Why Choose Low Volume PCB Assembly?
The technique of mounting components to a small batch of bare boards is known as low volume PCB assembly. A collection of boards can range between 25 to 5,000. Professionals recognize this procedure as the small-volume PCB assembly because of the small batches.
After knowing the definition or meaning of a low-volume printed circuit board assembly, you might think about why and when you should use it. Let’s first talk about the situations you should use a PCB assembly. There are certain situations where choosing the low-volume PCB assembly becomes a must. The situations are:
- When you deal with several problems after completing a large production.
- When your PCB manufacturer can manage and deal with PCB assemblies at a low price but does not compromise the quality.
The situations mentioned above need the use of a low-volume PCB. But still, the question of why you should use it remains. So, say it, a low-volume PCB assembly is exceptionally cheap. It saves much money and even helps keep proper track of the suitable materials you need to use during its process. It makes the entire manufacturing process efficient and easier detection of issues like lousy soldering, overheating, and improper spacing. Therefore, to cut a long story short, using a low volume PCB assembly is efficient and beneficial.
Benefits of Low Volume PCB Assembly
Now that we have discussed where and why you should use the printed circuit board assembly, let’s discuss some of its benefits. A low-volume PCB assembly is ideal for several OEMs since it offers various benefits. It is suitable and gives you an upper hand over working with prototypes or large volume production runs. Some of the benefits are:
Changes in the Design of the Board
A printed circuit board goes through several changes before you can use it for primary production. By using the low-volume PCB, you will be able to perform short production runs and detect any necessary adjustments. The process becomes straightforward, and you will make all the required changes before the final manufacturing process. The changing design of the board is one of the best options for a prototype, and hence for that reason, many low volume PCB assemblies permit you to perform the required changes in the design of your circuit board. By doing so, you tend to save money since you completed your job without causing further problems.
Small Batch Assemblies
The low volume assemblies range between 25 to 1000, sometimes rising to 5000. Since the range is relatively low, it is ideal to use them for small quantities. Therefore, the low-volume PCB assemblies are the perfect choice for manufacturers building and designing new electronic designs.
For them, the issue detection process will also become straightforward. The manufacturer will be able to understand the issues with their design and understand the efficiency of their product. This way, they can fix everything and upgrade the efficiency level if required before undertaking large batch productions.
Cost-Efficient
Using a low-volume PCB assembly will save a lot of your money. That is because we all know how expensive manufacturing can be. Manufacturing a completely new product that requires a PCB is a complex job requiring your complete attention. You would want to ensure that all the issues and bugs associated with the product are fixed and solved before starting the final manufacturing at a large scale.
With the low volume PCB, you can use its printed board circuit assembly and get information regarding the issues with the product and find out ways to resolve them. Therefore, you will benefit from solving every problem before starting the manufacturing process and saving up. Another benefit of using the assembly is that you will realize that their fees are minor if you associate with a low-volume PCB assemblies company. They work with small businesses and companies and tend to stick to proper business strategies; hence you get free from paying additional charges.
Various Testing Capabilities
Another significant advantage of a low-volume PCB assembly is the available testing capabilities. Low volume PCB assembly companies will make a PCB undergo a series of necessary tests to ensure that they perform as expected. However, certain large manufacturers will not experience the testing capability process. They will not make their PCBs undergo tests to ensure their performance ability. As a result, faults and issues will become apparent and cost a lot of money and effort.
Capabilities of a Low Volume PCB Assembly
In assembly types, the PCB assembly supports the capabilities of surface mount technology or SMT, single and double-sided SMT or PTH, through-hole technology or THT, and Mixed technology (SMT or through-hole).
Moreover, in stencils, the supported capability is laser-cut stainless-steel stencils, and inboard type, the Capabilities are flex, rigid-flex, and rigid.
In shape, the supported capabilities are rectangular, slots, circular, cut-outs, and any odd shapes as per the necessity. The supported capabilities under testing are, flying probe testing, functional testing, automated optical inspection, ICT Testing, and X-ray Inspection.
Available Product
Low Volume PCB Assembly
A low volume PCB assembly is ideal for manufacturers planning to introduce a new product. It is suitable for using low-range printed circuit boards and is cost-effective too. These PCB assemblies enhance the integrity of the PCB efficiently without compromising the quality of the product. There are different types of small-lot PCB assembly services available: the DFM or design for manufacturing and the DFT or design for test.
The low-volume PCB assemblies are of high precision and high quality. You can use them when you want to ensure the viability of your product. There are various applications of a low volume PCB since it enhances the circuit board’s ability to endure environmental or mechanical strains of every kind, like high temperatures.