Tag: pcba factory

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PCB Blog

How to Choose the Right PCB Supplier and Get a Competitive Quote？

 

PCBs have a wide range of applications as the bridge and heart of connecting electronic components. To ensure that your PCB needs are fully met, KingPCB acts as an original equipment manufacturer (OEM), providing a full range of services for your PCB needs, from prototype to high volume PCB manufacturing and assembly.

In order to choose the right PCB supplier for your application, you should conduct a thorough PCB quote comparison, which will help you to get the right PCB at the right price and with high quality.

Before getting a PCB quote, you should consider the following questions

– Does the manufacturer accept small orders for production

– What certifications the manufacturer has

– Delivery capability

– Manufacturing quality

– Is the quote competitive

– Can complex PCBs be manufactured

– Is the manufacturer responsive

Does the manufacturer accept small orders for production

You should pay attention to the minimum order quantity of the manufacturer you want to choose. Ideally, the manufacturer prefers to manufacture orders in bulk. Of course, for different manufacturers, some of the orders you think is a large order for the manufacturer is only a small order.

As for the different quantities of PCB manufacturing, the PCB manufacturing cost is also different. So please pay attention to the price provided in the minimum order quantity in the PCB manufacturing quotation.

What certifications the manufacturer has

For the purpose of producing high quality compliant PCBs according to industry standards, PCB manufacturers will go for relevant certifications according to the industry they serve. When getting a quote from a PCB manufacturer, you can ask if they have certain certifications. These certifications will also ensure that the products produced will not cause harm and damage to users.

Deliverability

PCB quotation is not only looking for the best price, but also looking for a full range of services. And the ability to deliver is an important test of a good PCB manufacturer. Your PCB manufacturer should have the ability to provide fast and timely delivery.

Manufacturing Quality

If the PCBs you order do not meet the standards, then your equipment will not meet the expectations of your customers. Quality control and quality assurance in PCB design and PCB prototyping help to keep the defect rate low. Even smiling mistakes can lead to huge losses, and this must be avoided as much as possible.

Is the offer competitive

There is no doubt that the most important thing in the quotation is the price. PCB manufacturing cost will affect your overall project cost, competitiveness and profit. However, the price of the PCB is usually influenced by three main factors.

-PCB design complexity

-PCB quality

-PCB volume

You can always find a cheaper quote, but in the long run, the cost will be higher. Regardless, you still have to choose the right and cost-effective PCB manufacturer for you.

Can manufacture complex PCBs?

Printed circuit boards from design to production, assembly and delivery require a huge amount of work. Of course, the more complex PCBs required workload and expertise required will be higher. Not all manufacturers can handle complex PCB projects, KingPCB has more than 10 years of PCB manufacturing and assembly experience, professional team and fast response to ensure your project runs smoothly.

Whether the manufacturer responds quickly

Make ensure that your PCB project goes smoothly, please try to provide relevant details to the PCB manufacturer. Generally: PCB design files and BOM List

With any of your PCB project, a supplier with rich experience and expertise is very important, KingPCB as a leading OEM manufacturer in China,  provide quality products and professional services at the most competitive prices.

To learn more about KingPCB’s PCB manufacturing and assembly capabilities, contact us today to send your valuable inquiries!

Categories
PCB Blog

5 Tips Fast Track to be A PCB Assembly Expert

PCB assembly is the process of assembling all the electronic components together. People sometimes confuse PCB assembly and PCB manufacturing. There are two completely different concepts, PCB manufacturing covers PCB design, and PCB prototyping.

This article will describe the different PCB assembly techniques and processes to help you better understand the principles of PCB assembly.

 

Contents

  1. What is PCB?
  2. PCB Assembly Technology
  3. PCB Assembly Process
  4. How to Improve the Quality of PCB Assembly
  5. PCB Assembly -KingPCB’s Service

 

What is PCB?

PCB is an abbreviation for printed circuit board. PCB’s primary function is to house electronic components and make electrical connections in the electronic components. PCB can be single-layer, double-layer or multi-layer. In 2014, the global bare PCB market exceeded $60.2 billion and expectingto reach $79 billion by 2024.

