The Benefits of Box Build Assembly

A box build assembly, or box build, is an integrated system built around a printed circuit board (PCB). This system can include an enclosure, wiring, or cables, which are used to connect the box-build to the next higher assembly and to install subassemblies. A build box assembly can add items like additional electronics and even pneumatic devices to the PCB. Box builds often include packaging and labeling of the PCB inside of the protective housing, which includes the plugs and connectors that make it plug-and-play once the customer takes it out of the box. 

You’ll See Faster Turnaround 

Many electronic manufacturing services, or EMS, can take your 3D CAD model and create a working prototype using off-the-shelf components; they’re also able to build and ship it to you relatively quickly. They’ll want a bill of materials and a blueprint at a minimum though they may be able to come up with the box build assembly process for your product on their own. Providing a sample unit or 3D model of the finished product can help speed up this process. 

Manufacturing Costs Are Reduced 

If you outsource the design and/or production of a box build assembly, you’ll reduce the per-item price. EMS can take advantage of economies of scale and thus pay less for tie wraps, wires, and connectors that you’d otherwise have to buy in small lots. Furthermore, their employees are familiar with the installation and testing of a wide range of build boxes. This experience improves their productivity and quality of work compared to a low-rate initial production run of a new design. 

A side benefit of relying on electronic manufacturing services to build your product is that they can more easily switch between models, which means that you’ll pay less per unit if you need to change the design or ask them to create any custom designs your customers might request. 

You’ll See Higher Overall Quality 

There are notable benefits when outsourcing the manufacture of box build assemblies:

• Electromechanical services that assemble a wide array of products are familiar with every component they’re mounting in your box build. 
• A box build contractor that focuses on electromechanical assembly has more experience with housings, connectors, and wires than a PCB assembly house contractor, so if you’re looking to outsource your box build assembly process, it’s important to make sure they have adequate experience to ensure optimal results. 
• Assembly houses that build a wide range of box builds know how to correctly test every component in your system and make the necessary repairs. 
• Working with an electronics manufacturer who guarantees proper systems integration through full burn-in tests is crucial for higher assembly processes.

When they’re familiar with aerospace or defense industry specifications, contractors can design both the product itself as well as a process that is compatible with the next higher assembly. They can also test and label the products according to rigorous specifications. Specialized contractors may be able to assemble your PCBs into the next higher assembly, the electromechanical assembly while putting together the rest of the box build.

It Simplifies Your Supply Chain 

Electronics manufacturers partner with their clients, and they offer invaluable expertise in addition to great service. They can provide advice on streamlining your design, potentially making the concept work with fewer parts. Using an electromechanical assembly house will reduce your overall supply chain complexity because they’re the ones building or buying chassis, cables, harnesses, and PCBs. For example, there are EMS that can use their own injection-molding equipment to make your custom housing. In this case, the plastic housing is made at the same place the box build and its wire harnesses are made, eliminating several cogs in the supply chain’s flow. Some firms will even hold the subassemblies until you’re ready to integrate them into the higher-level assemblies, as well. 

Geospace Technologies

Let your engineers focus on designing your next generation of products while an electronics manufacturer constructs your box build assemblies. You’ll not only save time and money, but your customers will enjoy a higher-quality product as well. 

To learn more about the benefits of box build assembly and how we can help you further the efficiency of your manufacturing processes, reach out to the team of professionals at Geospace Technologies. Since 1980, we’ve been serving the Houston area and beyond through our commitment to innovative engineering and manufacturing excellence. Contact us or submit a form about your inquiry.