Fast Turn Circuit Board Assembly
The quick turn PCB assembly process is a method for producing printed circuit boards (PCBs) in a notably short period. It allows PCB shopper to meet the demands of their customers, shorten their product lifecycles and cultivate user loyalty by rapidly bringing products to market and refining designs in response to consumer feedback. It can also provide cost savings by eliminating the need for rework, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of production errors that would require costly corrections.
The fast turn circuit board assembly process begins with the submission of a completed design file. This is sent to the PCB fabrication company in Gerber format, which is a de facto standard for PCB data transfer and ensures the security of the design files as well as effective communication of all related information. The fab team then performs a DFM review of the design and verifies its technical and material specifications based on the design requirements and IPC standards. Once the file and order are approved, the manufacturing and assembly processes begin.
PCB fabrication is a highly precise, multi-step process. The bare board is etched and then copper tracks are routed with precision using an automated system called a CAD/CAM machine. Once the routing is complete, a solder mask is applied to protect the copper from oxidation during the reflow process and a metal stencil with cutouts matching the PCB pads is created. Solder paste is then applied to the solder pads, which are then heated in a reflow oven to melt and adhere the components.
What is Fast Turn Circuit Board Assembly?
Once the reflow process is complete, the board is washed to remove excess solder and then given a final quality inspection. The final product is then packed and shipped to the customer.
One of the key benefits of a quick-turn PCB is that it enables engineers to test prototypes and verify their functionality without incurring the costs associated with rework. This is a big advantage, especially in the electronics industry where a single error can be fatal to a finished product.
Another benefit of a quick-turn PCB is its flexibility. It encourages rapid iteration in the development phase, which allows a business to respond to customer feedback and rapidly change existing products without incurring the additional cost of modifying the original design.
As with any type of project, the speed at which a company produces its products can be affected by several factors. It is important to look for a PCB manufacturer that has the equipment and technology required to make its products quickly while maintaining the high-quality that consumers have come to expect. In addition to ensuring that their production capabilities are up-to-date, a good PCB manufacturer will also offer competitive prices. This way, a company can compete with its peers and stay profitable even when demand for a specific product is low. This is a great strategy for growing a business in the long run. It will help the company to build its reputation in the industry and maintain a healthy balance between profits and sales.