Advice for having a prototype board made

15 May 2013 Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services

Everyone likes the idea of fast prototypes and some PCB manufacturers have special lines for prototyping, but the PCB assembly companies typically cannot keep up. In their defence it must be said that they are keen to service the prototype market but they do not like to break up a job which is running on the pick-and-place assembly line. They treat prototyping as a ‘filler’ and will slot it in when it suits them best.

What can you do about it? Firstly, you need to ease their pain in running your PCB by using the components which they have in stock and, if possible, which are on the pick-and-place machine already. You cannot do this with all components, but it works with minor capacitors and resistors.

Should you provide components to your PCB assembler then do so in a reel, tray or stick, rather than as loose parts in a bag. If it is a reel then make sure it has 30 cm of blank length with no components. A full reel of 5000 components will often cost less than the assembly time for 30 components on a10 cm long strip. Full reels require less labour compared to hand assembling 30 components.

Next question is, what about a stencil? You can order a stencil while the PCB is being manufactured or you can choose an assembler with an automated solder dispensing option. Dispensing is about a second per pad, but beats the cost of a stencil if there are less than 7000 pads.

If you make it easy for your PCB assembler he will charge you less and is more inclined to put your job in between others.

Digital Data Systems is able to manufacture prototype boards within 24 hours.

For more information contact Rolf Ludwig, Digital Data Systems, +27 (0)11 791 5947, [email protected], www.ddsystems.co.za

Further reading:

Filling high-end PCB manufacturing gaps to accelerate the AI electronics growth
PCBWay Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
[Sponsored] In the digital era, AI and big data technologies are developing at a rapid pace. PCBWay is continuously advancing its PCB manufacturing technology to support the growth.

Read more...

---

Microtronix revives defunct cell phone plant
Microtronix Manufacturing Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
In a significant move for South Africa’s struggling electronics manufacturing sector, local technology firm Microtronix has breathed new life into a formerly defunct cell phone manufacturing facility.

Read more...

---

Manufacturing with purpose
Production Logix Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
How Production Logix is setting a new benchmark for high-reliability, locally manufactured electronics.

Read more...

---

Recent purchase of Seica Flying Probe tester
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Zetech One recently supplied a Seica Flying Probe tester to Etion Create for use in the development and manufacture of its electronic solutions.

Read more...

---

Why accurate PCB measurement is critical for quality control and inspection
ZETECH ONE Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Accurate inspection of dimensions, hole placement, and track layout plays a vital role in meeting product standards across consumer, telecom, aerospace, and medical devices.

Read more...

---

Compact but powerful soldering system
Truth Electronic Manufacturing Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
The Economy?SIG is EPM’s compact wave soldering solution, designed to bring professional-grade soldering capabilities to small and medium-scale electronics producers.

Read more...

---

Jemstech expands capabilities with new equipment and leadership appointment
Jemstech Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Jemstech has recently enhanced its manufacturing capabilities by installing new selective soldering equipment and appointing an experienced business development manager.

Read more...

---

In-circuit testing vs functional testing
MyKay Tronics Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Achieving zero defects in printed circuit board assemblies (PCBAs) demands rigorous validation on both the component level and system level.

Read more...

---

Select coat ultrasonic cleaning station
Techmet Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Nordson Electronics Solutions has announced their latest technology innovation for conformal coating systems, the ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-1040 Ultrasonic Cleaning Station.

Read more...

---

How smart components drive sustainable industrial efficiency
TRX Electronics Editor's Choice Manufacturing / Production Technology, Hardware & Services
Manufacturing industries across South Africa face mounting pressure to reduce operational costs whilst meeting increasingly stringent environmental regulations, and the path to achieving these goals lies in embracing advanced electronic components that enable smarter, more efficient industrial operations.

Read more...

---