repcb1, Author at RePCB

Electronic Waste Statistics

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

Electronic waste (e-waste) is the fastest-growing waste stream worldwide, driven by rapid technological advancements and increased consumer demand for electronic devices.

Understanding the scale of this issue is crucial for businesses, policymakers, and individuals aiming to manage e-waste responsibly and sustainably.

Global E-Waste Generation

62 million tonnes in 2022: According to the Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, a record 62 million tonnes of e-waste were produced globally in 2022, marking an 82% increase from 2010. ITU+6E-Waste Monitor+6WMW+6
Projected 82 million tonnes by 2030: The report forecasts that global e-waste generation will rise to 82 million tonnes by 2030, a further 32% increase from 2022. DTP Group+4E-Waste Monitor+4WMW+4

Recycling Rates and Challenges

22.3% recycled in 2022: In 2022, only 22.3% of global e-waste was documented as formally collected and recycled in an environmentally sound manner. ITU+1E-Waste Monitor+1
Regional disparities: Europe had the highest recycling rate at 42.8%, while Africa had less than 1% of e-waste formally collected and recycled. ITU
Rare earth elements: Despite containing valuable materials like gold and copper, e-waste recycling currently meets only 1% of global demand for rare earth elements. UNITAR

Regional Insights

Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific region generated the highest amount of e-waste in 2021, with an estimated 25 million metric tons. Market.us Scoop
Americas and Europe: The Americas and Europe also contributed significantly to global e-waste generation in 2021. Market.us Scoop
China and the United States: In 2021, China was the largest generator of e-waste with approximately 10 million metric tons, followed by the United States with around 7 million metric tons. Market.us Scoop

Environmental and Economic Implications

Valuable materials lost: Billions of dollars worth of strategically valuable resources are squandered or dumped due to inadequate recycling. CEP | Circular Electronics Partnership+2E-Waste Monitor+2UNITAR+2
Pollution risks: Improper disposal of e-waste can lead to environmental pollution and health hazards, particularly in regions lacking proper recycling infrastructure.

WEEE Waste Statistics Summary

The statistics highlight a pressing need for improved e-waste management practices globally. While the generation of e-waste continues to rise, recycling rates remain insufficient to recover valuable materials and mitigate environmental impacts.

Efforts to enhance recycling infrastructure, promote consumer awareness, and implement effective policies are essential to address the growing e-waste challenge.

What Does a Motherboard Do?

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

The motherboard is the central PCB that connects and allows communication between all computer components.
It provides sockets, slots, and connectors for the CPU, RAM, storage, and peripherals.
The chipset on the motherboard manages data flow and device communication.
BIOS/UEFI firmware stored on the motherboard controls hardware startup and configuration.

The motherboard is often described as the “heart” or “backbone” of a computer. It’s a critical component that connects and allows communication between all the other parts of a computer system. Whether in a personal laptop, a business server, or an industrial machine, the motherboard plays a vital role in ensuring everything functions smoothly.

In this article, we explore the purpose and functions of a motherboard, how it fits into computer architecture, and why understanding this component is important—especially when it comes to disposal and recycling.

What Is a Motherboard?

A motherboard is a large printed circuit board (PCB) that houses the computer’s main components and provides connectors for other peripherals. It acts as the central hub through which the processor (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices, and input/output devices communicate.

The motherboard contains a network of circuits, slots, and sockets, allowing each component to interface with others efficiently. Without it, none of the parts of a computer could work together.

Key Functions of a Motherboard

1. Connecting Hardware Components

The motherboard provides slots and sockets for essential hardware components:

CPU Socket: Holds the central processing unit, the brain of the computer.
RAM Slots: Where memory modules are inserted.
Expansion Slots: For graphics cards, sound cards, or network cards.
Storage Connectors: For hard drives and SSDs, typically using SATA or NVMe connections.
Power Connectors: To distribute power from the power supply unit to components.

2. Facilitating Communication

Motherboards contain a chipset, a set of integrated circuits that manage data flow between the CPU, memory, and peripherals. The chipset ensures that commands and data are correctly routed across the system.

It also manages communication buses such as PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) and USB (Universal Serial Bus), which connect various devices and expansion cards.

