Inside a Small Chinese Electronics Factory - From the Archives

[@levibanuta8381]

I am an Electrical Engineer, and have been designing PCBs for the last decade or so. Until seeing this video, and the one from a large PCB factory in China I had only limited knowledge of the fabrication process. Thank you for posting these videos, it is awesome to actually see and understand each step of the journey of a PCB, from my computer screen to my finished product. Kudos.

[@pirminborer625]

Now you know that trough hole parts are soldered by what seems to be underage workers. Maybe order those pcb's from manufacturers which are certified not to have children working. We all have to do what we can to preserve the well being of our children.

[@skyescape2542]

@@pirminborer625 Lol no.. im an electronics engineer and I work at electronic manufacturing its amazing actually.. no underage workers because operators are actually skilled workers.

[@wis9]

@@pirminborer625 the soldering workers do not look like underage. but the working conditions are not safe, there are no solder fume extractors, it looks like there is one installed but it is not being used, probably broken down and the factory owners do not want to fix it. also the woman at the flow soldering oven is wearing heat shields for her arms but is not wearing latex gloves to protect her hand from the solder fluid getting on her hands all day long while she places the boards in the oven.

[@Hesbonful]

Kindly Sir, why doesn’t every country or every state possess these machines? Or is it a limited/ ‘’secret’’ trade…?

[@therealchayd]

"How It's Made" doesn't hold a candle to Strange parts videos, we get to see all the gory details rather than the dumbed-down "A machine does some magic thing". Keep up the good work!

[@ATrashStudio]

Straight FACTS this is way more in detail and understandable and no to mention way cooler/funnier

[@flymypg]

First, Mike's English is fantastic. I always enjoy when you've used your own Mandarin, and when you bring in a translator (and do so many edits), but hearing folks share in English, however hesitant or accented, is always best. In Mike's specific case, his conversational patterns include one I'm very familiar with in my own French: Using every conversation as a language lesson, the goal being to communicate better RIGHT NOW, rather than "getting by" with existing language knowledge. Repeating back is the clue: That not only means "I heard you", but also watching if it was repeated back correctly. Another thing is your own approach to this as a new area, showing your greatest strength as a vlogger: Having a conversation I not only enjoy watching, but one that also brings me "there", as if I were silently present holding the camera. Mike is a wonderful subject! His expertise, patience, and infectious passion for his work is a joy to behold. Great audio, BTW. While this may predate Strange Parts, to me it seems that the essence of Strange Parts was there long before, and this video was part of its birth. Well done! More archive dives, please!

[@txm100]

If this is fantastic I don't want to listen so someone who speaks 'good' english. Sure it's nice to not have subtitles for everything but let's not get ahead of ourselves. It could be better.

[@salat]

@tm True - don't over flatter people. I'd consider myself still "learning English" - since over 30 years. There's always a new word to learn or some pronunciation to improve.

[@imanolgonzalez947]

Agree

[@cheval63sg]

bien dit. laoma francophile, depuis shenzhen.

[@lixingchen8293]

this chinese guy’s english is actually so good for a native chinese

[@m0ck0]

yes, i had the same thought, he is talking fast and repeating himself like he is not sure if he is explaining himself, and im here, like, chill dude, you are explaining yourself great. XD

[@IoriTatsuguchi]

I'm Japanese but it's so tempting to talk the way he does: Frequent use of 'like' and 'OKAY?' at the end lol Probably he learned the versatility of 'like' in California like I did

[@g60force]

don't want to sound like a stalker but i would really like to be able to send you a message and have a conversation, i do honestly admit that profile picture has put me under a spell my apologies :/

[@suikaibuki9737]

@@g60force twice sana FYI

[@KimoKimochii]

he accent is definitely from hong kong

[@jackwriter1908]

Really interesting, I don't mind if it is older. It is still amazing and interesting content, that shows new sides of the electronics that we use.

[@andrive]

Yep

[@emotionz3]

And hey, it’s a lot newer than most How It’s Made episodes. Some of the footage from modern shows it like 2 decades old!

[@wobblysauce]

+

[@vinzatube]

Europa american technology, china just copying it

[@wouladjecabrelwen1006]

How can I get in touch with that company please?

