Where to go for low-medium quantity assembly - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Nogtail
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 01:46:47 am
content: I've used JLCPCB, PCBWay and other common Chinese PCB manufactures a lot for prototypes and very low volume assembly (50 boards or less). These places seem best suited for prototype quantities, although some seem to do bigger orders. Where are people going for larger quantities (100's to 1000's)? Are there shops who do both the PCBs and assembly or do you have to deal with the logistics of getting a board made at one place then assembled at another? Thanks!

author: Jackster
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 11:13:18 am
content: PCBA services closer to you will deal with the logistics of getting your PCB panels made and shipped to them (if they don't make them themselves) as well as all the components.All you need to do is give them your exported Gender files, BOM and pick and place file.They will then take care of ordering everything and the assembly of the boards.Just Google "PCB Assembly" and it will show you services close to you. Don't look at the ads as they are typically all over.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 17, 2022, 11:17:34 am
content: I've used PCBWay for 250 qty of 150x150 3oz copper 6 layer PCBA jobs.They should be able to do 1000 pcs pretty easily as they have just expanded their factory recently.I probably wouldn't use them for 10k pcs, but 1k sure.My one recommendation is to specify a list of where they are allowed to order parts from for any important parts in the BOM. ICs etc..Maybe with a comment that they can ask you for approval if they have a better source.Otherwise your mileage may vary with somewhat gray market or 3rd party parts.If you don't specify they will order from the cheapest semi-official place that has stock, and semi-official places are somewhat gray market.

author: Nogtail
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 12:22:09 am
content: I'd love to do manufacturing locally, but there isn't a lot around at a reasonable cost, although I did just stumble across an assembler I didn't know about that's only a few hours drive from me so I'll have to enquire about their pricing.Quote from: Psi on December 17, 2022, 11:17:34 amThat's good to hear. If I get to quantities much above 1k I'd probably be looking for someone to do other parts of the assembly too.

author: JPortici
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 07:33:30 am
content: We manufacture locally for anything over 200 pieces. We have a contractor that offer low defect rates (not a given in local contractors. I've experienced some that deserve to be put out of business) and decent prices so that in reality if we order from chinese PCBA service, then add shipping, then add customs, the total cost is more or less the same.And many times the chinese service won't be able to provide some specific components (for example, for JLCPCB something that is not on LCSC will cost at least double, either if we buy here and ship to china or if they buy from other catalogs)A few hours drive from you also sounds reasonable in case you need to arrange a meeting to discuss new projects, solutions so problems, talk to them in general (in your language!) they may also provide help in engineering your product for production whereas the average low cost chinese service will just do what you tell them to do

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 18, 2022, 10:27:55 pm
content: You'd be surprised how many local assemblers are around - I strongly recommend trying to work with one as you're not only supporting the local economy but you will get better support and advice. This is less of an issue at small quantities but if you anticipate growth having a local partner will be very helpful.

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2022, 08:27:10 am
content: Quote from: Mangozac on December 18, 2022, 10:27:55 pmI see you're in AUS, do you know of any ones in NZ or AUS that are good for 100-1000 pcs orders?Depending on price it might end up cheaper, Im pretty sure I can export parts for PCBA to AUS under freetrade agreement and avoid the 15% china import tax i usually have to pay. It's a lot easier to explain to NZ / AUS customs that the parts were exported for processing and are being reimported, compared to trying to explain that to china.

author: Mangozac
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2022, 09:16:06 am
content: Quote from: Psi on December 22, 2022, 08:27:10 amWe're about to install our second Yamaha pick and place, so I could certainly look at your requirements. I depends on a few factors; I typically shy away from building others' designs as it's a lot more of a headache than in-house designs. We prefer to use our own "jellybean" passives (strictly brand name Yageo/Samsung/etc.) as we already have most loaded on feeders, but with the supply chain the way it is it's definitely easier if the customer is supplying the rest of the parts (so long as there is sufficient leader tape and/or extra parts for attrition).Otherwise I do know some others i.e. down in Melbourne I could direct you to. Drop me a PM with some details (a board photo is great if possible).

author: Psi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: December 22, 2022, 09:51:11 am
content: yeah, I normally get PCBway to order the passives and just supply the ICs + anything unusual /mission critical or tempting for them to source cheaper/grey market.

author: AgileE
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: December 24, 2022, 03:12:24 am
content: Hi,If you are in Melb. shoot me a message if you are interested in local assemblyCheers