Who does final box assembly before shipping to customer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: Repost3218
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 03:12:54 am
content: This might be a dumb question, but I'm still trying to figure all of this out. Let's say I ordered 100 assembled PCBs from JLPCB. And let's say I already have 100 plastic cases made from my injection mold ready to go. Who do I go to for the final steps, as in, puts the PCB in the plastic case, adds instruction manual, a couple of batteries, and then packages it up in a box for shipping? Is there a name for this service or is this something I would just do myself?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 03:23:28 am
content: For a large scale products this is done by contract electronics manufacturers (CEMs). Most of them can handle any stage of the process from design to final packaging.But most of them will not bother with 100 units, or ask for a significant setup cost. So, for small quantities you will likely have to do it yourself.

author: Repost3218
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 03:31:51 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on January 21, 2024, 03:23:28 amThanks for that clarification. So if I were to expect to sell 1K units a year, that puts things in an awkward situation, no? Not exactly big enough for a contract manufacturer but a little cumbersome to sit down and assemble 1K products. (Or the time investment considering the products would retail for $20).

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 03:37:53 am
content: If it is consistent commitment for a number of years, you will probably find someone. You can try to find local CEMs that will deal with low quantities.I know there are also basically individuals or small groups that do contract work like this, but I don't know how to find them.

author: johnh
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 03:57:27 am
content: Depending on what you want ff have a look at what the local "Sheltered Workshop" or a more appropriate name "Disability Enterprises" can offer

author: Repost3218
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 04:52:30 am
content: Quote from: ataradov on January 21, 2024, 03:37:53 amGotcha. I will have to do some searching. My final question then, are PCB Fabs like JLPCB only good for the prototyping face? It seems like if I went with a contract manufacturer then they would be the ones actually producing the whole board and doing the sourcing, etc. Or would I still show up with my JLPCB boards and just ask them to "put them in this box" for some negotiated contract price?

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 05:10:27 am
content: Quote from: Repost3218 on January 21, 2024, 04:52:30 amNot really, they are fine for the mass production too.Quote from: Repost3218 on January 21, 2024, 04:52:30 amEither case works. You need to get quotes and see what makes sense financially. You will have to figure out a lot of logistics. Eventually all those parts will have to be shipped to one place. And in some cases it might make sense to ship raw components, and in some cases assembled boards will work better. A lot of it will also depends on where you source your components.Doing the whole thing with CEM is the most convenient, since they will be taking care of a lot of this stuff, but they will also charge for that.

author: Smokey
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 06:47:15 am
content: Assuming you live in some place that actually has some manufacturing industry, there are probably a number of places that will do that kind of work. My board assembly CM had a list of individuals that you could pay to do all sorts of small run stuff like this. We would typically get them to do stuff like minor reworking boards, but I don't see why they wouldn't stuff products in boxes. Ask around at your local CMs.Backup plan is you could always find some out of work cousin or local high-school kid to do that kind of work. Shouldn't be hard.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 21, 2024, 06:48:22 am
content: PCBway will do a lot of that on your PCBA order,- Cable wire harness assembly- Box build assembly- Custom packaging- Firmware loading- Function testAFAIK they dont ship to your customers, but can ship it to you all ready to go.I have never used it, so can't comment on how good they are at it.