[@PeterPerhac]

The bit towards the end where they are manually soldering stuff... Mind blowing. The speed they do it at, and the mental strength of the people sitting there doing this job all day long...

[@gurpremsingh]

WHAT IS THAT CRAZY SOLDERING SPEED!!

[@iceberg789]

man defies machine.

[@Mr.Leeroy]

the one that needs a second person to fix your cold solder joints after..

[@xrckiss]

The worst quality control I've seen in long time. 🤮

[@YamenNazer]

yeah it is fantastic i have never seen like this before

[@nameredacted1242]

@@xrckiss And ESD, FOD, fume control...

[@thisizothmane7198]

23:01 wow this man is a professionnel

[@maurice4535]

But it looks like it's going to be a cold solder joint.

[@ecosemx]

QC passed

[@gweilo8888]

Cold solder joint? Who cares, throw it away and he'll make you another board from scratch in 2.37 seconds.

[@KrisCochrane]

Impressive, most impressive!

[@KrisCochrane]

@@a5kmusic I'd argue that it's our (the Western world's) fault these products fail after 12 months. We want things cheap and cheap is what we get. These workers are paid peanuts to work their butts off every day. If you are willing to pay, you can have your goods made to a standard rather than a price.

[@585CHEF]

I love the enthusiasm from this guy. You can really tell that he fully understands and loves his work. I love the way he speaks with his hands when explaining and always has a smile!

[@abhinavtekumalla]

This person truly wants to help people understand all the technological complexities in manufacturing. Combining this with your interest to learn and share platform with the technical people is making the world a better place one video at a time.

[@christopherplacak3579]

I have the GREATEST RESPECT for the people and the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail of all the employees!

[@gregcollins3404]

I spent a summer back in the 70's working in a component assembly operation. Was my entry into a career in electronics. These jobs are virtually all off shore now...

[@YoshaLegends]

It already been about 3-4 years since he created the iphone 6s and 7 headphone jack video. Something history should never forget. :)

[@user-in1gn6fw2eab]

Wasnt it only 2 to 3 years ago

[@andyzhou9147]

But the 6s had a headphone jack

[@stanalvares6888]

Hi Mike. Great video. This guy is one of the most genuine & knowledgeable person I have seen. As a consultant who has seen the full length of SMD based production and dealt with various types of vendors and their blunders, I really enjoyed it.

[@michellefernandez3155]

Thanks for the quality content. Is always interesting to see this kind of process (And all the story behind). Kudos!

[@thefrankenator]

I absoulutely love the hands on fluency and efficiency of these small electronics manufacturing operations. they are the wild west of device prototyping

[@jamiebeith1875]

I love how excited this guy is about explaining everything, and how our dude pretends like he doesn't know what's happening

[@felixjuarez5118]

Morelikely he doest know what is going on

[@adgerdrinkwater4497]

dont let anyone make you feel like you are not doing enough, whatever you need to be excellent is inside of you, you are valuable and strong. wise and a survivor. i wish you peace, good health, more strength, happiness, success. have a lovely and wonderful day.

[@mateuszkowalczyk3254]

Every time I see a pick and place machine working I am so impressed by how quick and accurate these machines are. Also, at 23:01, wow, he's soldering those connector sooo fast.

[@ronlentjes2739]

I'm getting my left eye back (cataract). I can't even put the soldering iron on the right pad right now. Dam I've never soldered as FAST as they do! Amazing.

[@黄微-j2j]

That's because you're practicing too little, I'm an electrical engineering student and one time during my college years, my teacher asked me to solder a lab board for the entire grade (there were some chips with complex pins that only I could solder) and I procrastinated doing it until DEADLINE, and that night I soldered about as fast as I did in the video.

[@toddt6730]

I was never able to solder as fast as the people at the end were soldering on those boards, amazing video

[@McNibbler]

These guys are so skilled and efficient at what they do. It’s incredible just how fast they can build with such great quality, too. Great video as always!

[@tonyrogers5469]

You think Vietnam and India can compete with China on this? I don’t think so. China produces high ends products that people never realize as well. Many American companies ordered Chinese parts and put them together then label it as “made in USA” and sell for double or triple prices. They are still lying to people as of now.

