Selecting Optimal PCB Producers: Guide to Being an Ideal Collaborator
In the fast-paced world of technology and electronics, quick-turn PCB manufacturing has become essential for speeding up research and development and allowing for quicker prototype turnaround times. This article outlines a step-by-step approach to finding a suitable quick-turn PCB manufacturer in the U.S.
Key Considerations
To find a reliable quick-turn PCB manufacturer, consider the following factors:
- Fast Turnaround Times: Search for companies specializing in fast turnaround (24-72 hours) and prototype/low-volume production.
- Quality Standards: Confirm compliance with quality standards like IPC, UL, RoHS, and ISO9001.
- PCB Complexity: Assess their experience with your type of PCB complexity and production volume.
- Facility Visits or Documentation: Consider visiting or touring facilities if possible, or request detailed process and quality documentation.
Example Manufacturer
An example of a U.S.-based quick-turn PCB manufacturer is Summit Interconnect, which builds commercial prototype boards within 1 to 3 days, emphasizing small batch production with tight timelines and robust quality control.
Additional Factors
- Equipment and Assembly Services: Inquiring about the type of equipment used during the manufacturing process and assembly services can help improve turnaround times.
- PCB Types: HDI, micro, and flex PCBs are important for prototypes in the electronics market due to their size, flexibility, and resilience.
- On-Time Delivery: A quality quick-turn partner will provide hard numbers regarding on-time delivery and the percentage of circuit boards manufactured within tight turnaround times.
- Online Quoting and Design Services: The right partner will offer online quoting, design for manufacturability checks, and high-density interconnect board tools like stack-up or Material Selector.
- Minimum Quantity Policies: Check for minimum quantity policies that may slow down prototype orders.
- Case Studies and References: Examine company websites to see if case studies are featured prominently. Quality board shops will be proud of their work and happy to provide references, whether in person or in the form of case studies.
- Flex and Rigid PCB Capabilities: A potential PCB manufacturer should offer flex and rigid PCB capabilities.
- Location: Working with professionals in your own country will speed up delivery. However, PCB manufacturers based outside the U.S. may cause delays in receiving prototype PCBs.
Best Practices
- Detailed Internal Processes: Successful quick-turn manufacturing relies on detailed internal processes. Ask for specific examples of a potential partner's approach.
- Single Manufacturer: Choose a single manufacturer for prototype and bulk production to reduce ambiguities during the transition stage.
- Guidelines Adherence: Adhering to a PCB manufacturer's guidelines ensures the design will function as intended once it's been produced and the PCB is received in a timely manner.
- Download Guides: Download a High-Speed PCB Design Guide for explanations of signal integrity issues, transmission lines, controlled impedance, high-speed PCB material selection, and layout guidelines.
- Order Information: A potential partner should provide detailed information on when orders are shipped based on day and time of placement.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure you get quick delivery combined with consistent, high-quality manufacturing in the U.S.
In the process of finding a suitable quick-turn PCB manufacturer, it's important to consider their expertise in controlled impedance, a key factor for high-speed PCB designs. Additionally, a material selector tool provided by the manufacturer can help select the right materials for the specific PCB type and technology, ensuring optimal performance and quality.
