What to Consider When Outsourcing Prototype PCB Assembly

One of the earliest computer concepts was created in 1821. This machine was steam-powered and could compute various number tables. Computers today are much more advanced and often use tiny computer chips to function.

PCB assembly is an integral part of the computers and other electronic devices that we use today. Outsourcing prototype PCB assembly is a great way to produce many of these devices in a short period. But what should you consider when outsourcing PCB assembly services?

What are the benefits of outsourcing this service? How do you know that you’re making the right choice? Keep reading and learn more about the benefits of outsourcing a PCB assembly company for your next project.

Ability to Work With Engineers Who Review Designs for PCB Assembly

PCB assembly is a very delicate and complicated process. If you don’t review the designs for these devices, many things could go wrong. If a measurement is off by a millimeter, or if something is misshapen, the result might be useless.

A lot of effort is necessary to make this process work. It also requires a lot of time and money. This is inefficient if you have many other tasks you need to focus on.

This is one of the many reasons why outsourcing a PCB assembly service like Geospace is a good idea. Outsourced services have experienced engineers who can help you review designs for PCB assembly. 

These engineers act as a sort of safety net for your designs, asthey are experienced at catching minute errors and details and then correcting them. This ensures you will be fine with reviewing PCB designs. It also speeds up the process because you will have more professionals on hand.

This is a great way to smooth out the production process and make it more efficient. This allows you to focus on more important matters during the production process.

Access to PCB Testing Equipment

PCB testing is essential for ensuring that the devices work. Small defects can create big problems. You never want to let these problems go unnoticed.

Otherwise, this will cause you more trouble down the line. This is why you must put extra care into PCB testing and equipment. Certain testing equipment can make this process much easier.

This lowers the risk of anything going wrong. It also increases the chance that your PCB products will be perfect or near-perfect after the testing phase. Outsourced prototype assembly services can help you with that.

They will give you access to some of the best PCB testing equipment on the market. This allows you to test your items to your heart’s content. It also makes it easier to find minimal errors that need to be fixed or discarded.

This ensures that your PCB prototypes won’t contain any obvious errors in them that would ruin their purposes.

Prototype PCB Assembly and Low Volume PCB Production Runs

Many people think it is always better to make as many prototypes and products as possible, but this is only sometimes true. When you produce too many products at a time, you risk making mistakes. You may also waste time and money producing too many products that you don’t need.

It may be better to consider low-volume PCB production runs. Low-volume runs are sometimes called small batch runs. But will your productivity decrease if you start producing your products at a lower volume?

Not necessarily. Producing these products at a lower volume makes it easier to fine-tune each one. You can keep track of everything you produce more efficiently.

This ensures that you prioritize quality over quantity. Outsourcing PCB services can help you achieve this important goal. You want to make sure that your products are known for their quality so that they will have a good reputation.

High-quality products are also better to work with during the production process.

Working With Certified Assemblers

Certified assemblers know everything about PCB production. They know which pieces go where and which pieces do what. They know what can be streamlined and what is essential.

Working without certified assemblers is like trying to read a book while blindfolded.

You can enhance your production quality with certified assemblers. Geospace Technologies offers our clients four certifications: ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 13485, and AS9100.

The ISO 9001 family is known for being one of the best standards around since it is based on a strong customer focus, motivated top management, and continual improvement. 

The ISO 14001 family is involved with environmental management that maps out a framework to measure the environmental impact. 

ISO 13845 will regulate a medical device’s cycle at every stage. While some organizations may not require it, many others won’t consider a manufacturer without an ISO 13845.

AS9100 was developed for the aviation and aerospace industries, and while it doesn’t define quality, it demonstrates to your clients that you are following requirements for safe and reliable products.  

This will ensure that the prototypes are specific to your needs.

Save Time and Money

PCB assembly and production are very time-consuming and expensive. You don’t want to waste large chunks of your life coming up with mediocre prototypes. You also don’t want your money going down the drain for the same reason.

In contrast, outsourcing PCB services can save you time and money. They will do most of the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to. This allows you to focus on more important aspects of the process.

All About Outsourcing Prototype PCB Assembly

Outsourcing prototype PCB assembly is one of the best things you can do for your production. Tackling this process on your own is expensive and time-consuming. Hiring an outsourced service will solve this problem and help you improve your services’ quality.

To learn more about how it works, check out our services.