[@McNibbler]

I work at apple and we mostly do everything but our really low volume stuff in china, just because there is absolutely nobody in america or really anywhere outside of china that can make things at the absurd scale that we need, and at the quality we’re looking for. They really are just so good at what they do it’s incredible.

[@McNibbler]

Also, they’re such a joy to work with, too hahahaha

[@BillsWorkbench]

When I was a teenager, I always wanted a bicycle with Campagnolo parts. Because I thought that Shimano was the big company that was taking over the world. Then I read an article about Shimano, I learned about the founder of the company and why he started his company. Thank you, Scott, for opening up my eyes again to the small factories. Maybe that is why I love restoring Matchbox cars now.

[@nathanboisvert1186]

Hey Scotty I really love your videos and see myself in you as young college engineer. Can you make a video about you and your education and past. Like how you started to go to China and get all these crazy options.

[@RolandJVyens]

Good idea, I also want a behind-the-scene video.

[@thirushaa]

i Like the way this guy explains , looks really very nice person who puts his work sincerely.

[@LegendarLEO]

Just so happy to see you're still making content. I'd like to see future mods on the current Androids that are out that would be amazing.

[@LittleRainGames]

This is old content, from before the channel. But i think you meant uploading so nevermind.

[@xaxey]

Me too

[@ypdjf8966]

للالييي

[@sanityd1]

Word up to Mike for giving us all an insight into electronics manufacturing, answered a bunch of things I had been wondering for a while.

[@tolandgrinnell3035]

Super interesting - love this tour where you feel like your with the contractor as apposed to a guided tour with an company spokesperson. Lots of extra small things you see and learn from the organic nature of the conversation and what everyone is doing.

[@capedude465]

I had a small SMT factory in China and I always thought my equipment was old, but that factory is wild. That equipment looks like stuff from the 1990s.

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

His english is so good. Very refreshing.

[@2WheelsGood.01]

Most factory owners and merchandizers speak pretty good English since one of their main duties is dealing with foreign costumers.

[@markmanz8897]

I love when "anybody" goes into a small company, or "trade shop" to do factor tours. Since i work in the printing industry, i've been in, worked in, and toured many small companies that have between 3 and 30 employees. The owner 'usually' knows what everyone can do, can't do, and wants to do. That's the vibe i get from this place. I've been on "massive factory tours" like Miller Brewing, Amana, and Corvette, and you see the same thing every time... massive production lines... lots of pieces, parts and people. And they are fun. But nothing like the small mom-and-pop shops. Thanks for sharing, and i look forward to more videos in the future. Not that you can do much traveling right now, but it would be fun to see you do an interview and factory tour of Adafruit in New York. I also wonder how many small electronics factories there are in the US. I know they exist. But they seem to be hard to find.

[@ChasePhilport]

Look at how good the little kid at 22:40 is at soldering. Mindblowing!

[@0xbenedikt]

Good and sad at once

[@GWT1m0]

Especially the boss, a kid being the boss of a factory, wow.

[@AlexSinclair]

The explanation as to what shows like "How It's Made" are missing is the exact reason I love this channel.

[@randomOldYoutubeChannel]

23:01 dang, thats some fast soldering

[@AdrenalineRu5h]

He soldered 36 points in roughly 5 seconds, that is insane.

[@cododerdritte39]

Actually it’s not. Because those solder joint are not properly made. I’m not impressed at all.

[@Erlandsson1964]

I am not impressed at the speed either. It is REALLY BAD SOLDERS. no way that is going to work a long time. No time for wetting and heating at all.

[@shido8597]

I'm really impressed about it

[@rameezansari7815]

i need some components plese can you give me a way.. where i will buy components

[@classicgamernl]

I like that you let the owners talk. Not just bang bang bang this is it. but also the person who makes it ☺️🙏

[@Dee13i]

23:00 Perhaps the soldering iron has 1000 degrees or something.

[@JoseAntNS]

Damn I have to try solder things like that at least one time in my life

[@popvotocek]

That soldering feels like a personal assault.

