| Purchasing costly production equipment isn't | | | | find that the quotation will change based on the |
| feasible if you simply want to run the PCB | | | | lead time when you input your data in the instant |
| assembly of several prototypes. Instead you | | | | quote section. |
| probably want to outsource the prototype | | | | Be certain that you can provide the file formats |
| assembly to a dependable contract manufacturer. | | | | that your supplier requires. The most common |
| I will provide some tips as to what to watch out | | | | format is the Gerber format for PCB production. |
| for when seeking a contract manufacturer. | | | | A few companies will also be capable to read |
| Many contract manufacturers will offer an | | | | design software-specific file formats. If you |
| immediate quotation mechanism on their website | | | | choose a vendor which also offers circuit board |
| for manufacture of circuit boards and assembly | | | | design services then you can rest assured that |
| of prototypes. This will save you time when | | | | there won't be any extensive delays in case your |
| evaluating different vendors. This quote system | | | | board files have a problem that needs to be |
| should let you to enter all of the board | | | | corrected. |
| information. Such details include board thickness, | | | | Ensure that your vendor can handle the package |
| material and any special manufacturing | | | | type of each component on your board if you |
| requirements including milling. This will help you | | | | plan on subcontracting the PCB assembly. You |
| avoid any surprises in case of surcharges for | | | | should find a list of which types of components |
| special manufacturing requirements. | | | | your vendor can assemble online. Some vendors |
| Frequently the cost per board will decrease as | | | | may not be capable to assemble special BGA or |
| volume increases. This is a result of the relatively | | | | chip-scale packages. Get in touch with your |
| high setup expense of circuit board making and | | | | vendor if you have questions about what kind of |
| component assembly. Several prototype | | | | components can be assembled. That will avoid |
| manufacturers will combine boards from | | | | problems later on. |
| numerous customers to help distribute the setup | | | | A number of manufacturers will have inventory |
| cost and lower the cost per board for small | | | | of commonly used components which you can pull |
| volumes. In the design stage of your product, you | | | | from as opposed to purchasing each component |
| may want to start out with a smaller volume of | | | | yourself. If you pull stock from your supplier, you |
| boards initially. After that you can work out the | | | | have to include in your BOM information on which |
| issues with your design. Finally you will be able to | | | | parts you are consigning yourself. Then send your |
| increase the build volume | | | | BOM with that data to your supplier. |
| One limitation with small-quantity prototypes still is | | | | Most manufacturers will also offer manufacture of |
| that the choice of materials and material | | | | the SMT stencil which is needed for PCB |
| thicknesses will be restricted. If you are utilizing a | | | | assembly. Be sure to buy the stencil immediately |
| special material then chances are there won't be | | | | when buying the circuit boards themselves to |
| any other customers utilizing the same material. | | | | avoid delays. |
| Most vendors will charge differently depending on | | | | To ensure quality, be sure that your supplier |
| how quick you want them to complete the | | | | carries the usual quality approvals. Also, if your |
| manufacture. A longer lead time will afford the | | | | board requires particular testing, be sure your |
| vendor more freedom to slot the assembly. | | | | vendor has suitable testing equipment. Some |
| Moreover, they can more easily combine your | | | | testing will require extra time and cost. |
| order with other customer's orders. You should | | | | |