Printed circuit boards can be made on different types of equipment to produce very cheap boards that work, but which have a limited life cycle and a limited function. There are also companies that specialize in printed circuit board assembly that offer the latest in state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled technicians, creating PCBs that are designed to function for an extended life cycle.
Making the choice between the two should never be difficult for an Original Equipment Manufacturer. While a cheaply made PCB slightly lower the cost, it does not help branding and marketing efforts in the future.
The Benefits of Outsourcing Assembly
Working with an experienced, reputable company for printed circuit board assembly is an investment in your business. It is also a simple way for the OEM always to have the latest in equipment and expertise to ensure the PCBs produced are able to meet the needs of the system.
By outsourcing to a company specializing in printed circuit board assembly, the OEM saves money. There is no need to invest in a workforce, to purchase and maintain equipment to monitor quality control and industry compliance during production. Instead, the OEM simply consults with the contract manufacturer, identifies the specifications and pays a set rate per unit produced.
Specific Requirements
Another advantage to working with an experienced company specializing in PCB assembly is the ability to create the boards with the specific requirements needed. For example, these companies can provide pin through hole, surface mount and ball grid array types of technology.
In many cases, the OEM may find the experienced engineers at the PCB assembly company may be able to suggest options to reduce the cost of production of the board or to assist in decreasing production time while producing a superior end product.