Energy conservation and related best practices in printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present the details of key best practices that can help printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing companies to optimize energy consumption, conserve materials, and reduce waste and costs. Design/methodology/approach Various individual opportunities for making energy saving are discussed along with the accompanying manufacturing best practices. Findings There are many opportunities to reduce energy consumption across the whole PCB manufacturing process. Additional savings may also be made by enhancements to the broader activities within PCB manufacturing plants. Research limitations/implications The paper summarises key findings that have been reported in a much larger Best Practice Guide and due to space considerations the amount of information given is somewhat restricted. Originality/value The paper details how the introduction of best practices in each stage of the PCB manufacturing process can lead to material and energy savings that have value in helping board makers to reduce costs. Readers are directed to a larger Best Practice Guide which is freely available from the SurfEnergy web site.