3. Providing BIOS/UEFI Firmware

The motherboard houses firmware called BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or its modern successor UEFI (Unified Extensible Firmware Interface). This firmware initiates hardware during startup and provides a set of low-level controls for system configuration.

4. Power Regulation

Motherboards regulate the power supply to the CPU and other components, ensuring stable and reliable operation.

Why the Motherboard Is Important for Recycling

Because the motherboard contains a variety of metals, including copper, gold, and sometimes rare earth elements, it is an important target for electronic waste recycling. Recovering these materials helps reduce environmental impact and supports sustainable manufacturing practices.

Recycling motherboards also ensures that hazardous materials, such as lead and other heavy metals found in some components, are safely disposed of.

At RePCB, we offer responsible motherboard recycling services for businesses across the UK, recovering valuable materials while complying with environmental regulations.

Why Are Hard Disks Used?

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

Hard disks have been a cornerstone of data storage for decades. Despite rapid advancements in digital technology and the rise of solid-state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs) continue to be widely used in both consumer and commercial settings. But why are hard disks still relevant in a world increasingly defined by speed, cloud computing, and miniaturisation?

This article explores the key functions of hard disks, their continued relevance, and why businesses still depend on them in today’s data-driven landscape.

What Is a Hard Disk?

A hard disk drive (HDD) is a mechanical data storage device that uses spinning magnetic platters to read and write digital information. Data is stored magnetically, and an actuator arm with a read/write head accesses it while the platters spin at high speed.

Hard disks have been around since the 1950s, evolving significantly in size, storage capacity, and speed. Even today, HDDs remain a cost-effective solution for storing large volumes of data.

Primary Uses of Hard Disks

1. Mass Storage for Data

Hard disks are widely used for bulk storage due to their high capacity and relatively low cost. A single HDD can store multiple terabytes of data, making it ideal for servers, data centres, surveillance systems, and personal computers that require significant space for files, media, and backups.

2. Backup and Archiving

Many businesses use hard disks for backup and archival purposes. HDDs provide a stable, long-term storage option for critical data, helping companies ensure business continuity in the event of a cyberattack, data corruption, or hardware failure.

3. Use in Enterprise and Cloud Infrastructure

Large-scale IT operations, including cloud storage providers and enterprise servers, continue to deploy hard disks because of their affordability and storage density. While SSDs offer faster speeds, HDDs still dominate when capacity is a priority.

4. Surveillance and CCTV Systems

HDDs are frequently used in CCTV and security systems due to their ability to record and store large volumes of video footage around the clock. Their durability and storage efficiency make them a natural choice for high-capacity surveillance setups.

Advantages of Hard Disks

Despite newer technologies, hard disks maintain several benefits that support their ongoing use:

High capacity at low cost – HDDs offer more storage per pound than SSDs.
Longevity for archival use – When properly stored, hard disks can retain data for many years.
Widespread compatibility – They can be used in virtually any computer system or server setup.

Challenges and Limitations

Of course, hard disks are not without drawbacks. They are slower than solid-state drives, more susceptible to damage from shock or movement, and less energy-efficient. However, these limitations are often outweighed by their cost-effectiveness in high-volume applications.

Environmental Considerations

As hard disks eventually reach the end of their lifespan, they become part of the growing stream of e-waste. Given the sensitive data stored on these devices, secure destruction and responsible recycling are essential.

At RePCB, we specialise in secure hard disk disposal and hard drive recycling for UK businesses. Our services ensure complete data destruction and compliance with WEEE regulations.

How Much Are Printed Circuit Boards Worth?

repcb1 on July 22, 2025

Key Takeaways...

The value of a printed circuit board comes from the recoverable metals such as gold, copper, and palladium.
High-grade PCBs like those from servers and telecoms offer the best returns.
Prices vary based on board grade, metal content, market rates, and volume.
RePCB offers UK-wide collection and competitive rebates for recyclable PCBs.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are central components of nearly all electronic devices—from computers and smartphones to industrial machinery. As these items reach the end of their life, their circuit boards still retain value due to the precious metals and recyclable materials they contain. For businesses in the UK looking to recycle electronic waste, understanding the value of PCBs is key to maximising returns and managing disposal responsibly.

