Empowering Your Designs: PCB Assembly Services by PCBWay

Introduction

Are you in need of high-quality PCB manufacturing and assembly services? Look no further than PCBWay, a leading provider in the industry. With a strong commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, PCBWay has established itself as a trusted partner for individuals, hobbyists, and businesses alike. PCBWay is a one-stop solution for all your PCB needs. Whether you require PCB prototyping, low-volume production, or full-scale assembly, PCBWay has the expertise and resources to deliver high quality PCBs. With over a decade of experience, PCBWay has built a solid reputation for its exceptional quality, reliable service, and competitive pricing. Getting started with PCBWay is easy.  You can visit their website to get started with pcbway.

Understanding PCB Assembly Services Provided by PCBWay

PCBWay advanced assembly

equipment allows us to handle all your PCB assembly needs efficiently and affordably. PCBWay offers:

1. Quick turnaround time: From 24 hours to a few weeks, choose the option that suits your schedule and budget.
2. Parts sourcing options: You can provide the parts yourself or opt for turn-key service where parts are sourced from reliable suppliers at no markup.
3. Assembly options: PCBWay offer surface mount (SMT), thru-hole (THT), or a combination of both, with single or double-sided placement.
4. Solder types: PCBWay provides options between leaded and lead-free (RoHS Compliant) assembly services.
5. Stencil usage: PCBWay uses laser-cut stainless steel stencils for high reliability, with nano coating available upon request.
6. Low minimum order: The minimum order quantity at PCBWay is as low as 5 pieces to save you money.
7. Component size: PCBWay can handle components as small as 01005, 0201, 0402, and fine pitch parts down to 0.25mm.
8. Component packaging: PCBWay accepts parts in various packaging formats such as reels, cut tape, tube & tray, loose parts, and bulk.
9. Board dimensions: Boards can range from a minimum size of 10mm x 10mm to a maximum size of 250mm x 500mm.
10. Board shapes: PCBWay can assemble boards in rectangular, circular, or odd shapes, with special arrangements for non-rectangular shapes.
11. Board types: While PCBWay primarily handles rigid boards, they also have the capability to handle flex and rigid-flex boards upon request.
12. Repair and rework: PCBWay’s BGA reballing service allows us to safely remove and reball misplaced BGAs, providing cost-effective solutions.

If your PCB assembly needs go beyond these capabilities, feel free to reach out to  Service@pcbway.com, and PCBWay team respond within 24 hours.

Three Important Reminders for Successful PCB Assembly

Parts Management

• Any extra parts provided by you or purchased by PCBWay won’t be returned by default. If you want them back with the assembled boards, please inform your service representative or note it on your order.
• SMT parts not on reels should be on one continuous strip of tape.
• Don’t cut SMT parts into strips if they need to be assembled on different boards; keep them on the continuous strip of tape or on reels.
• For certain components like resistors, capacitors, and diodes, ensure a minimum quantity and add extras based on assembly quantity to ensure smooth production.

Panelization

• If your PCB is smaller than 50mmx100mm or has a non-rectangular shape, it must be panelized in an array for assembly.
• Once PCB fabrication begins, the PCBWay team creates the panelization file for stencil creation to match the panelized PCB.

Break-away Rails (Tabs)

If the clearance between the board’s edge and copper features is less than 3.5mm or if panelization is required, add break-away rails at the two longer paralleled edges to facilitate machine assembly.

Essential Files needed for PCB Assembly

To begin your PCB assembly process, PCBWay requires specific files in the correct format. You have two options for sending these files: through their online webpage or via email to Service@pcbway.com, referencing your order number and using the subject line ‘Files for order number 123456’.

BOM (Bill Of Materials)

• BOM is a list of parts needed for assembly, including quantity, reference designator, part number, description, package, and type.
• Formats accepted: .xls, .xlsx, or .csv.
• Additional information required for Turn-key and Partial Turn-key orders.
• Sample BOM available for download.

Gerber Files

• Same files used for PCB fabrication are required for assembly, including Silkscreen, Copper (Track), and Solder Paste layers.
• Ensure all required files are included and reviewed before submission.

Centroid File

• Special file used for machine programming, also known as Insertion, Pick-N-Place, or XY Data.
• Describes position and orientation of surface mount parts.
• Sample Centroid file available for download.

Exploring the Surface Mount Assembly Process with PCBWay

Back in the day, people put together PCBs by hand with soldering irons. But as technology advanced, tiny components made it tough to do by hand. That’s why auto assembly came into play.

What’s Needed:

1. Gerbers: These are like maps showing where to put each part on the board.
2. Part centroid text file: It tells where the center of each part is and how it should be positioned.
3. NC drill files: These pinpoint where to drill holes for mounting components.
4. Solder paste file: This masks the board, leaving only the areas to be soldered.
5. Glue dot file: It secures the components in place during soldering.
6. Design database: If available, it helps understand the layout and details of the PCB.
7. BOM: This lists all the parts needed for assembly.
8. Parts or hardware: Anything needed to complete the assembly.

The Process:

1. Ordering a Board: Start by ordering your PCB.
2. DFM Check: This looks for any issues in the PCB design to avoid problems later.
3. Incoming Quality Control (IQC): Ensures that all incoming materials meet strict requirements.
4. Machine Programming: Sets up machines for assembly using CAD and Gerber files.
5. Solder Paste Printing: Applies solder paste to the right spots on the PCB.
6. Component Placement: Puts each component in its place on the board quickly and accurately.
7. Pre-Reflow AOI: Checks for any mistakes before soldering.
8. Reflow Soldering: This heats up the board, melting the solder and attaching the components.
9. Post-Reflow AOI: Checks solder joint quality after soldering.
10. Conformal Coating: Optional step to protect the PCB.
11. Final Inspection and Functional Test: Tests the PCB to make sure it works as it should.
12. Washing and Drying: Cleans the board after assembly.
13. Packing and Shipping: Packages the boards securely and ships them out.

That’s how PCBs are put together using surface mount technology.

Conclusion

In conclusion, PCBWay is your go-to place for making and assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs). PCBWay has what you need. They use fancy machines to put all the parts on your PCB, like tiny chips and wires, and make sure everything works just right. PCBWay checks everything carefully to make sure your PCB turns out perfect. They make sure the parts are in the right place and that everything works like it should. And when they’re done, they clean it up, pack it nicely, and send it to you. It’s as simple as that!