An Overview: Different Types of PCB Assembly Services and Tips to Make your PCB Assembly a Success!

The Global Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Market is expected to register a CAGR of 4.12% during the forecast period (2020–2025); it was valued at USD 58.91 billion in 2019. It is projected to be worth USD 75.72 billion by 2025. (Source)

It can be understood from the above statistics that PCB is at the core of every electronic device that connects us today. PCBs are known to interconnect the electronic components by creating conductive pathways via copper pads and connecting lines. This makes the PCB assembly processes one of the most intriguing concepts in the electrical industry.

What Do You Mean by PCB Assembly?

The printed circuit board (PCB) is a thin board used as the base in various electronics as a physical support piece and wiring area for surface-mounted and socketed components. It is a closely-knit structure consisting of different components like copper foils, epoxy resins, metal boards, and fiberglass platforms that work correctly only when the assembly is up to the mark.

PCB can be found in many electronic devices like TVs, radios, smartphones, and digital cameras. Different types of PCBs are used depending on their functions in consumers’ electronics and computers. Additionally, it is also applied in several medical devices, industrial machinery, LED-based lighting solutions, automotive, and aerospace industries.

PCBGOGO, established in 2015, offers turnkey PCB assembly services, including PCB manufacturing, PCB assembly, components sourcing, functional testing, and IC programming. In addition, our specialty lies in quick-turn prototype PCB assembly. We are also expertized in small-volume PCB fabrication, quick-turn PCB prototype, and PCB assembly.

Head down to know more about our services:

• Turnkey PCB assembly services

We offer complete turnkey PCB assembly services and help you from the design phase to product completion without any hassle. We have 4 fully independent surface mount assembly lines with automatic machines like YAMAHA assembly machines, providing a theoretical capability in excess of 20,000 placements per hour. We have the most efficient SMT and through-hole PCB assembly to process your order.

• PCB manufacturing

We have three manufacturing bases equipped with the most advanced production equipment, such as YAMAHA pick and place machine, reflow oven, wave soldering machine, X-RAY, AOI testing machine; and the most professional technical personnel.

• PCB assembly

All large PCB projects are processed through reliable automated machinery, while small ones are handled manually. We use automated machinery and the pick and place CAD data to solder components on your PCBs. We have a designated PCB assembly process that can be seen on our website.

• Component sourcing

Component sourcing plays a major role in turnkey PCB assembly services. We strive hard to offer great convenience and flexibility in component sources. PCBGOGO’s competitive advantages in components sourcing include:

• Considerable customer service
• Authorized components suppliers
• Short procurement lead time
• Full traceability and obsolescence management
• Diverse customized service in component sourcing
• Cost-effective
• Functional Testing

Functional PCB (printed circuit board) testing is conducted at the end of the manufacturing process to ensure the final product can stand the test of time. It examines not just the components but the whole assembly condition. It is done to prevent damage control when your product goes into the open market.

• SMT and laser stencil

The stencil is a bare stainless-steel sheet that is with or without a frame. It is necessary for surface mount assembly. We will help you with SMD stenciling right from its usage, stencil type, existing fiducials to electropolishing.

We have been in this industry for 10 years and have served more than 20,000 customers worldwide. This gives us the confidence to offer you the best PCB prototyping and PCBA manufacturing services. Our goal is to maintain 100% client satisfaction by providing our customers with the best products and services available. We prioritize our customers and make sure all their questions are duly answered — this sets us apart from our competitors.

If you are struggling to find the right assembler for your PCB, these tips will make your printed circuit board assembly a success. We won’t make you run around the bush but give you tips to ensure you get the desired product.

8 Tips for a Successful PCB Assembly

1. Speak to your PCB assembler beforehand

You need to have a conversation with your assembler before you start with the assembling process. It’s essential to communicate with the desired person right from the planning to the designing stage.

Open communication will eliminate all possible confusion and errors right from the beginning. Ask for their opinion in the planning stage to gain valuable information throughout the manufacturing process. Be proactive in asking them about suitable materials, latest techniques, board designing, and likewise.

2. Take care of your file formats

An experienced manufacturer will give you options for a successful PCB assembly. These days, boards are complex, with several layers of components, traces, and vias to provide the required precision level.

PCB file formats are an essential part of the PCB design. Gerber and CAD are the most common and standard formats. That’s why they are used by a large number of assemblers. Make sure your manufacturer follows the ODB++ standard and discuss your requirements with them.

3. Check all the labels and parts

Double-check all the markings on the parts and design documents. All of them should be marked and labeled to ensure top-notch quality. Make sure all the packages are also numbered, labeled, and match with your documentation.

Get this right with your PCB assembly manufacturer.

4. Never entirely rely on offshore providers

Many of you may prefer overseas assembly as it’s more affordable. However, there are a lot of risks. In such cases, your assemblers might use fake parts that can lead to a loss in the long haul. You might also face production delays that would affect your timeline of events. Be careful while working with offshore providers.

5. Consider the costs involved in the production

It’s essential to consider the total production cost from the planning to the designing process. Also, include the hidden costs so that you don’t burn a hole in your pocket. Sit back and make a list of all the possible risk factors that are likely to affect you in the long run. Prevent using substandard parts as it will keep adding costs later.

6. Never neglect the design for manufacturability (DFM) test

Manufacturability(DFM) test is an engineering test that describes engineering or designing a product to facilitate the manufacturing process. It helps to identify and sort potential issues to ensure the process ends smoothly. Incorporating this test will reduce associated costs and results in a feasible deal.

In a nutshell: The DFM check proclaims whether the end product is up to the mark. DFM reviews give you the chance to fix the designing phase and make the entire process less expensive.

7. Check all the trade-offs twice

Technology is moving at a rapid pace with new features adding to boards. You need to update yourself to all the latest technology with each passing day. You need to have your own preferences and understand what you need from the board. Is it more power or more robust transmission?

For this, you need to know the board’s primary usage to determine the capabilities you need in your board. Talk with your manufacturer and seek fruitful advice that can be implemented.

A well-designed and assembled board means more power and robust transmission with other features.

8. Test before ordering

You’re paying for the final product’s quality; you need to be 100% sure about the final product. If you’re planning to give a big order, it would be best to try an assembler. This will ensure you don’t regret your choice. You can also hire several assemblers and compare them based on the final product they provided.

Conduct a trial order and it will give you a brief idea about your manufacturer and how reliable your end product would be.

Remember this: Timing makes a lot of difference.

“Full refund will be offered if there is any problem in PCB and assembly quality which could not be solved!” as stated by PCBGOGO, COO, Eric Wu. Long-term business cooperation is PCBGOGO’s goal. Even if the price is not low, quality and service will be best.

If you consider all of the above tips, you can have the most reliable and well-constructed PCB assembly for your project.

Conclusion!

With over 10 years as an industry leader, PCBGOGO is one of the most experienced PCB and PCB assembly manufacturers. We are proud to manufacture high-quality PCBs and provide the best PCB assembly services for our customers. At the same time, we offer a safe and prosperous environment for over 200 employees to work in.

Our goal is to be categorized as the most comfortable printed circuit board manufacturer to do business with. To achieve that goal, we prioritize our customers and make sure all their questions are duly answered. Our record of success sets us apart from our competitors. Place your order today!