PCB assembly is a complex and time-consuming process, and it requires high accuracy. When choosing a PCB assembly manufacturer, look for one with cutting-edge equipment and skilled technicians. They should also be knowledgeable about the field and able to advise customers on ways to improve their design. Additionally, a quality PCB assembly manufacturer should offer prototyping services to help you test and refine your product before large-scale manufacturing.
PCB Production
The first step in a standard PCB assembly is to print the circuit board’s blueprint on a piece of laminate material. Once this is done, a copper layer or coating is pre-bonded to the laminate. This is then etched away to reveal the circuit boards core.
Once the copper layer is etched, it goes through an electroplating process and any other necessary steps before being prepped for PCB assembly. Next, the components are placed on the board. For surface mount technology, the component placement is handled by pick and place machines. These machines have auto-feeder reels of SMT components and high-speed heads that can place a variety of different parts with great precision. However, some smaller through-hole components need to be manually placed.
After the component placement is complete, the board undergoes inspection and quality control. This ensures that all components are in the correct position, and that there are no short-circuits. The PCB is then ready to be shipped out for use.
Before completing the order, the assembly company should keep in contact with the client to provide progress reports and ask for input on any issues that may arise. They should also discuss any additional charges, such as shipping costs, that might apply to the order.
The final step in the PCB assembly process is to send it out for testing and evaluation. Optical inspection and power-off testing evaluate the passive features of the circuit board, like its quality of solder bond or impedance values. In-circuit and functional testing, on the other hand, examine the board’s performance when powered up.
A reliable PCB assembly manufacturer should be able to deliver top-notch products in a timely manner. They should also be willing to work with clients, and if possible, provide them with references or certifications. If they’re unable to provide you with any of these documents, or if their costs are extremely high compared to other companies, this should be seen as a red flag.
