How to choose the right PCBA Factory?
2019-12-11Choosing a high-quality PCBA Factory for your PCB prototyping and assembly can help you yield outstanding results within the desired period and budget. You will be able to meet your needs efficiently. However, if you choose the wrong manufacturer, you are already on your way to doomsday.
A wrong manufacturer will not only increase the turnaround time, but it will also increase frustration and wasted costs. Even when you get the product there is a high probability that PCB lacks the quality and the fines you want. Therefore, we suggest that you make this decision very carefully.
Now, you must be wondering, how can you choose a reliable PCB assembler and manufacturer? You do not have to worry. We are going to provide you a complete guide on how to choose the right PCBA Factory. We will highlight the points that need consideration and the things that you should avoid. So, without any further delay, let us get straight to the point.
Table of Content
- Introduction to PCB Assembly
- Are you ready for the Production Phase?
- Double Check Your Design
- Choosing the Right PCBA Factory
- Why Choose KingPCB?
To make things easier for you, we can say that PCBA is the combination of Printing Circuit Boards along with the electronic accessories and the components. Several companies offer the facility of PCB assembly services; however, some companies do this in-house.
You can easily outsource the PCB assembling, but you need to make sure that the desired company specializes in assembly services. The right PCB assembling company can produce high-quality Printed Circuit boards within your desired budget. They will ensure a fast turn-around time.
In addition, the company would offer reliable services and would have state of the art equipment. Thus, the company would be able to cater to your needs even for the most sophisticated Printed Circuit Boards.
Regardless of the complexity of your design, the company would produce it flawlessly.
Now that you have an idea of what PCBA is, let’s focus on the things that you need to get straight from your end to get better results from the factory.
Are you ready for the Production Phase?
First thing first, you need to know if you are ready for the production phase. Remember, once you start the production phase, there is no turning back. You will not be able to reuse the PCB components that are once soldered. These components will be damaged for good.
Yes, we agree that manufacturing in the factory offers reliability and time efficiency. However, providing them with the wrong base material will definitely lead to disaster. To ensure that everything goes smoothly, you need to ensure that everything is perfect from your end.
Double Check your Design
Make sure that your design can be produced without many hurdles. For instance, a pick and place machine generally has the ability to handle on the top side. Therefore, a good idea is to place all the components on one side.
In case, you want additional complexity, you can have components on the other side as well. A good PCBA Factory will be able to handle this effortlessly, but remember this will have a direct impact on the cost. Two-sided PCBs are always expensive to produce in comparison to one-sided PCB.
PCB Design Layout
Next, you need to focus on the design layout of your Printed Circuit Board. After all, your objective is to get 1000s or more of PCB. A problem with the design layout can lead to serious issues. Any issue in the design layout will be an innate issue in every Printed Circuit Board of that particular layout.
For instance, if the design has an incorrect footprint, the issue will be part of all the PCBs that you produce according to that design. A good way to deal is to ask the Printed Circuit Board manufacturer to, first produce a small sample for you to check.
Once you approve the small-batch, you can give the PCB manufacturer go ahead.
Detailed Bill of Materials
You invest in a business in order to make money. Of course, to make money, you need to have a complete record of your cost and revenue. With the bills of material, you would know how much you are willing to spend.
You then can choose a factory that is able to deliver your desired PCBs within your budget. With the BOM, you can estimate the total cost, identify the PCB component’s position and have a better understanding of component sourcing.
Below are the things that you need to incorporate in the bill.
- Price
- Distributor
- Sourcing Channel
- Populate
- Supplier
- Manufacturer
- Component specifications such as Tolerance, operating current, dimension, one-sided
- Part’s Designator
- Component’s Footprint
- Complete Part Number
- Quantity
Now that you have done everything right from your end, it is time to learn how to choose the right PCB manufacturer.
Choosing the Right PCBA Factory
Regardless of the type of manufacturer, you are looking for, may it be Aluminum PCB manufacturer, SMT PCB Assembly manufacturer, or HDI PCB manufacturer, you need to understand the basic concept of cooperation.
A business corporation that offers long-term and enjoyable relationship heavily depend on the peer-to-peer relationship. Their door-to-door relationship includes corporate philosophy, development stages, service standards, manufacturing capabilities and the size of the company.
It is important to consider the factors below to ensure that you make the right decision. Sometimes, the lowest bidder is not the best choice. The particular company might not be able to live up to your standards.
Network Band
A good idea to know about the company is to head over to their website. In the digital world, a company producing a sophisticated form of technology will always have a website. In case, you are not able to find the website that is a negative sign.
An HDI PCB, PCB or SMT processing Services Company needs to have a website. In addition to their digital presence, critical observe their website layout. A company that offers technical designs need to have a well-designed website.
If their website is ugly, it means they do not pay much heed to it. This again is a negative sign. Below are a number of things that you need to consider regarding their website:
Website Design Aesthetics Sense
A PCB manufacturer needs to have a well-designed website. It should be smooth, and robust. After all, they are part of the technological world and the website is their digital appearance.
Imagine, you enter a shop that is a maze and extremely unruly, will you shop from there? Of course not, you would straight away head to another shop. The same is the case with a website, the company needs to be up to date and make a website that makes an impression.