[@bluebaconjake405]

Adam Votoček its borderline harrassment

[@alexrodriguez-cortez238]

Or it’s probably not going through the barrel of the lead, it’ll lead to a shitty board and would be faster product to give to the customer

[@Mr.Leeroy]

they do not know temperatures lower than 500 deg C for their irons for sure. try buying solder from China, it won't even melt at normal temps and it is not even lead-free

[@newdawn8477]

I grew up doing the same type of stuff here in New Zealand, we built led and florescent lighting fittings. even did some of the super market lighting which double up as communication equipment. most of what my 5 year old self did was stuffing the boards and when the boss knocked over the shelves and it fell 1 floor, I sort tens of thousands of components, mainly cause my eyes were the best out of everyone working there XD

[@webforder4201]

If you go to Shenzhen, it would be interesting see how the small LEDs are made in factories. It must be even more complex because the components are so much smaller.

[@DrTune]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/g16oh2iagNmUos0

[@lolfix101]

this guy seems to happy and passionate about his work and what they have achieved, i love it

[@peterfrost547]

Thank you, I have been a keen electronics hobbyist for many years - hence my subscription to your channel. I was 'blown away' realising how much human intervention is required. Great video and really informative. I agree that 'how it's made' type mainstream TV programs are lacking in depth and don't spend time with the people working there. I get it because it's 'mainstream' and they need ratings. Keep up the good work - I love your enthusiasm.

[@dosgos]

Through-hole hand soldier work was so fast and so clean. That guy was a real pro!

[@stephenbruce8320]

Always enjoy seeing different Pick & Place operations. It never gets stale so whatever you have regardless of when you shot the footage is all good.

[@Drago1995]

I used to work on Smd machines a few years ago, now I'm in the testing zone because working on the smd was to stressful

[@homiethefish]

If this is from your reject pile, I hope it's a big pile. Great video! Speed manual soldering that looked machine done. No wonder you reused that clips a few time. Just how hot would that iron have to be. I'm sure you already are on it, you need some nice native blankets on the walls in the new studio. Unless this is just a temporary location. You were kinda lucky to have been in the US when all this went down.

[@KaranBhansali01]

The PCB+A videos on this channel have been very helpful for me to understand the PCB+A Process. Thanks a lot!

[@DecouvrirLaTechnologie]

Thanks for this factory tour. Its amazing how much details this guy gives. I learned a lot. I didnt know all theses parts where soldered by hand, i was under the impression that it was all automatic. Alex

[@Drew-Dastardly]

Drag soldering separate through hole components is a new one on me. Fucking amazing! Must try it some time.

[@ExStaticBass]

Gods love you man. I'm just glad you're still putting out videos. Stay well bud. These really are a godsend on lockdown.

[@eckbru]

it is amazing how exactly this guy tries to explain all this Details, he is full of enthusiasm and motivation to do a great and professional work, thanks for sharing this content.

[@NonickGG]

I never clicked so fast when i saw the notification

[@liliuamorim8644]

Pânico no Lago

[@aviinuo2694]

One of your best videos, as someone studying electronics at university just listening to the manger is very interesting

[@thec4ke]

This is one of the best explanations of this I've seen.

[@JKArcade]

Your interviewing has gotten much better. In these early videos you took over the tour a lot of the time.

[@dannyt2141]

Miss your videos dude. Much love, stay safe.

[@lylyluvda916]

i like the behind the scenes stuff about where most of our(cause so much stuff is made in china) products come from. Its really cool.

[@shershaah8136]

🤘

[@ewatfred]

Thank for the content Scott! Please remember that what you find interesting, WE'LL find interesting! China is such an interesting place, there's so much going on. I loved your "making a shoe" video, I think it's really important that we see where all our products come from :)

[@MrPnew1]

Historical piece. Thanks for the share SP

[@Akira-si2ww]

Your content is so good, thanks for another great video. Looking forward to more unseen footage from your archives! Stay safe!

[@user-bv7um1ds7y]

Bring back the old beard in this video! Also love seeing your factory tours, it's nice seeing how different manufacturing is in different countries and different fields

[@marhar2]

This is great! I hope you can release more of the back catalog. Great interview, you can see the seeds of Strange Parts. And Mike did a great job of explaining stuff. I'm overwhelmed by the soldering tech's speed. :)

[@fearless4711]

This was the best factory tour so far, so much patience from the guy showing you around.

