RAYMING PCB & ASSEMBLY

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Volume PCB

PCBs are one of those components that have been around since the mid-’30s, firstly
designed and manufactured as a big object with fewer functionalities. Still, they have
since then integrated into a much smaller, more functional, and more cost-efficient
production process. This is due to the ability to mass produce the boards and
components, regarded as high-volume PCB and its alternative; low -volume PCB.

Both low-volume and high-volume PCBs have advantages and disadvantages; these
will be discussed in this article. First, let us define a PCB and its manufacturing
process to help you better understand what volume PCB assembly is all about.

What Are PCA and PCB: Application and Types?

In most electronics, the printed circuit board (PCB) serves as the base for supporting
the wiring mounted on the surface and its socketed components.

In applications requiring fine conductive wiring, such as computer systems, PCBs are
created using a photolithographic process, a larger-scale version of how connections
in processors are created.

A machine typically fixes electronics onto a finished compatible PCB with solder
dabs. The PCB is baked in an industrial microwave to melt the solder that connects
the components. Most PCBs are composed of fiberglass or glass-reinforced polymers
with copper traces.

PCBs used for simple electronic devices are single-layered. Complex electronic
printed circuit boards, such as motherboards and digital graphics cards, can have up to
twelve layers. PCBs typically come in green, but they can be custom-made to any
color.

PCBs generally link electrical components with copper tracks, unlike regular wires.
Drilled holes in the board are used to secure the electrical components. They are
soldered into place, and the copper tracks connect them to form a circuit. The PCB
and the components fixed together are known as a PCB Assembly or PCA (printed
circuit assembly). A PCB is nothing more than a board with no functionality without
this assembly process, so its significance is obvious.

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What Are the Different Types of PCA Available?

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 Single-sided PCA
 Double-sided PCA
 Multi-layer PCA
 Rigid PCA
 Flexible PCA
 Rigid-flex PCA

Applications of Printed Circuit Boards

PCBs can be found in almost every electronic device we see and use daily. They are
responsible for many devices we use daily to appear smaller while containing more
technology. Its applications include:

 Televisions and Radios

 Computers
 Alarm Systems
 Coffee Machines
 Washing Machines
 Games Consoles
 Mobile phones
 Oven
 Other application areas include military, medical and industrial components
(bikes, cars, airplanes, etc.)

An Overview of the Manufacturing Process of PCBs

Understanding the distinction between PCB manufacturing and its assembly process
is critical. PCB assembly production includes PCB design and prototyping processes,
while PCB assembly involves installing components on the printed circuit board.

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And now, we will be delving into PCB manufacturing.

The three main procedures of PCB fabrication are board design, component sourcing,
and assembly. Design for testing (DFT) and design for manufacturing (DFM) are
indispensable operations to guarantee maximum return within your project cost,
regardless of whether the PCB assembly and production are low-volume PCB or
high-volume PCB. In contrast to manufacturing, the assembly of a specific PCB may
vary depending on your preferences or application.

There are two means of manufacturing PCBs: Low volume PCB and High volume
PCB.

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Low-Volume PCB Assembly and Production

Low-volume PCB assembly and production is nothing more than producing and
assembling a small amount of printed circuit board (PCB) that requires DFM and
DFT checking. In simple terms, the number of PCBs produced and assembled is the
most important factor to consider.

Low-Volume PCB Application

Low-volume PCB assembly and production are commonly found in aerospace with
bare boards, technical and medical devices, and automated military PCBs with bare
boards and multiple assembly lines.

As the name implies, low-volume PCB packaging has limited assembly batches.
While some manufacturers require bulk PCBAs for electromechanical components

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like surface mount technology across a supply chain, low-volume PCB

production and assembly may be required for limited products with very distinct
specifications. In such a case, the contract manufacturer creating a
low-volume prototype PCB understands that board manufacturing is critical to get a
sense of the final result and whether any changes are required.

Types of Low-Volume PCB Assembly

While low-volume may appear similar, it is important that you understand the
different types of low-volume PCBs available in the market and the contract
manufacturer that makes them. Some of the notable PCB fabrication types you will
come across in the production process for low volumes include:

Design for manufacturing (DFM)

DFM generally aids in the execution of integrity inspections on engineering diagrams,

testing services, circuit diagrams, rigorous quality checks, assembly drawings, and
manufacturing processes, including bill of materials, circuit diagram representation,
assembly sequence, and so on.

