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- November 14, 2022
- PCB knowledge
- (0)
- 06 mins
Turnkey PCB assembly – manufacturing process and advantages
In recent years, turnkey PCB assembly has seen a sharp increase in demand. So much so that it is now being offered by a growing number of EMS providers. In this blog post, we will cover different aspects of turnkey PCB assembly, manufacturing process, advantages, and many other things that are related to it. Keep reading!
What is turnkey PCB assembly? What does turnkey mean?
Turnkey PCB assembly is a type of contract manufacturing wherein the assembler promises to finish all production steps for a printed circuit board. This encompasses procuring components, testing them and shipping the final product.
Turnkey usually refers to a business arrangement in which a contractor is responsible for providing all necessary resources and completing all work required to deliver a finished product or service. So in the case of PCB assembly, turnkey would mean that the assembler will take care of everything from start to finish.
What is the turnkey PCB assembly process?
The complete process for getting a turnkey PCB assembly is as follows:
1. After a customer has placed an order for PCB assemblies, the manufacturer will start by creating a Bill of Materials (BOM) for the job.
2. The manufacturer will then order all the necessary components and materials for assembling the PCBs.
3. Once all the components have arrived, the assembly can begin. First, the stencils used in soldering will be created using a laser cutter or other method.
4. The components will then be placed on the stencil according to the BOM, and a machine called an automated pick and place machine will place them accurately on the PCBs.
5. Next, solder paste will be applied to each component using a dispenser or screen-printer.
6. The PCBs will then be placed in a reflow oven, where they will be heated to a high temperature, melting the solder paste and joining the components to the PCBs.
7. Once the soldering process is complete, the PCBs will be cooled and any excess solder paste will be removed.
8. The PCBs will then be inspected for any defects, and repaired if necessary.
9. Finally, the PCBs will be cleaned and packaged for shipping to the customer.
What’s the difference between turnkey PCB assembly and consigned PCB assembly?
Turnkey PCB assembly is a process where the PCB manufacturer is responsible for all aspects of the assembly process, including procurement of components and final testing. With consignment assembly services, a contract manufacturer will help get PCBs assembled and to market expediently. The in-house supply chain of the customer works closely with the manufacturer who then receives the parts needed for circuit boards after which they handle the assembly themselves.
Partial turnkey vs. full turnkey
When it comes to business, there are two types of turnkey solutions: partial and full. A partial turnkey solution is one where the client takes on some of the work themselves, while a full turnkey solution is where the client hands over all responsibility to the provider. So which one is right for you?
A full turnkey PCB assembly solution is great if you don’t have the time or resources to do everything yourself. It can be a lot less stressful handing everything over to someone else and letting them take care of it. Plus, they’ll have more experience and knowledge in this area than you, so you can be assured that the job will be done right.
On the other hand, a partial turnkey solution can be a good option if you want to be more involved in the process, or if you’re on a tight budget. It can also be a good way to learn more about the PCB and how it works, so you can be better prepared for next time.
What are the advantages of a full turnkey PCB assembly service?
Some benefits of using a full turnkey PCB assembly service include:
- Reduced manufacturing time and lead times – since all aspects of the assembly process are taken care of by the service provider, you don’t have to wait for different parts of the process to be completed before your final product can be assembled.
- Improved quality control – a PCB assembly service will have extensive experience in assembling PCBs, and will therefore have strict quality control procedures in place.
- Greater flexibility – if you need to make last-minute changes or design tweaks to your PCB, a full turnkey service provider will be able to accommodate this and make the changes for you.
- Reduced costs – since all aspects of the assembly process are taken care of by the service provider, you won’t have to worry about purchasing individual components or hiring multiple suppliers.
What are the factors that affect turnkey PCB assembly?
The factors that will affect the turnkey PCB assembly price quoted to you include:
- The number of boards to be assembled
- The complexity of the layout
- The type of components to be used
- The surface finish type and thickness
- The level of testing required
What to consider when looking for a PCB turnkey service?
A PCB turnkey service should have extensive experience with PCB fabrication, assembly, and testing. They should also be able to provide a wide range of services, including design support, component procurement, and final product testing.
When looking for a PCB turnkey service, it’s also important to make sure that they have the ability to meet your specific needs. Ask to see a portfolio of past projects to get an idea of the quality of their work. And be sure to ask about their turnaround time and pricing before making a decision.
How to choose a good fabricator for turnkey PCB assembly?
The best way to choose a good fabricator for turnkey PCB assembly is to ask for referrals from other companies that have worked with them in the past.
You can also do a search for “PCB assembly companies” or “PCB turnkey assembly companies” on Google and compare the results.
To get an understanding of the quality of service they provide, make sure to read reviews from past customers.
Finally, contact the companies that seem like a good fit and ask them for quotes. Be sure to ask about their turnaround time, quality control procedures, and shipping policies.
Turnkey PCB assembly is a type of contract manufacturing wherein the assembler promises to finish all production steps for a printed circuit board.
Turnkey PCB assembly is a process where the PCB manufacturer is responsible for all aspects of the assembly process. While for consignment assembly services, a contract manufacturer will help get PCBs assembled and to market expediently.
A PCB turnkey service should have extensive experience with PCB fabrication, assembly, and testing. They should also be able to provide a wide range of services, including design support, component procurement, and final product testing.
Final thoughts
A turnkey service can take care of all aspects of the manufacturing process for you, from design to delivery. By working with a reputable PCB manufacturer, you can be assured that your boards will meet your exact specifications and are delivered on time and within budget. When looking for a PCB turnkey service, it is important to consider the company’s experience in both manufacturing and engineering, as well as its ability to provide fast turnaround times and high-quality products.
IBE is a reliable manufacturer for PCB Assembly Services and provides high quality electronic equipment with quick turn times. We offer free quotes for our services so you can be confident in the costs before moving forward. IBE is based in both USA and China, making a convenient option no matter where you are located. If you need reliable and affordable Turnkey PCB assembly solutions, do not hesitate to contact IBE today!