[@todayonthebench]

The soldering at 23:00 is indeed very fast. Though, there is a small risk that these solder joints aren't going to be of the best quality. Not saying that they are bad, they do in fact look rather good. Though, we don't see the other side, so if it actually has soaked through is another question. But, these connectors tends to melt rather easily, so in this case, one better not dwell around... And the product is likely built down to a price, so QC is likely not going to complain about uneven solder application, or potentially mechanically weaker bonds. Another way to do fast soldering at an even lower cost is to do wave soldering. Though, that is its own can of worms. But from running such a machine myself, it relatively easy to change from one board type to another. So even for small runs it can be fairly cost effective. Downside is that the machine eats floor space, gets really hot due to having a vat of liquid solder, and also draws a lot more power than a whole bunch of irons, so only worth while if one has a lot of joints to solder, ie it isn't a silver bullet. The board in the video is likely faster, and cheaper to do by hand. Though, the factory should probably look into some actual fume extraction, the small fan is far better than nothing. But it isn't all that hard to add a bit of hose and hang it from the rack on the table so that it doesn't blow it out over the coworker on the other side of the table...

[@alexrodriguez-cortez238]

THANK YOU!! I work at a electronics manufacturer in the US and this type of soldering would NOT fly especially how they just throw the boards after, they are reallly cutting down on time to pump up the numbers and it shows.

[@_ata_3]

So cool Mike enjoys so much sharing what he knows and do.

[@OutdoorsWithShawn]

Love the factory tours! The people, the processes, the parts and the machinery. Good stuff! Keep up the good work & videos.

[@YamenNazer]

This is like heaven on earth man!!!

[@cododerdritte39]

ASK those workers. They will tell you that it’s hell on Earth.

[@dosgos]

That Chinese guy is a very good tour-guide! Awesome video.

[@besttechnologyco.ltd-china5355]

That should be made a longer time ago. Welcome to visit our PCBA factory in Shenzhen too, one day:-)

[@NB-gc8sq]

that was amazing to watch! the speed that the one guy can solder was incredible to watch! Love to see more of this style of video!

[@mvadu]

Best kind of StrangeParts Scotty..keep them coming.

[@ExtinctInsanity]

I hope he does more "never before seen" videos. I've seen many "how to's" but they explained everything in great detail.

[@christopherrobbins2236]

The owner is real passionate about what he does.

[@Leksi20]

Somehow you manage to look younger and older at the same time in this lol

[@amkp40technology]

*Amazing soldering speed!* 😵😵

[@josefaschwanden1502]

And bad solder joints

[@NishankBansal]

Hey Scotty. Thanks a lot for getting all this information to us. Can you please cover up a factory which manufactures small ICs like 555. It would be really helpful.

[@LuberthDijkman]

Wow the speed off the hand soldering is nuts

[@MartijnWismeijer]

Strange parts needs more giant beard 🧔🏻 😁

[@gavisiddheshwarkataraki8735]

Thank you very much to both the factory boss and you. It is very much informative. Keep it up.

[@darealkingbob5751]

He looks like a completely different person with the long beard. But seems familiar

[@StEvUgnIn]

That was right after his career in UFC 😂

[@MarcPlaysDrums]

I use to make circuit boards for audio systems. Basically the stencils are for screen printing a paste which dries hard on the circuit board. It contains copper dust and it acts as wiring to connect the individual circuits(diodes, transformers etc). That shit is really really dope!!! Then you place the boards into a wave solder machine to further connect the individual circuits. Then you take wire cutters and cut off the excess wire sticking out of the bottom of the circuits once the completed board is cooled off. I worked in a clean room too which was insane. You really don't get paid a lot on the hands on side of the operation(unless your in the clean room). I made more money when I got promoted to the clean room then I became an inspector and eventually a manager(which, being a 50 plus thousand dollar a year position was ridiculous pay for a young single man in his twenties. I was pissing money like it was water!!! I invested a lot too.)but.....the hands on stuff was fucking fun as shit. I missed it when I got promoted.

[@YM-nd8nf]

I want to restart 2020 so I can have a better mood for all these. Just restart 2020.

[@Tech-px3yn]

Dude I am so glad you are back out and making videos man! Really Missed them.

[@JohnJones-oy3md]

23:28 - Ever look at the crappy soldering joints on a cheap widget board from China and wonder how that happens? Here you go.

