What is PCB Assembly?

PCB assembly is the process of populating a printed circuit board with electronic components and soldering them in place to create a functional electronic device. The process involves several steps, including:

1. Solder paste application
2. Component placement
3. Reflow soldering
4. Inspection and testing

RAYPCB utilizes advanced technology and skilled technicians to ensure that each step of the PCB assembly process is carried out with precision and accuracy.

Why Choose RAYPCB for Your PCB Assembly Needs?

Comprehensive Services

RAYPCB offers a wide range of PCB assembly services to meet the diverse needs of our customers. Our services include:

• Prototype PCB assembly
• Low-volume PCB assembly
• High-volume PCB assembly
• Mixed-technology PCB assembly
• SMT (Surface Mount Technology) assembly
• Through-hole assembly
• Box build assembly

Whether you need a small batch of prototypes or a large-scale production run, RAYPCB has the expertise and resources to deliver high-quality PCB assemblies.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

RAYPCB’s modern manufacturing facilities are equipped with the latest technology and equipment to ensure efficient and reliable PCB assembly. Our facilities feature:

• Automated SMT Lines
• Automated optical inspection (AOI) systems
• X-ray inspection systems
• In-circuit testing (ICT) equipment
• Functional testing equipment

Our investment in advanced technology allows us to maintain tight tolerances, minimize defects, and deliver consistent quality across all PCB assemblies.

Experienced Team

RAYPCB’s team of experienced engineers and technicians has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in PCB assembly. Our team is committed to delivering the highest level of quality and customer service, ensuring that your PCB assembly project is completed on time and to your exact specifications.

Quality Assurance

At RAYPCB, quality is our top priority. We have implemented a rigorous quality management system that includes:

• Incoming material inspection
• In-process quality control
• Final inspection and testing
• Traceability and documentation

Our quality assurance processes ensure that every PCB assembly meets or exceeds industry standards and customer requirements.

Fast Turnaround Times

RAYPCB understands the importance of getting your products to market quickly. That’s why we offer fast turnaround times for PCB assembly projects of all sizes. Our streamlined processes and efficient manufacturing capabilities allow us to deliver high-quality PCB assemblies in a timely manner, helping you meet your project deadlines.

RAYPCB’s PCB Assembly Process

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

Before beginning the PCB assembly process, RAYPCB’s engineering team reviews your design files to ensure that they are optimized for manufacturability. This DFM review helps identify potential issues and recommends design improvements to enhance the reliability and performance of your PCB assembly.

Solder Paste Application

The first step in the PCB assembly process is the application of solder paste to the PCB’s surface. RAYPCB uses automated solder paste printers to ensure precise and consistent application of solder paste onto the PCB pads.

Component Placement

Once the solder paste has been applied, the PCB is loaded onto an automated pick-and-place machine. This machine uses advanced vision systems to accurately place SMT components onto the PCB’s surface at high speeds.

Reflow Soldering

After component placement, the PCB undergoes reflow soldering. The PCB is passed through a reflow oven, where the solder paste melts and forms a permanent electrical and mechanical connection between the components and the PCB.

Through-Hole Assembly

If your PCB design includes through-hole components, RAYPCB’s skilled technicians manually insert these components into the designated holes on the PCB. The PCB then undergoes wave soldering to secure the through-hole components in place.

Inspection and Testing

To ensure the quality and functionality of your PCB assembly, RAYPCB conducts thorough inspection and testing. This includes:

• Automated optical inspection (AOI) to detect component placement and soldering defects
• X-ray inspection to verify the integrity of hidden solder joints
• In-circuit testing (ICT) to test the electrical functionality of the PCB
• Functional testing to validate the performance of the assembled PCB

Final Assembly and Packaging

After inspection and testing, RAYPCB can provide final assembly services, such as mounting the PCB into an enclosure or integrating it with other sub-assemblies. We also offer custom packaging solutions to ensure that your PCB assemblies are protected during shipping and storage.

RAYPCB’s Capabilities and Technologies

SMT Assembly

RAYPCB specializes in surface mount technology (SMT) assembly, which involves placing and soldering components directly onto the surface of the PCB. Our state-of-the-art SMT lines are capable of placing components as small as 01005 (0.4mm x 0.2mm) with high accuracy and speed.

SMT Component Size	Minimum Pitch
0402	0.4mm
0201	0.3mm
01005	0.2mm

BGA and QFN Assembly

RAYPCB has extensive experience in assembling PCBs with ball grid array (BGA) and quad-flat no-lead (QFN) packages. These advanced package types require specialized equipment and expertise to ensure reliable solder joints. Our engineers utilize advanced X-ray inspection systems to verify the integrity of these complex assemblies.

Flexible and Rigid-flex PCB Assembly

In addition to standard rigid PCBs, RAYPCB offers assembly services for flexible and rigid-flex PCBs. These PCBs require special handling and processing techniques to ensure that the flexible portions remain undamaged during the assembly process. Our team has the knowledge and experience to successfully assemble these unique PCB Types.

Conformal Coating

To protect your PCB assembly from environmental factors such as moisture, dust, and chemicals, RAYPCB offers conformal coating services. We can apply a variety of coating materials, including acrylic, silicone, and polyurethane, to suit your specific application requirements.

Industries Served

RAYPCB serves a wide range of industries, providing PCB assembly solutions for diverse applications. Some of the industries we serve include:

• Automotive
• Medical devices
• Industrial automation
• Consumer electronics
• Telecommunications
• Aerospace and defense
• IoT (Internet of Things)

Our team works closely with customers in each industry to understand their unique requirements and develop customized PCB assembly solutions that meet their specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum order quantity for PCB assembly at RAYPCB?

RAYPCB offers PCB assembly services for a wide range of order quantities, from prototype and low-volume production to high-volume manufacturing. Our minimum order quantity for PCB assembly is just one piece, making us an ideal partner for prototype development and small-batch production.

2. How long does it take to assemble a PCB at RAYPCB?

The turnaround time for PCB assembly at RAYPCB depends on several factors, including the complexity of the design, the components required, and the order quantity. For prototype and low-volume orders, we typically offer lead times of 5-7 days. For larger production runs, lead times may be longer, but we work closely with our customers to establish a timeline that meets their needs.

3. What types of components can RAYPCB assemble on a PCB?

RAYPCB has the capability to assemble a wide variety of components on PCBs, including SMT components, through-hole components, BGAs, QFNs, and more. Our advanced equipment and experienced team can handle components as small as 01005 (0.4mm x 0.2mm) and can work with both standard and custom components.

4. Does RAYPCB offer design services in addition to PCB assembly?

Yes, RAYPCB offers a full range of PCB design services to help bring your product to life. Our experienced design team can assist with schematic capture, PCB layout, and design for manufacturability (DFM) reviews to ensure that your design is optimized for production. We can also provide guidance on component selection and help you navigate the design process from concept to completion.

5. What certifications and quality standards does RAYPCB hold?

RAYPCB is committed to delivering the highest quality PCB assembly services to our customers. We hold several industry certifications and adhere to strict quality standards, including:

• ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system
• IPC-A-610 Class 2 and Class 3 workmanship standards
• IPC-J-STD-001 soldering standards
• RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) compliance

Our commitment to quality ensures that your PCB assemblies will meet or exceed your expectations and perform reliably in the field.

Conclusion

RAYPCB is your trusted partner for one-stop PCB assembly services. With our state-of-the-art facilities, experienced team, and commitment to quality, we can help bring your electronic products to life quickly and efficiently. From prototype to production, RAYPCB has the expertise and resources to meet your PCB assembly needs.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your next project.