As a result, the authentication is examined, and we avoid further manufacturing

complexities. This goes a long way toward eliminating emissions and reducing the
backtracking time of low volumes during manufacturing services.

Design for testing (DFT)

As eager clients express their desire to have test points on their PCBs during assembly
or manufacturing services, these services assist them in better understanding the
process. Typically, DFT includes the functions and features of checking regulations,
defining issues, and so on, and they are available at competitive prices.

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Options for Low-Volume PCB Assembly Prototyping

Unlike high volumes, you must know your prototyping options for PCB assemblies,
especially when it is a low-volume PCBA and the other components that come with it,
either in a small quantity or large low-volume orders available for customers at a
quick turnaround time with the relevant test conducted.

Sequential prototyping

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This prototyping approach involves only a few minor layout changes with the
capabilities, equipment, and other benefits customers can enjoy. Sequentially
examining each cycle is also a popular strategy for establishing reliable confirmation
of the prototype, speed, delivery capabilities, and fabrication. So far, this is the best
option for Design For Testing.

Parallel prototyping

Unlike the sequential prototype technique, this one reduces the possibility of
production gaps. This procedure is carried out by assigning numerous layout changes
to a marginal integer of the low-volume PCBs and evaluating each variant preceding
the next production race.

Advantages of Low-Volume PCB Assembly

Here are a few advantages of choosing a low-volume PCB assembly or development

if you are considering it but do not know what the development offers.

1. Feasible layout modification before going to excess proceeds

2. Stringent examination for all small batch pcb assembly for efficiency
3. Low-volume PCBs ensure the required standard by undergoing robust testing
mechanisms
4. Cost-effective with value for cost and a cheap delivery cost

High-Volume PCB Production and Assembly

High-volume PCB production and assembly is a batch manufacturing technique. The

smallest amount of PCBs produced in a single batch is 1000. The operation, however,
may be as much as a set of 100000.

This Production and assembly method is a powerful volume PCB method due to the
large number it can produce at once. This production technique is more popular in
electronic testing and design changes due to its qualities, like process consistency,
uniformity, and computer-aided automation.

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The Benefits of High-Volume PCB Assembly

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PCB Manufacturing with Immersion Gold-ENIG Surface Finish

Some of the numerous and vital advantages of high-volume Printed Circuit Boards
include the following:

1. High-volume printed circuit board production and assembly necessitate

completing prototyping and design functions in a single step for the benefit of
customers.
2. High-volume PCB assembly services ensure a large production run of printed
circuit board products in response to high market demand and a re-work of
existing Gerber files or a sub-circuit while ensuring quality testing, as you will
get with small batches. A situation like this is ideal for rapidly entering the
market and getting ahead of the competition.
3. It leads to low production costs compared to low-volume and ray inspection of
PCB assemblies.
4. Automation is also possible in high-volume printed circuit board production
and assembly, resulting in a shortened production cycle and maximum
capabilities.
5. High-volume PCB production helps maintain feature consistency and
uniformity.

Application Areas of High Volume PCBs Assembly

Services

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 In the mass production of electronic appliances with uniformity needs.

 New or existing geographical areas with large market demands.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Volume PCB

The only distinction between low-volume and high-volume PCB is the number of
products produced. In low-volume PCB, the amount of PCB production and
assemblies will be 250 or less, whereas, in high-volume production, the number of
PCB productions and assemblies will be 10000 or possibly 100,000.

If your goal is to maximize profits return, then the low volume is the best option. At
the same time, a high-volume PCB is the better alternative to choose if you produce in
larger quantities and have a uniform appearance and functionality.

Conclusion

Printed circuit boards have been and will always be a significant building block for
most electronics. Its integration over the last decades leaves us wondering how much
it will advance with future technologies. We hope this article gives you enough
up-to-date information about PCBs; keep coming back for more updated information
on its design and production improvement.

Related Posts:

1. Choosing High Volume PCB Manufacturer

2. Factors to Consider When Choosing Isola A11 PCB Material

3. Factors to consider when choosing a contract electronic manufacturing

company

4. Benefits and Applications of High-volume PCB Manufacturing

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