In this article, we’ll explore what makes PCBs valuable, how their worth is calculated, and what your business can expect when recycling them.

What Makes a Printed Circuit Board Valuable?

The value of a PCB primarily comes from the metals embedded within it. Many boards contain small quantities of precious and base metals, including gold, silver, copper, palladium, and tin. These are recovered during the recycling process and sold on the commodities market. Higher-grade boards generally contain more of these materials, making them more valuable.

Gold is often used in connectors and edge fingers due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Copper is widely used throughout the board for tracks and components, and palladium can be found in capacitors. The concentration of these materials, and their market value, directly affects how much recyclers are willing to pay for PCB scrap.

Types of PCBs and Their Scrap Value

Not all PCBs are created equal. Their value depends heavily on their grade:

High-grade PCBs: Found in servers, telecom systems, and high-end IT equipment, these boards contain a higher concentration of precious metals and offer the greatest value.
Medium-grade PCBs: Common in household electronics, these offer a moderate return due to lower precious metal content.
Low-grade PCBs: Found in cheap or outdated devices, these contain minimal recoverable materials and therefore attract the lowest prices.

At RePCB, we assess your PCB waste based on these categories to offer competitive rebates that reflect current market values.

How Prices Are Determined

The scrap value of a PCB is influenced by multiple factors:

Grade of the board: As outlined above, high-grade boards are more valuable.
Current metal prices: Gold, copper, and other metals fluctuate in price on the global market, which directly impacts the price recyclers can offer.
Quantity and weight: Larger volumes tend to attract better rates, especially when dealing with high-grade materials.
Condition: Boards that are intact and not contaminated with other waste often yield better value.

While prices can vary from week to week, UK businesses can typically expect higher returns for server motherboards, RAM, CPUs, and telecom PCBs compared to mixed or low-grade circuit boards.

Current Market Trends in the UK

The UK market for PCB recycling remains strong, especially as sustainability targets push businesses to improve their e-waste practices. As of 2025, circuit board scrap prices in the UK range from a few pence per kilogram for low-grade materials to over £5/kg for premium, high-grade PCBs.

However, the most accurate pricing is obtained through direct assessment. At RePCB, we offer tailored quotes based on your waste type, location, and volume. Our clients also benefit from rebates where applicable.

Why RePCB?

At RePCB, we provide nationwide collection and recycling services for a wide range of PCB materials. We help businesses responsibly dispose of their circuit boards while offering competitive rebates where value exists. All collections are traceable, and we provide full documentation to support your compliance with WEEE regulations.

Our service is transparent, and we’re always happy to offer guidance on the potential value of your e-waste. Whether you’re disposing of server boards, RAM, CPUs, or mixed-grade circuit boards, we ensure that all recyclable value is extracted efficiently and responsibly.

WEEE Regulations for Businesses in the UK

repcb1 on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways...

WEEE regulations apply to businesses that produce, distribute, or dispose of electrical and electronic equipment in the UK.
Producers must register with a compliance scheme and report product volumes.
Distributors are required to offer take-back services or participate in a Distributor Take-Back Scheme.
Waste holders must store and dispose of e-waste using authorised carriers and maintain full documentation.

Businesses across the UK that manufacture, sell, repair, recycle, or dispose of electrical and electronic equipment must understand and comply with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Regulations.

These laws are crucial in reducing the growing environmental impact of electronic waste and ensuring that electrical items are reused or recycled whenever possible. For businesses working with electronics, understanding these regulations is both a legal obligation and a responsible environmental practice.

What Are the WEEE Regulations?

The WEEE Regulations were introduced to implement the European Union’s WEEE Directive and remain part of UK law post-Brexit. The core aim is to reduce the volume of electronic waste that ends up in landfill and to improve the environmental performance of businesses that manufacture, distribute, or dispose of electrical items.

The regulations place a shared responsibility on producers, distributors, and waste holders to ensure the safe handling, collection, and recycling of electronic waste.

Which Businesses Are Affected?

Several business categories must comply with WEEE regulations, depending on their role in the supply chain.

Producers—those who manufacture or import electrical and electronic equipment for sale in the UK—are required to register with the Environment Agency directly or through a Producer Compliance Scheme. They must report the weight of products placed on the market and finance the recovery and recycling of equivalent quantities of waste equipment.

