What Level of Customization is Possible With Your PCB Design and Assembly?
Customization is Possible With Your PCB Design and Assembly
When it comes to PCB design and assembly, the more you know about what will happen when your board gets into the fabrication and manufacturing process, the better. That’s why it’s important to understand the entire process from start to finish — from what happens when you submit your bare board, to how the assembly line works, and everything in between. A good CM will have a dedicated team that handles DFM and DFA (design for assembly) services, which will help you to avoid common errors that could drive up production costs or even lead to a product that doesn’t work properly.
One of the most important aspects of the manufacturing process is how components are placed on a PCB. A common mistake that can cause problems down the road is not leaving enough room between components, or not paying attention to how a component’s place-bound shape will affect its position on the PCB. This can add up to a large bill, as it will increase the amount of solder needed for a successful connection.
Another issue that often arises is not including critical instructions on the silkscreen layer of a PCB, such as Pin1 indicators and polarity markings. This can make it difficult for an assembler to identify and connect the correct components. It’s also important to ensure that the traces on a PCB follow suggested guidelines for width and spacing, which will reduce current flow problems and signal integrity issues.
What Level of Customization is Possible With Your PCB Design and Assembly?
When submitting your pcb design and assembly for fabrication, you will need to provide a number of different files in order to get the most accurate quote possible. Typical documents include a bill of materials, the component footprints used for locating parts, and the paste mask file that will be used for assembly. You will also need to create a fabrication drawing, which acts as the blueprints for your board and includes all of this information plus other critical information like the component-to-component spacing rules you’ll want to follow.
Once you’ve received a quote for your PCB, it’s important to be aware of any hidden charges that could add up. This is especially true if you are working with an overseas manufacturer, as there may be extra fees for shipping and handling that will push up your total cost.
Another way to keep your PCB assembly costs low is to be mindful of the quantity you are ordering and the turnaround time that will be required. The more boards you purchase, the lower your unit price will be thanks to economies of scale. However, you should be careful not to go overboard, as the fixed costs for things like tooling and panelization can be passed onto your unit pricing. You should also be aware of your component’s minimum purchase quantity, which will help to narrow down your options when selecting a manufacturer. By taking these factors into consideration, you can be sure to find a high-quality, reliable PCB manufacturer to handle your next project.