 

PCB Types


Main PCB Components

Diode: it allows current to flow in one direction

Lead: light-emitting diode that glows when current flows through it

Resistors: color-coded components that allow current to flow through

Capacitors: design to retain charge for device operation

Switches: allow or prevent the movement of current

Inductors: passive components that resist sudden changes in current

Battery: links voltage to the circuit

 

PCB Manufacturing Process

Single-sided process flow

Board cutting → dry film (line) → etching → CCD drilling → solder resist → character → molding → surface finish → electrical testing → final inspection → packaging and shipping

Double-sided process flow

Board cutting→ drilling → sinking copper → board electricity → dry film (line) → lamination → etching → two drilling (some ranked in the solder resist and surface treatment after) → solder resist → character → surface finish (sinking gold some ranked in the character before) → molding → electrical testing → final inspection → packaging shipments

Multi-layer process flow

Board cutting → inner line → browning → pressing → drilling → dross removal → copper sinking → board electricity → dry film (line) → graphic plating → etching → two drilling (some are ranked after anti-soldering and surface treatment) → anti-soldering → character → surface finish (some are ranked before gold sinking) → molding → electrical testing → final inspection → packaging and shipping

PCB Assembly Technology

SMT assembly technology

What is SMT assembly technology? SMT is a method for assembling electronic circuits boards in which components are mounted or placed directly on the top layer of a PCB. Compared to THT, components become smaller and placement of components on both sides of the board. It allowing smaller PCB components with higher circuit density. SMT is ideal for high automation, reducing labor costs, and greatly increasing productivity, and components can be mounted on carrier strips.

THT assembly technology

What is THT technology? THT is the insertion of components with tails or leads into drilled holes in the PCB, also known as feedthrough board assemblies. The leads are then soldered to pads on the bottom of the board, usually using a wave soldering process. THT mounting is very reliable because it creates a strong mechanical bond and the process is relatively mature. Compared to the SMT process, there are fewer variables that may cause solderable problems. The process can make bare boards more expensive due to additional drilling and the potential need to print on both sides of the PCB.

Hybrid PCB assembly

What is hybrid PCB assembly? As electronics tend to be smaller and more functional designs, this places higher demands on PCB assembly. It is challenging to assemble highly complex circuits in a limited space using only SMT or THT, combining SMT and THT technologies with appropriate adaptations to simplify soldering and assembly.

 

PCB assembly process

Solder paste printing: The first step is to apply solder paste to the board. The printed circuit board and solder stencil are held in place by a mechanical fixture, and the machine applies the paste to the stencil until it covers each opening area evenly.

Pick and Place: Using a mounter that automatically places surface mount components on the PCB. The machine picks up the PCBs with vacuum clamps and moves them to a pick and place station where the PCBs are. Then placed on the workstation and the SMD components are placed on top of the solder paste in the specified location.

Reflow: The circuit boards are transferred via conveyor to a large reflow oven. It heats the solder in the paste at high temperatures to melt the solder. When heating is complete, the board will pass through a series of ovens consisting of cooler heaters, which will help cool and cure the melted solder.

Check: The assembled board should tested functionally to check for bad connections. Common inspection methods include manual inspection, x-ray inspection, and automated optical inspection.

Through-hole component insertion: When the board assembling with other types of components, such as SMT or PTH, you need to use manual welding or wave soldering welding methods to insert PTH components.

Functional test: Functional test is the last step of PCB assembly to test the functionality of the PCBA. The test will simulate PCB operation and monitor the electrical characteristics of the PCB with power and analog signals passing through the PCB.

 

How to improve the quality of PCB assembly?

Choose proper component size: It is important to choose the correct package size for each component. It is advisable to choose a larger package. That is relatively easier to assemble the entire board again when disassembling and soldering the components.

Design reasonable component footprint: Component footprint is another key consideration for PCB assembly. Furthermore each package is created exactly according to the pad pattern specified in the data sheet for each integrated component.

Design suitable component spacing: Insufficient spacing between components caused by overheating, is one of the main causes of PCB failure. This situation is more obvious in some complex circuits. Redesign and manufacturing will be time-consuming and costly.

Ensure accuracy of the BOM: An error can lead to huge trouble, and manufacturers need to spend a lot of time identifying the problem. When there are new components or replacement, the client should  update the BOM sheet in time to ensure its accuracy and validity.

Use of marker points: For use as a point of Mark points are very important for PCB assembly, especially when it comes to close spacing of components.

 

PCB assembly – KingPCB’s services

KingPCB Limited provides complete PCB assembly services. Including PCB manufacturing, component procurement, and assembly. KingPCB’s uses the most advanced equipment, with years of experience and stable relationships with electronic component suppliers. We provide the most reliable and highest quality one-stop PCB assembly services to meet the different needs of our customers.

Categories
PCB Blog

How to choose the right PCBA Factory?

How-to-choose-the-right-PCBA-Factory

Choosing 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

 

 

MCPCB Manufacturers

 

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.