Distributors, including retailers who sell electronic items to end users, are expected to offer take-back services for customers. This could involve an in-store return system or participation in the national Distributor Take-Back Scheme. Distributors must also clearly communicate to customers how and where they can dispose of their old electronics.

Waste holders such as offices, schools, healthcare institutions, or manufacturing sites that generate or store electronic waste have their own set of responsibilities. These include securely storing waste electronics, ensuring they are not mixed with general waste, and arranging for their collection by properly licensed waste carriers. Documentation must be kept to demonstrate compliance and traceability.

What Equipment Falls Under WEEE?

The scope of equipment covered by WEEE regulations is extensive. Any device that requires electricity or batteries to function is likely included. This spans computers, laptops, printers, mobile phones, televisions, lighting equipment, household appliances, medical devices, and more. If an item is classed as electrical or electronic equipment (EEE), it falls under the regulations.

Many businesses are surprised by how wide this definition is. Even tools, electronic toys, and equipment used for monitoring or controlling systems can be subject to WEEE rules. Understanding what qualifies is key to meeting compliance obligations.

How to Ensure Compliance

To remain compliant with WEEE regulations, businesses must take several steps. First, they need to determine their legal role—whether they are a producer, distributor, or waste holder. Producers must register and report their electronic sales accurately. Products should be marked with the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol, signalling that the item requires separate collection.

All businesses that handle electronic waste must store it in a safe and environmentally secure manner. Waste electricals should not be mixed with general waste, and only authorised waste carriers should be used to remove the materials. Maintaining an audit trail—including records of collections, licenses, and disposal methods—is essential.

Partnering with a certified recycling provider such as RePCB ensures that all of these steps are followed correctly. We support businesses with secure collection, responsible disposal, and full documentation, helping you meet both environmental and regulatory standards.

RePCB’s Role in Supporting WEEE Compliance

RePCB offers a nationwide solution for businesses needing to dispose of electronic waste, from small IT firms to large industrial operations. Our team handles a variety of waste types including printed circuit boards, hard drives, mobile phones, server components, and more. We are fully registered and ensure all materials are recycled or disposed of in compliance with WEEE requirements.

Our clients benefit from detailed reporting, secure logistics, and environmentally responsible practices. By working with us, your business avoids the risk of non-compliance, data breaches, and improper disposal.

Why WEEE Regulations Matter

Compliance with WEEE regulations is more than a legal box to tick. It protects your organisation from regulatory penalties, supports your corporate sustainability goals, and demonstrates a commitment to environmental responsibility. As electronic waste volumes continue to rise, businesses have a critical role to play in managing their disposal practices responsibly.

By ensuring your equipment is correctly stored, collected, and recycled by a licensed provider, you not only stay within the law but contribute to a circular economy that recovers valuable materials and reduces pollution.

How Do You Destroy a Hard Drive?

repcb1 on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways...

Simply deleting data doesn’t permanently remove it—physical hard drive destruction is the safest solution.
Professional methods include degaussing, shredding, or certified data wiping.
Hard drive destruction services protect your data, meet legal obligations, and reduce risk.
RePCB offers fully compliant, nationwide solutions for secure disposal of hard drives and other IT waste.

When disposing of outdated IT equipment or decommissioning servers, one of the most important steps is ensuring data cannot be recovered. That means securely destroying the hard drive. Simply deleting files or formatting a drive isn’t enough—data can often still be retrieved with basic recovery software.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to properly and securely destroy a hard drive, the methods used by professionals, and why proper hard drive destruction is essential for data protection and regulatory compliance.

Why Hard Drive Destruction Matters

Every hard drive contains sensitive data—whether it’s employee information, financial records, intellectual property, or customer details. If that data falls into the wrong hands, the consequences can be severe:

Data breaches and identity theft
Legal liabilities and GDPR fines
Loss of customer trust

That’s why hard drive destruction is a non-negotiable step in IT asset disposal.

At RePCB, we provide a fully certified hard drive destruction service across the UK for businesses of all sizes. We help organisations meet security requirements and environmental standards during IT hardware disposal.

