Quick Turn PCBs Are Manufactured in Small Quantities
Quick turn PCBs allow electronics companies to bring new products to market quickly and efficiently. By partnering with an experienced PCB manufacturer, smaller companies can gain access to the manufacturing capabilities and personalized service they need without the high startup costs associated with establishing their own in-house fabrication facilities.
While quick-turn PCBs aren’t a perfect solution for all electronic projects, they do offer numerous benefits that make them an ideal option for small production runs. The ability to produce prototypes in a short amount of time allows electronics companies to test and evaluate their design before moving on to the production phase. This minimizes the chance of errors that can be costly and frustrating for customers.
Despite their rapid turnaround times, quick turn pcb still require the same fabrication and assembly processes as traditional printed circuit boards. They’re fabricated using advanced equipment and a rigorous quality management system that meets the highest industry standards. These standards include UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and IPC (Institute for Interconnecting and Packaging Electronic Circuits).
How Quick Turn PCBs Are Manufactured in Small Quantities
The first step in the quick-turn PCB fabrication process is sending the design file to the manufacturer. This is usually done in Gerber format, the de facto standard for transmitting PCB data. The PCB manufacturing company will then carry out a Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review to ensure that the design is compliant with the appropriate technical and material specifications. The manufacturer will also check for any potential issues that could impact the final product, such as EMI (Electromagnetic Interference).
Once the PCB design has been approved, the manufacturer will begin the manufacturing and assembling process. This may involve either Surface-Mount Assembly (SMT) or Through-Hole Assembly (THA). During SMT, electrical components are mounted on top of the empty PCB stackup using soldering materials. During THA, technicians and engineers will mount and solder through-hole components on the PCBs. Once the components have been mounted and tested, the manufacturing company will package and deliver the finished product to the customer.
Before choosing a provider for quick-turn PCBs, it is important to consider their manufacturing capabilities and the types of customization options they offer. For example, the provider should be able to produce different base materials and finishes as well as provide different layers in the stackup. They should also have the necessary tools and equipment for a fast turnaround time. In addition, they should be able to offer a wide range of component placement options and other custom modifications.
It is also important to choose a company that offers comprehensive online ordering and tracking. This makes it easier for customers to track the progress of their order and ensures that all required details are included in the final product. Lastly, the supplier should be highly responsive to inquiries, both technical and non-technical. This is essential for ensuring that the finished product is as expected and on schedule.