Regular Update
Like the physical shop that requires constant updating, it is important for the company to keep its website up to date. They need to make sure that the right pricing, cost, and services are available on the website.
If they make any changing in their policy plan or the price range, they need to update that as well. A well-updated website ensures the consumer that the company is still in business and is reliable.
Company Presence on Baidu, WeChat or Weibo search results
A good way to find whether a company is authentic is to search for its introduction on reliable websites such as WeChat, Weibo and Baidu among others. If you find a company there, it means the company has been in business. The company offers authenticity and reliability.
Information on Video Website
In addition to text websites, do look out for the company on video websites. A company that allows people to see its production process is definitely reliable. Of course, when you can see what is going on the inside, you can better judge it. So, search websites like Tencent or Youku to see if you are able to find company-related information on them.
Manufacturing Capacity
Of course, you will choose a PCBA Factory that would fulfill your need for production. Choosing a factory that might not be able to handle your desired production quantity is like calling for trouble.
A good way to find whether the PCB manufacturer can understand the manufacturing capacity of your PCB, you should talk to their technical team. A face-to-face interaction should be your first choice; however, you can talk to them via their website.
In addition, find information regarding manufacturing capacity on their website. A company that takes their business seriously would incorporate information this important online. After all, their objective is to cater to your clients in the best possible way.
Pay heed to the information Online
When a company is authentic and true, you notice that they have the same information throughout the digital as well as a physical presence. So, a good idea is to read their introduction page along with the home page and other information on the website.
If they have a pamphlet, also read the information on that. If there is no contradiction between all their information, it means that the company is genuine.
Alignment of Timelines
Remember, most factories have a strict schedule for every stage of production. If there is any delay, it is bound to lead to unnecessary cost burdens. It is possible for the manufacturer to place an order online. Therefore, make sure that you consider whether you will be able to process your documents and provide them with timely feedback.
You need to focus on the time it would take the company to complete your production order? What is their duration etc.? Remember, delay in any stage would have a direct impact on your business. So, to ensure that everything goes smoothly, you should also provide your timely cooperation.
The quotation reference
Killing a potential board manufacturer simply because they are expensive is not a good idea. Generally, the manufacturer tends to quote a price that incorporates several factors. The boards are offering the quotation under limited conditions, detailed process requirements and product market positioning.
Sometimes, a company offering more promises to deliver high-quality PCBs. Paying a little upfront cost can save you a lot of money in the future. Like many companies, that quote less money might compromise on the quality of the Printed Circuit Board. So, going with the company offering the minimum price might not always be a wise thing to do.
Location
Of course, the location of the PCBA Factory will have a direct impact on the price. If there is more distance between the delivery point and the factory, there will be a spike in the overall cost.
Likewise, less distance means decreased cost. So, a good idea is to go for a company that offers online distance cost calculation. This way, you will have a clear idea of how much you will have to pay in the end.
Quality Control Procedures
It is imperative for a company to offer complete quality control procedures. Usually, professional websites tend to have a column on their website to explain their quality control solutions.
A PCB manufacturer that offers quality control procedures is bound to generate effective results. Their Printed Circuit Boards will be of the highest quality. You will never have a problem with these boards.
Certification
A good PCB company offers the highest quality as they comply with the highest standard of quality. May they offer SMT services, Aluminum PCB manufacturer services, or PCB assembly services, they will provide the best quality.
All their facilities should comply with ISO9001 and IPC-A-610 and IPC-A-600 certification. If a company has the above certification, it means it will deliver high-quality products, even if they are new in the business.
Experience
Of course, your first priority should be an experienced company. A PCBA Factory that has experience will ensure high-quality productions. For KingPCB, the company has the ability to fit your job requirements to perfection.
Ensure that a company has the experience, after all, an experienced company is more likely to generate high-quality products. For instance, KingPCB, a company is known as the best HDI PCB manufacturer, SMT PCB Assembly, and Aluminum PCB Manufacturer among others.
The company has years of experience handling a wide range of projects. Their expertise can produce even the most complicated Printed Circuit Boards. Since their mission is to deliver outstanding quality PCB, thus they use the latest technology and incorporate the latest trends.
Why Choose KingPCB?
Below we have listed some advantages that will ensure that choosing KingPCB is the right thing to do:
- The company is famous for offering high quality Printed Circuit Boards at a minimal cost.
- They can even take orders for fewer pieces.
- KingPCB is fully compliant with the ISO 9001:2009 quality management system.
- The PCB manufacturer is also UL certified.
- To ensure the safe and secure delivery of your Printed Circuit Boards, KingPCB offers several shipping methods including HK post, FEDEX, Ups and DHL.
- They can cater to even urgent needs; they will be able to provide express 12 and 24 hours services. This way, you will be able to meet your product ready even on the shortest deadlines without compromising the quality.
- It is possible to track your Printed Circuit Board and assembly order online. You will get regular updates regarding the manufacturing and the shipping status of your PCBs.
- They will test every board before delivering it to their consumers.
- Their transparent price structure makes them a worthy opponent. You will not find any hidden cost, on the contrary, their instant online quote will help you have an exact estimate of your project cost.
- They offer outstanding customer service. It is possible to reach out to them any time during the day. Their highly experienced and prompt customer representatives will resolve your issue in no time.