Ask PCB Assembly Services Providers
PCB Assembly Services are an essential step in the production of electronic circuit boards. Also known as Printed Circuit Board assembly (PCBA), this service involves mounting electrical components on a circuit board using surface mount technology or through-hole technology. This helps create a functioning electronics product that is then tested to ensure it meets all necessary standards.
In most cases, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), research institutes or businesses outsource their PCB fabrication and assembly to a PCB assembly company. This way, they can focus their attention on the core business. Choosing the right PCB assembly company is crucial for the success of your project. However, with so many companies out there, how do you know which one to choose? Below are a few questions to ask potential PCB assembly companies to help you make an informed decision.
When choosing a PCB assembly partner, you should look for one that offers comprehensive support and services. These can include design for test (DFT), design for manufacturing (DFM) and design for excellence (DFX). These services will help reduce the risk of issues occurring during production and when the final product is used. A good pcb assembly services partner will also be able to offer advice on how best to optimize your design for cost and performance.
Questions to Ask PCB Assembly Services Providers
The minimum order quantity for PCB assembly depends on the type of project. Twisted Traces offers a variety of services including turnkey, partial kitted and fully kits. Turnkey PCB assembly includes client-supplied components, which are assembled at their facility in Illinois. The company ensures that all components are of the highest quality, and they can deliver a complete PCB in less than 24 hours.
With partial kits, the client provides a list of the required parts for the PCB assembly project, and the company sources the rest. The parts that are not populated on the board are then stored in an inventory. This means that unused components can be reused for future projects, which will save you money in the long run.
While the actual turnaround time will depend on your specific project, you should try to work with a company that can provide you with an accurate estimate. This will help avoid delays and ensure that your project is completed on time. If a company is not willing to provide you with an estimated timeline for the project, then you should consider another option.
During the PCB assembly process, a printed circuit board is inspected for proper alignment and tolerances. The assembler will then use a soldering machine to place the components on the board. Depending on the type of components, these may be soldered by hand or using an automatic placement system. The assembler will then wash the board in clean water, and may apply heat to the surface of the solder to prevent it from oxidizing.