Printed Circuit Boards or PCBs as they are popularly called, are at the heart of any device. The success or failure of the product clearly depends on the quality of PCB. Getting the right PCB prototype, therefore, is half the battle won. Additionally, with time-to-market being a major source of competitive advantage for any manufacturer these days, the ability of the PCB Assembler to deliver on time is crucial. Little surprise then, that choosing the right PCB Prototype Assembler is imperative. Without the right assembler, there is enough scope of mistakes that will turn out to be costly at a later date.
Below are some aspects to watch out for that will ensure that you make the right choice.
Expertise
First things first- the expertise of the PCB Prototype Assembler is the foremost factor that needs to go into your choice. A thorough research on whether the assembler has the necessary expertise in complex, multilayered boards that you may need is therefore essential. It is also imperative to check if the assembler offers turnkey solutions. If your requirement is for low volumes, that is a factor worth checking too. Whether the assembly is RoHS compliant, what kind of turnaround time does the PCB Prototyping Service offer, are all factors to look out for, in making your choice. You also need to check to see if the assembler has the necessary expertise to customize the PCBs as per your bespoke requirements.
Additionally, if you are looking for turnkey solutions, it will be good to check if the assembler has the necessary capability and what its warehousing, shipping etc policies are.
Years of experience
A PCB Assembler that has a large legacy behind him will be in a far better position to offer you the benefit of his experience especially when it comes to complex, multi-layered boards. In turn, what it will mean for you is that you will not have to reinvent the wheel. The assembler will be able to offer many industry best practices that will work well for you. In addition, it always helps to check the clients that the assembler has handled. If the assembler has the necessary experience in your industry, that will be a huge advantage too.
Quality Benchmarks
The one thing you cannot compromise on, when it comes to PCB Prototypes, is the quality. Poor quality of the prototype can cost you a malfunctioning product as well as your reputation. Before finalizing on the PCB Prototyping service, you need to run through the following checklist:
- What kind of technology do they have?
- What are the tests that they run as fall as quality is concerned?
- What certifications do they have?
- What is their market reputation?
Other than the above factors, of course you need to ensure that they offer you competitive pricing so that the project is viable.
To ensure all of the above, it is best that you put together a process that enables you to make the right choice. The done thing is to send the PCB Prototyping USA service, a pre-qualifying questionnaire. This can address all the above issues and enable the assembler to list their strengths. In turn, it will enable you to determine the fit of the PCB Prototyping service, California with your bespoke requirements.
The next stage would be to ask for a quotation. However, to ensure that the quotation is accurate, you need to provide detailed technical information. Some of the other aspects that would be needed from your end include:
- Quantity
- Whether you need turnkey services
- Functional testing requirements
- Lead time and more
It is imperative also that you work with the PCB prototype assembler in close co-ordination. Regular meetings and updates ensure that everything is as per schedule. Also a broad detailing of your strategic plans will ensure that the assembler turns into a strategic partner and brings you competitive advantage, instead of just being a vendor.
At Mermar Electronics, we have been leading the way in PCB Assembly and PCB Prototyping Services for over 40 years. We pride ourselves on your consistent quality, quick turnaround time and excellent customer service. All our PCB Assemblies follow the highest quality standards and are RoHS compliant. You can depend upon us not just to meet but also exceed your needs, irrespective of whether you need simple boards of complex multilayer ones. For more information, Explore our PCB Prototyping Service.
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