4 Secure Methods to Destroy a Hard Drive

There are several methods to destroy a hard drive depending on security needs, quantity, and environmental goals:

1. Degaussing

Degaussing uses a powerful electromagnetic field to disrupt the magnetic domains on a hard drive platter. This effectively renders the drive unreadable, but also destroys the electronics, making the drive inoperable. It’s fast but leaves the drive physically intact.

2. Data Wiping (Software-Based)

This method uses specialist software to overwrite data multiple times. It meets some compliance standards (like DoD 5220.22-M), but isn’t foolproof. Data wiping is better for reuse scenarios rather than guaranteed destruction.

3. Mechanical Shredding

One of the most secure methods. Industrial shredders physically grind the drive into small fragments, making data recovery impossible. This is RePCB’s primary method for hard drive destruction.

4. Drilling or Crushing

Destroying the platters by drilling holes or crushing with a hydraulic press can work for low volumes. However, this is not recommended for large quantities or formal data destruction standards.

Regulatory Requirements for Hard Drive Disposal

Under the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018, organisations must take reasonable steps to ensure the safe destruction of personal and sensitive data.

Failure to do so could result in fines, investigations, and reputational damage. Our secure hard drive disposal service is fully compliant with:

WEEE Directive
GDPR
ISO 27001 & 14001 standards (via certified recycling partners).

What Is a Printed Circuit Board?

repcb1 on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways...

A printed circuit board connects and supports electronic components in nearly all electronic devices.
PCBs are made up of layers of conductive and insulating materials.
They come in various forms depending on application: single-sided, double-sided, or multilayer.
Recycling is essential to recover valuable metals and reduce electronic waste.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics. From mobile phones and laptops to industrial machinery and communication systems, PCBs power nearly every piece of electronic equipment. But what exactly is a printed circuit board, and why is it so crucial to today’s technology?

This article will break down the structure, function, and importance of PCBs, as well as explore what happens when they reach end-of-life and require recycling.

What Is a PCB?

A printed circuit board (PCB) is a flat, rigid board that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components. These components are mounted onto the board and connected by conductive pathways—often made from copper—etched into the surface of the board.

PCBs can vary in size, shape, and complexity depending on the device they are designed for. Some PCBs are small and simple, used in toys or remotes. Others are large and intricate, powering servers or medical equipment.

Main Components of a PCB

A typical PCB consists of:

Substrate: Usually made from fiberglass (FR4), providing mechanical strength.
Copper Layer: A thin conductive layer that forms the circuits.
Solder Mask: A protective layer that insulates copper traces and prevents short circuits.
Silkscreen: The topmost layer used to add labels and component markings.

Components such as resistors, capacitors, microchips, and connectors are soldered onto the PCB, allowing the device to function.

Types of PCBs

There are several different types of PCBs based on their construction:

Single-sided PCBs: With one copper layer and components on one side.
Double-sided PCBs: Copper layers and components on both sides.
Multilayer PCBs: Three or more layers of copper, used in more advanced electronics.
Rigid, Flexible, and Rigid-Flex PCBs: Based on board flexibility requirements.

Each type is chosen based on performance, size, and complexity needs.

Where Are PCBs Found?

PCBs are found in virtually all electronic devices, including:

Mobile phones
Laptops and computers
Medical devices
Automotive systems
Telecommunications equipment
Home appliances

Their universality means PCBs are one of the most commonly disposed of e-waste types in the UK.

The Lifecycle of a PCB

Design and Manufacturing: Engineers design PCBs using software, followed by production and testing.
Usage: PCBs function within the device until it becomes obsolete, faulty, or broken.
Disposal or Recycling: At end-of-life, PCBs can be responsibly recycled or sent to landfill (which is increasingly discouraged).

Proper recycling ensures the recovery of useful materials and minimises environmental harm. Printed circuit boards contain valuable materials such as copper, gold, palladium, and silver—especially in high-grade boards like CPUs and server motherboards. However, they also contain hazardous substances like lead and brominated flame retardants.

When Were PCBs Invented?

repcb1 on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways...

The first patent related to printed circuits was filed in 1903 by Albert Hanson.
Paul Eisler is credited with inventing the modern PCB in 1943.
PCBs revolutionised electronics manufacturing by enabling mass production and miniaturisation.
Today, PCBs are vital components in virtually all electronic devices.

Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) are fundamental to almost every electronic device in use today. They provide the physical platform that connects electronic components through conductive pathways, making modern electronics compact and reliable. But when exactly were PCBs invented, and how did this innovation transform technology?

In this article, we explore the origins of PCBs, their early development, and the impact they have had on electronics manufacturing.

The Origins of PCBs

The concept of the printed circuit board dates back to the early 20th century, with several inventors contributing key ideas that led to the creation of modern PCBs.

The first patent resembling a printed circuit was filed in 1903 by Albert Hanson, a German inventor, who described flat foil conductors laminated to an insulating board. However, it wasn’t until the 1930s and 1940s that PCBs began to take the form we recognize today.

The Key Inventors and Development

The modern PCB was developed primarily during World War II, driven by the need for more reliable, compact, and mass-producible electronic systems for military use.

Paul Eisler, an Austrian engineer, is credited with inventing the modern printed circuit board in 1943 while working in England. Eisler’s innovation involved using a printed conductive pattern on a non-conductive substrate, which revolutionized electronics assembly.
Around the same time, the United States military and industry further developed PCB technology to support radar and communication equipment.

Eisler’s work laid the groundwork for widespread adoption of PCBs in commercial electronics after the war.

Impact on Electronics Manufacturing

The invention of PCBs enabled the miniaturisation of electronic devices and dramatically improved manufacturing efficiency. Instead of wiring components by hand, manufacturers could mass-produce boards with precise and repeatable circuits.

Today, PCBs are essential in everything from smartphones and computers to household appliances and automotive electronics.

Recycling and Disposal Considerations

As PCBs became ubiquitous, the volume of electronic waste containing circuit boards has increased significantly. Proper disposal and recycling of PCBs help recover valuable metals like gold, copper, and silver, and prevent environmental harm.

At RePCB, we provide expert printed circuit board disposal and PCB recycling services throughout the UK, helping businesses manage their e-waste responsibly.

What Is RAM?

repcb1 on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways...

RAM is temporary, high-speed memory used to store active data and processes.
It significantly affects system performance and multitasking capability.
DRAM and DDR variants are most commonly used in business and personal computing.
RAM modules contain valuable materials and should be responsibly recycled.

RAM, or Random Access Memory, is a crucial component in all modern computers and digital devices. While often misunderstood, RAM plays a vital role in determining a device’s performance, speed, and ability to run multiple tasks simultaneously.

This article explains what RAM is, how it works, and why it matters to both end users and businesses managing IT hardware. We’ll also look at its relevance in recycling and electronic waste management.

What Does RAM Do?

RAM is a type of volatile memory that temporarily stores data and instructions that a computer needs while it’s running. Unlike hard drives or SSDs, RAM is not used for long-term storage. Instead, it enables quick access to information the CPU needs to process tasks efficiently.

For example, when you open a web browser, the files and code necessary to run that program are loaded into RAM. This makes it much faster for the processor to access that data than if it had to retrieve it from slower, permanent storage every time.

Key Characteristics of RAM

Volatile memory: RAM loses all stored information when the device is powered off.
High speed: RAM is significantly faster than traditional hard disk or solid-state storage.
Temporary storage: It’s used to hold data that’s actively in use, not to save files long term.

Types of RAM

Several types of RAM exist, but the most common used in PCs and servers are:

DRAM (Dynamic RAM): This is the most widely used type and must be refreshed thousands of times per second to maintain data.
SRAM (Static RAM): Faster and more reliable than DRAM, but also more expensive. Typically used in cache memory.
DDR RAM (Double Data Rate): This has evolved over generations (DDR2, DDR3, DDR4, and DDR5), with each providing higher speed and efficiency.

Server RAM, in particular, is designed for high reliability and often includes features like ECC (Error-Correcting Code) to detect and correct memory errors.

Why RAM Matters for Performance

The amount and speed of RAM in a computer directly affect performance. More RAM allows a system to run more programs simultaneously and switch between them with minimal lag. For businesses running intensive applications, virtual machines, or databases, having ample high-quality RAM is essential.

Insufficient RAM can lead to system slowdowns, crashes, or the inability to run specific software. For this reason, upgrading RAM is often one of the most effective ways to extend a computer’s useful life.

