There are four crucial stages for creating and implementing printed circuit boards, including design, manufacturing, testing, and, of course, PCB assembly. Traditional processes do not always incorporate all independent stages from the start; neither do they require the input of the contract manufacturer from the onset. Over the years, this practice has led to unnecessary hold-ups due to modifications in fabrication and design that expand the time to market. When we look at the future impacts of PCB, a more effective PCB manufacturing process must be implemented.
The Need for Change
In 2014, the market for bare PCBs surpassed $60.2 billion. By 2024, the PCB market is expected to exceed $79 billion. The demand explosion in the electronic market augments the growth witnessed in demand for PCBs. Therefore, PCB manufacturing industries must seize the opportunity by boosting productivity which is only possible with a more effective PCB manufacturing.
Factors Impacting the Effectiveness of Your PCB Manufacturing Process
Every PCB manufacturing process needs an objective. Usually, the aim is to transform the PCB design into a quality, assembled product that can be reliably used for its intended purpose. While different PCB projects have their own costs and deadlines, the practices you implement can significantly improve your processes:
1. Select the Right BOM Materials
Making available crucial materials on your BOM can augment the PCB manufacturing process and prevent long lead-time or shortages. Therefore, it is essential to create a comprehensive list of suppliers that can deliver genuine components.
2. Using DFM Guidelines
Every PCB product has specific regulatory standards that must be met. Therefore, it is essential to consult with the contract manufacturer’s DFM (Design For Manufacturability) guidelines at the start. This ensures that the PCB layout meets standard industry specifications and tolerances and avoids wasting time and money in designing.
3. Consulting for PCB Assembly
It is recommended to consult with your EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Services) supplier or, contract manufacturer (CM), which provides access to valuable insights on how to maximize assembly efficiency and reduce assembly costs. The design files should also be made available to the CM in the preferred format to avoid errors.
4. Testing
Collaborating with the CM during testing ensures that an objective and independent assessment is made on your prototypes. This way, you can effectively locate and deal with all types of faults.
The bottom line is that with strategic CM and PCB assembly partners, you can effectively improve all stages of production. Finding the right partners will help you control costs and leverage current trends without sacrificing quality. BESTProto offers electronic assembly services for single or multi-layer flexible or rigid circuit boards. Contact us today to request a quote for your PCB project.