In terms of electronic products' function implementations, nothing plays a more significant role than PCB (printed circuit board) that is regarded as the brain of electronics. PCB board tells electricity where to run and how electronic components should be connected with circuit board and other parts working inside electronic products.
Although constant progress of modern technology leads circuit boards to become gradually shrinking, the small size of circuit board never stops it from being multi-functional or highly reliable. As a result, PCB service still covers a wide range of elements each of which directly or indirectly determines PCB board's smooth or successful running.
As one of the most active economies around the world, China without any doubt carries tremendous advantages in terms of electronics manufacturing due to rich natural and human resources, positive national policies, stable political environment and increasingly uprising international influence. Nevertheless, this eastern country with a long ancient history seems a little distinct from what people have been imagining, from which misunderstanding usually derives. Therefore, it's necessary for global customers to learn more about "Chinese characteristics" on China PCB service so that they can make better use of China's resources contributing to high-quality electronics manufacturing for essential benefit achievement depending on electronic products.
Leading Elements Concerning PCB Service
In spite of its small size, PCB board still involves so many aspects or even far more aspects than before due to its uprising complexities. Leading elements concerning PCB service include:
• PCB Design
PCB service starts with an idea that is expressed through PCB design file. Circuit board design file in detail tells PCB manufacturers what the PCB will be like after it is generated. Fundamental parameters should be contained in PCB design file such as layer count, copper weight, interconnection on board, silkscreen, solder mask etc.
• PCB Prototyping
PCB prototype is a direct way to test whether a PCB design file goes correct or not and becomes essentially efficient reference prior to mass-volume production. As far as prototype PCB is concerned, lead time and quality is the most significant factor for PCB service and the former is even the more important. As long as prototype PCB is approved, the authentic PCB manufacturing will be able to take off.
• PCB Fabrication
PCB fabrication accounts for the core part in PCB service, laying a solid foundation for electronic connection. PCB is fabricated by conforming to a professional PCB manufacturing process containing a series of steps which need to be upgraded to be compatible with constantly improving market requirement.
• PCB Assembly
PCB assembly comes right after PCB fabrication with components sourcing simultaneously implemented. PCB assembly further expands connection range of PCB board with components participating in PCB service. Up to now, the prevalent PCB assembly type is SMT (surface mount technology) assembly that is an automatic manufacturing line with high assembly efficiency.
• PCB Rework and Repair
PCB rework is a little section of PCB service. After all, high-quality PCBs don't need to be reworked or repaired.
• PCB Sourcing
PCB sourcing features a wide definition in PCB service, covering substrate material sourcing, copper foil sourcing and components sourcing etc. Moreover, it is a direct way to connect manufacturers and customers.
Regular Process to Obtain China PCB Service
Making better use of China PCB service is like opening Pandora's Box. China not only carries tremendous advantages in terms of electronics manufacturing, but also conforms to positive trade policies around the world. The following steps bring you forward to China PCB service with ease.
Step#1: Convert an idea into a PCB design file.
As long as your idea is converted into a PCB design file, your creativity plane begins to parachute. PCB service is rooted in rational PCB design. To make your PCB design files free from risks that possibly arouse misunderstanding between two counterparts, you (customers) and PCB manufacturers, it's better to provide your CAD (computer-aided design) file instead of Gerber extended file alone because different versions of Gerber file readers possibly lead to information missing or errors.
Step#2: Select a trust-worthy China PCB manufacturer or assembler.
Lots of methods are available to evaluate a PCB manufacturer or a PCB assembler. I believe this step is the toughest among all the steps to obtain China PCB service because there are too many PCB manufacturers in China together with fabless PCB brokers. Once you've picked up a reliable PCB manufacturer, you've made your PCB service half done.
Step#3: Submit PCB prototype or PCB assembly prototype order.
Your PCB design file is in your left hand while a reliable China PCB manufacturer or assembler is in your right hand. Now it's time to get your PCB service ball rolling. After you send your PCB design file to your contract manufacturer, a quotation result will be supplied to you based on circuit complexities and level of your requirement.
Step#4: Confirm quality and performance of prototypes.
When it comes to first-time design and order, it's best to inspect the correctness and smooth running of your circuit design through prototypes prior to volume production. As for PCB service of reorder, it's unnecessary to carry out prototype service. If any modification takes place on your PCB design, however, PCB prototype is still a must-have activity.
Step#5: Submit mass-volume order.
Once no errors are found on your PCB prototypes, your mass-volume production can be sparked. In accordance with your cooperative PCB manufacturer's service habit and level, you either submit online order or email order. Of course, the former type is more efficient when it comes to PCB service online.
Step#6: Modify PCB design file to be compatible with mass-volume manufacturing requirement.
PCB manufacturing is so complicated that it covers so many aspects. Moreover, PCB prototyping is after all different from standard PCB so some modifications will possibly be made for mass-volume manufacturing for the considerations of quality and manufacturability etc.
Step#7: Confirm final design file and start mass-volume production.
As soon as your PCB design file is confirmed, your mass-volume PCB production will be instantly started. Up to now, you have completed majority of task in your PCB service.
Step#8: Wait for your products to arrive and win benefits from your finished electronics products.
During the process of order submission, you should pay for your order and select optimal delivery method with a balance between speed and cost. As far as China PCB manufacturers are concerned, the most commonly-used delivery method is through express due to PCB's small size and customers' speed requirement.
Some Handy Tips to Optimal PCB Service Acquisition from China
It should be acknowledged that obtaining PCB service from China is not perfect, of course. Extremely low cost always attracts customers to fall into some "traps". As a matter of fact, the traps can be totally escaped if you focus on more qualification issues of China PCB manufacturers or assemblers:
Tip#1:China PCB manufacturers are more reliable when they are certified by ISO9001, UL or RoHS etc. concerning manufacturing technology or quality.
Tip#2: China PCB manufacturers are more reliable when they have their own factory and welcome you to pay a visit there.
Tip#3: China PCB manufacturers are more reliable when they provide you constant follow-up service.
Tip#4: China PCB manufacturers are more reliable when they have been established for quite a long time.
Such tips to optimal PCB service acquisition from China are also available at a large number and each customer sticks to his own evaluation criterion based on which perfect PCB service will be obtained in the end.
Reach PCBCart, a China Professional PCB Solution Provider for Your PCB Sourcing Demands
Established in 2005, PCBCart has been providing quality guaranteed full range PCB production services from PCB prototype, PCB fabrication, components sourcing, electronic assemblies, logistics services for worldwide companies of all sizes. We are flexible and good at balancing high quality, high service, quick lead time and lower cost. Reach us here to discuss your project! We will provide practical and cost-effective solution asap.
Helpful Resources:
• Making the Best of China's Electronics Manufacturing Resources to Obtain Optimal Balance between Cost and Performance
• PCBCart Offers Quickturn PCB Prototyping Service
• PCBCart Offers Full Feature Mass PCB Fabrication Service
• PCBCart Specializes in Advanced Full Turnkey PCB Assembly Service
• PCBCart can Source Any of Your Required Components from Authorized Distributors