RAM and Recycling

As businesses upgrade or decommission IT equipment, RAM becomes part of the electronic waste stream. However, RAM modules contain valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper that can be recovered through specialised recycling.

At RePCB, we collect and recycle RAM from organisations across the UK. Our secure and compliant recycling process ensures valuable materials are reclaimed while reducing environmental impact. Learn more on our RAM Recycling page.

How Are Printed Circuit Boards Made?

repcb1 on July 18, 2025

Key Takeaways...

PCBs are manufactured through a multi-step process including design, etching, drilling, plating, and testing.
Substrate materials and copper layers form the structure, while solder masks and silkscreens finalise the board.
Each step requires precision and quality control to ensure electronic functionality.
The metals and materials used in PCBs contribute to their recyclability and value.

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the backbone of modern electronics. From smartphones and laptops to medical devices and industrial equipment, PCBs enable the complex functionality we rely on daily. But how exactly are these intricate boards created?

In this article, we walk through the full PCB manufacturing process—from raw materials to the finished board—explaining how each step contributes to the structure and function of a PCB. Whether you’re an engineer, recycler, or business professional, understanding this process is crucial for making informed decisions about design, sourcing, and responsible disposal.

Step 1: PCB Design

The manufacturing journey begins with the circuit design. Using CAD (computer-aided design) software, engineers lay out the circuitry, component placements, and electrical pathways. This design is then converted into Gerber files, the standard format for PCB production. These files guide every step of the fabrication process, ensuring the board functions as intended.

The design includes details such as:

Number of layers (single-layer, double-layer, or multi-layer)
Dimensions of the board
Hole and drill locations
Copper trace widths
Component mounting locations

Step 2: Substrate Preparation

The base material, or substrate, is usually made from fibreglass-reinforced epoxy resin (FR4). This non-conductive layer provides structural support. A thin sheet of copper is laminated on one or both sides of the board to form the conductive layer. Multi-layer PCBs are formed by stacking and bonding multiple layers of substrate and copper.

This foundational step sets the stage for all further processing, determining the board’s flexibility, heat resistance, and mechanical durability.

Step 3: Image Transfer and Etching

Next, the copper is patterned according to the PCB design. A photosensitive film (photoresist) is applied to the board, and ultraviolet light exposes it using a stencil derived from the Gerber file. This hardens the areas where copper traces will remain.

The unexposed areas are then removed chemically, and the board is placed in an etching solution to dissolve the excess copper. What’s left are the precise copper pathways that will connect various components on the board.

Step 4: Drilling and Plating

Drilling is used to create holes for component leads and vias (electrical connections between layers). These holes are made with CNC machines to micrometre accuracy.

After drilling, the holes are electroplated with copper to establish conductivity between layers. This step is crucial for multi-layer boards and enables the flow of electricity throughout the circuit.

Step 5: Solder Mask and Silkscreen

A solder mask is applied to insulate the copper traces and prevent accidental short circuits. It also leaves component pads exposed for soldering. This layer typically comes in green, but other colours are possible.

Next, the silkscreen layer is printed. It contains symbols, text, and labels that assist in component placement and identification during assembly and repair.

Step 6: Surface Finish

To ensure proper soldering of components, a surface finish is applied to exposed pads. Common finishes include HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling), ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold), and lead-free options.

Each surface finish offers different benefits in terms of durability, conductivity, and compatibility with automated assembly processes.

Step 7: Electrical Testing and Quality Control

Before shipping, the PCB undergoes electrical testing to check for shorts, open circuits, and other defects. High-voltage probes trace the circuitry to confirm that it matches the design.

Visual inspections and automated optical inspection (AOI) systems are also used to verify alignment, etching accuracy, and cleanliness. Only boards that meet strict quality criteria move on to component assembly.

Why It Matters for Recycling

Understanding the construction of a PCB also sheds light on why they’re valuable during recycling. The layered materials, copper, and often gold-plated connectors mean these boards contain precious resources. At RePCB, we recover these materials to reduce environmental impact and offer rebates where value exists.

If your business is looking to dispose of circuit boards responsibly, check out our printed circuit board recycling services to see how we can help.