[@GautamKumarGoswami]

That is really nice! You are working hard. Surely you will be rewarded by the almighty. Best wishes to all of you guys - from India.

[@mjrevel]

I'd like to know how much everyone gets paid for their labor and how the conditions are from the workers viewpoint. As neat as the process is every time I saw someone on the assembly line they were always looking away form the camera and not interacting in any way. I enjoy the benefits of ordering low costs parts like everyone else but I'm also aware to the human labor costs associated when systems like this aren't fully automated and humans are seen as a part of that automation. I understand if this isn't a topic you want to get into on your channel, but since you are so close to the source I figured I'd ask.

[@yibingmiao3493]

Roughly 4K-7K RMB monthly. But working overtime is also quite common like 12*6 a week. Usually such factory also provides a dormitory and canteen, so workers can save cost from renting and meals. This is not enjoyable job but it is still clean and safe. Most workers are from remote areas, which means working here is at least better than where they are from.

[@tedhansolo]

“looking away form the camera and not interacting in any way”, from my experience living in China, not everyone is "westerner like", most people are just shy and don't get used to smile to strangers, and tend not to involve with environment they're no familiar with, it's not some conspiracy theories like "they're being controlled and watched", if you have been to different places you'll see not everyone behaves like we do in our country.

[@joelcatala1144]

Awesome video. Thanks Scotty. Hope you'll find Part 2.

[@crazystuffproduction]

I have never clicked on something so fast, will edit with a comment

[@chelarestelar]

No edits yet

[@DeadpoolPlayz]

No edits yet

[@saddamhussainssaddamhussai6032]

Long live china

[@leozendo3500]

The manual through hole soldering is insane.

[@AC-rw3nt]

Uploading old footage of industrialized child labor to take advantage of KZbin Revenue + promoting the company. Congrats! Living the Dream! I did expect more of you, but money corrupts....

[@tabe2482]

it just shows you are a natural giant or shaved beer content is solid and the questions are spot on . the reactions are kid-like. i hope you can explore US factories as well

[@u0aol1]

Man from one ginger to another, I wish I could grow out a beard like that, mine becomes like facial pubes and I end up looking like an Amish.

[@MartijnWismeijer]

It just needs a good trim on the side and some beard oil for shine and to keep in in place. Once longer the beard will also cover any bald spots men have in their 🧔🏻beard.

[@thatgeezeruk]

What a great video, what a great guy, these are so insightful

[@edvaldoaraujo6908]

Gostei muito! todo processo de montagem é incrível, simplesmente fantástico!! Edvaldo - Brasil - São Paulo - Osasco

[@guy7gsa]

Enjoying these factory videos, keep them coming. We never get to see these factories with all these details. Love them.

23:02 thats how fast I solder my components said no hobbyist ever

[@woogaloo]

Looking forward to a hopefully part 2. I really love How It's Made, but I have always thought that it really only shows the machines and never really the people behind the machines. Great - behind the scenes look!

[@JohnUsp]

21:42 - chinese tolerance standard, LOL

[@brendethedev2858]

She's mashing the quality button so it must be good

[@kirmussaudio7578]

Poor factory!!

[@Lol..No.]

I could watch this content forever. Glad we got to see some archived footage!

[@AttilaTheHun333333]

22:38 ...dude, WTH. 😯

[@CharGorilla]

Those manual thru-hole soldering technicians are llike magicians. I cannot believe that level of skill. It's incredible. Seems this factory is really dedicated to producing quality product. We really need to learn these skills back home.

[@cododerdritte39]

If you think that their speed is impressing and that they’re doing quality work, I have to disappoint you: it’s not! Those solder joints are crappy. You see, this is an electronics channels for makers and DYI-ers, not for professionals.

[@sethasinyoungpattana6364]

are we still doing the first thing? lmao

[@cky3557]

The way this young guy is explaining have me recall documentaries on how Jackie Chan used to share his way of filming, including creative method & tricks just to get the perfect yet natural shots. They have both the knowledge & enthusiasm in what they are doing. And when these amazing ever-hardworking group of young entrepreuners' reach to the heights of say..a Huawei.. Some people gona feel threatened. And then we know what happen next..it's always the same, old story. Sadly, today everything has been politicized by some leaders with very big egos.