PCB Assembly

PCB Assembly Service

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  SMT ASSEMBLY

  Our SMT assembly team is composed of certified technicians who possess extensive experience in delivering top-notch electronic manufacturing services.

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  THROUGH-HOLE ASSEMBLY

  Our through-hole assembly team comprises highly skilled technicians with extensive experience in providing electronic manufacturing services.

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  LEAD-FREE PACKAGES

  Lead-freepackages are widely used in the production of small electronic devices, and we have extensive experience in handling them.

Capabilities Of PCB Assembly

PCB Assembly Manufacturing Process

PCBA stands for "Printed Circuit Board Assembly." It is a crucial step in the manufacturing of electronic devices. PCBA involves assembling various electronic components onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to create a functional electronic circuit. Here's an overview of the PCBA process:

Design

The process begins with the design of the PCB. Electronic engineers and designers use specialized software to create a PCB layout that specifies the placement of components and the interconnections between them. This design is then used to create the actual PCB.

PCB Fabrication

The PCB design is sent to a fabrication facility, where the PCB is manufactured. This involves the etching of copper layers, drilling holes, and applying various coatings to create the finished PCB.

Component Procurement

Once the PCBs are ready, the next step is to source the electronic components required for the assembly. These components may include resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits (ICs), connectors, and more. They are typically purchased from component suppliers.

Stencil Creation

A stencil is used to apply solder paste to the PCB. This paste will act as an adhesive for the components. The stencil is typically made of stainless steel and is custom-designed to match the PCB layout.

Solder Paste Application

Solder paste is applied to the PCB through the stencil, typically using a screen printing process. This paste is applied to the pads where the components will be placed.

Component Placement

Based on the packaging specifications of these components, there are primarily two assembly methods: SMT (Surface Mount Technology) is mainly used for components with soldering pads suitable for surface mounting, while DIP (Dual In-line Package) assembly is mainly employed for components with soldering pins designed for through-hole mounting.

Typically, PCB component assembly begins with SMT, which is often automated through machine equipment and programmed instructions. DIP assembly, on the other hand, is typically manual labor-intensive, although there are automated DIP assembly machines available. However, it's important to note that DIP assembly equipment is generally more expensive than SMT assembly machines.

Currently, the majority of electronic components on PCBs have transitioned from older through-hole assembly to predominantly SMT assembly, with only a few through-hole components, or even none at all.

Therefore, unless a particular PCB requires a significant number of through-hole components and is produced in large quantities, manual assembly is the common practice.

Reflow Soldering

The assembled PCB is then passed through a reflow oven. In the oven, the solder paste is heated, causing it to melt and create a permanent connection between the components and the PCB. This process ensures that the components are securely attached to the PCB.

Inspection

After reflow soldering, the PCBAs go through a series of inspections. Automated optical inspection (AOI) and other techniques are used to check for defects, such as missing components or incorrectly placed components, reverse, poor soldering or components damage. Any defects are typically flagged for rework.

Rework

If defects are found, the PCBAs may undergo rework, where faulty components are replaced or solder joints are corrected.

Testing

Once the assembly is deemed defect-free, it goes through functional testing to ensure that it operates as intended. This may include testing for electrical continuity, functionality, and performance.

Cleaning

Some PCBAs undergo a cleaning process to remove any residues left from the soldering process. This step is particularly important for PCBAs that require a high degree of cleanliness, such as those used in medical devices or aerospace applications.

Packaging and Shipping

After successful testing and cleaning, the PCBAs are packaged and prepared for shipment to the manufacturer's customers, where they will be incorporated into the final electronic products.

The PCBA process is a critical step in electronics manufacturing and requires precision and quality control to ensure the reliability and functionality of electronic devices. Automated machinery is often used to increase efficiency and consistency in the assembly process.