. Throughout the tour, students saw our PCBA and box build operations up […]
What Makes a Good PCB Design_ Engineering Tips for Manufacturability
A PCB design can look great on paper yet still create headaches once it reaches the production floor. Common issues include traces that are technically correct but hard to route reliably at scale, components placed in a way that slows down pick-and-place, or a board outline that doesn’t account for panelization. What was once a […]
Component Shortages_ How a Strong Supply Chain Keeps Your Production on Track
Component shortages are not a new challenge in electronics manufacturing, but their consequences have never been more significant. Between extended lead times, unpredictable pricing, single-source dependencies, and global disruptions, supply chain reliability can make all the difference in whether a PCB assembly program stays on schedule or stalls. The root cause of most production delays […]
Why Test Points Matter in PCB Design
When designing a printed circuit board, it’s natural to focus on functionality, layout, and component placement. Test points might seem minor, as they are small pads that provide little direct benefit to the overall operation of the product beyond manufacturing and testing. However, thoughtfully placed test points can contribute significantly to the overall quality and […]
How Design Choices Affect Box Build Assembly Time and Cost
When it comes to box build assembly, many of your options for reducing cost and production timelines exist prior to manufacturing. The configuration you select for your product enclosure, the types of fasteners you choose to use, and even the routing of your cables and wires all play a part in ensuring smooth assembly and […]