Contract electronic manufacturing encompasses a broad range of capabilities that could fit within multiple applications and a wide range of industries. One of the most common forms of contracted work is PCB assembly services, and companies like Industrial Support Inc. can also integrate metal fabrication services with PCBA to deliver the highest quality build.
When these two operations are integrated, it’s typically for projects such as an industrial control where a control board is built out in the PCB portion and then the fabrication shop creates the enclosure and hardware necessary to support the PCB.
ISI walks through the importance of integrating these two services within contract electronic manufacturing and how one company can handle board assembly, custom enclosure builds, bracket, chassis, wiring, and final system integration all under one roof.
Outlining Integrated Operations
One of the most critical aspects of integrating these two services within the umbrella of contract electronic manufacturing is working with your manufacturing company or supplier to properly identify a streamlined path so that PCBA and metal fabrication can happen simultaneously.
This typically means outlining appropriate corresponding design times for both the PCB as well as its enclosure and other items to enclose the circuit board. Manufacturing of the pieces traditionally has the PCB assembly services performed first and then it flows into the metal fabrication where parts can be created, finished, and ultimately assembled into subframes or enclosures.
Once the metal fabrication services have concluded, these two physical aspects are integrated with one another including PCB harnesses, power supplies, and the user interface parts. Not only does installation and assembly take place, but product testing and validation also occurs to ensure functionality as well as quality.
Understanding the Why in Contract Electronic Manufacturing
The integration of PCBA services along with metal fabrication in contract electronic manufacturing ultimately boils down to why. From a customer standpoint, both the OEMs utilizing services and subsequently, their customers, when the supplier can consolidate operations into one singular task, it eliminates more vendor handoffs which impacts multiple avenues including fit-up problems, costs, scheduling, logistics, and supply chain woes.
From the supplier’s perspective, when they can consolidate operations into a more streamlined approach through integration, it improves overall manufacturability as all facets of production occur underneath one roof. This allows for better communication on project timelines and easier access for part validation and testing protocols. Not only those points, but quality remains consistent when one manufacturing company is in charge of operations.
Considerations to Make on Specifying Items to the Supplier
If OEMs and other customers are weighing whether or not to choose contract electronic manufacturing, there are some recommended considerations to make from a supplier.
- When requesting a quote for services, include BOM, Gerbers, assembly drawings, enclosure CAD, stack-up and thermal requirements, test specs, and necessary volume profile.
- Seek clarity on the need for turnkey sourcing, partial consignment, or customer-supplied parts.
When these considerations have been made, it allows for better dialogue on expectation between supplier and customer, which then trickles down to the primary customer who is expecting the final component
Check List of Capabilities
A final consideration for customers and this should be performed whether you’re searching for a contract electronic manufacturer, a fluid transfer systems manufacturer, or any other type of manufacturer. Perform a thorough search and investigation on a few company’s capabilities and what all they entail.
- In-house sheet metal fabrication is essential when integrating metal fabrication and PCB assembly services is central to your needs for a contract manufacturer. In-house services can including welding, finishing, machining, and mechanical assembly.
- Ensure supplier program has an IPC-based PCB assembly operation and can perform AOI/ICT tests to validate build responsiveness.
- View industries served if able. This can showcase a supplier’s wide-range of expertise and capabilities.
- Search for any quality certifications, such as an ISO 9001 or an AS9001D.
Contact Industrial Support Inc. for More Information on Contract Electronic Manufacturing Services
Industrial Support Inc. is the manufacturing company that OEMs and other manufacturing companies trust. When a project falls outside of the original manufacturer’s scope of work, that’s where ISI comes into play. And since 1995, we’ve served numerous customers in multiple industries with the services they need to deliver their products on time to satisfy customers.
Our contract electronic manufacturing services are wide ranging and entail multiple facets of electronics manufacturing including PCBA, assembly and component manufacturing, and elective CNC machining operations. We hold both an ISO 9001 certification and an AS9001D certification, both of which demonstrate our commitment to superior quality management services. Specifically, to our AS9001D certification, this allows us to perform high-level work in the aerospace industry, including contract electronic manufacturing operations.
If your team has a challenge with electronic manufacturing and needs support, ISI is here for you. Contact us today and we will set up an initial consultation to review project specs and get to work immediately.