PCB Assembler Recommendations (North East USA) - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: funbags
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 13, 2018, 02:16:51 pm
content: Hey All,Sorry if this is the wrong forum for this post, but since I'm new to this and I'm making my fist PCB, I thought here would be acceptable.I was wondering if anyone could recommend PCB assemblers in the USA? I'm in New England area, and would prefer someone up here, but I'm open to anywhere, and willing to ship.I've been talking to two local companies, but they don't seem to want my business unless it's a full turn key service, and I just need pick and place machine and oven time, since I can't afford turn key, and I'll be providing the panels and stencil. They take forever to respond to my emails (almost 5 days without any reply on several occasions). Anyone have any good experiences with a company they'd recommend? Or are Sh*tty sales reps par for the industry? (sorry for the salt)Thanks for any help!

author: funbags
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: June 14, 2018, 01:31:23 pm
content: I got turned down by yet another contract manufacturer. On top of waiting 4 days for a reply...This is a quote from their sales rep."I think my company is too large for this type of job and is probably not interested."I need 400 PCBs assembled (one unit consists of 2 boards) so it's not like this is a small order....This is getting frustrating.

author: radiogeek381
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: June 16, 2018, 12:57:48 am
content: I can believe it is frustrating. But the second salesman was being frank (and kind). It is extremely likely that your request does not fit their business model. (The assembly folks I know of in that area would not pursue small lots like 400 units unless the value of each module was very high -- say $10K per module.) I can tell you that salesman for the larger fab houses areextremelyresponsive when they are dealing with established businesses or with people who have a track record in the industry. It is tough on the newcomer, but business is like that.As for "turnkey" -- these folks are not in the business of renting out their equipment. They don't rent out the "ovens" or the pick and place machines. They provide a service that often, if not always, includes purchasing the materials, inventory, assembly, and test. Some will go even farther, including both up-front design-for-hire, all the way to final assembly, test, and delivery. They are not set up for short runs. They are not set up to store and load your parts. Theydowork with startups, but will want to understand where the business is going. They also want to know that the design they'll be getting is reasonably likely to work -- they don't make a lot of money on prototype volumes, multiple passes are not in their interest, and they want to see that the time they invest will lead to more business.If you've got 400 modules, and you want to supply parts, and all that stuff, you probably should look at some of the prototype fab services or small-lot services. Seeed Studio offers pcb assembly. Take a look athttps://www.seeedstudio.com/prototype-pcb-assembly.htmlI haven't used the service, but I have bought modules that were assembled by them and they were pretty good. The website says all the right things. They may not accept "customer supplied parts" but that should not rule them out.You should be prepared to pay for the service -- machine time is expensive and they've got bills to pay. On the other hand, they appear to know what they are doing, and that is often worth paying for.Good luck.