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Key Benefits of Advanced Assembly in PCB Production

Q: How can PCB designers reduce PCB assembly time and cost?

PCB designers can reduce assembly time and cost by using readily available components, standard package sizes when practical, consistent component orientation, assembly-friendly spacing, and accurate manufacturing files. Early DFM and DFA reviews can also identify problems before boards and components reach the assembly line. Coordinating PCB fabrication and assembly with the same manufacturing partner can further reduce handoffs, shipping time, and revision-control issues.

Q: How do you design a PCB for easier assembly?

Designing a PCB for easier assembly starts with strategic component placement, adequate spacing, correct footprints, clear polarity markings, and short, efficient trace routing. Components with fixed locations, such as connectors, switches, and mounting hardware, should generally be placed first. A design for assembly (DFA) review can also identify layout issues that could make component placement, soldering, inspection, or rework more difficult.

Q: What files are needed for PCB assembly?

A typical PCB assembly package includes Gerber or ODB++ files, NC drill files, a bill of materials (BOM), pick-and-place or centroid data, and assembly drawings. The BOM should include accurate manufacturer part numbers and component information, while the pick-and-place file identifies each component's location, rotation, and board side. Providing complete and consistent manufacturing data helps reduce questions and delays before production.

Q: What is DFM in PCB assembly?

Design for manufacturability (DFM) is the process of reviewing a PCB design to identify features that may be difficult, costly, or unreliable to manufacture. For PCB assembly, this is often combined with design for assembly (DFA), which evaluates component footprints, spacing, orientation, solderability, and other assembly-related requirements. Performing these reviews before production can reduce manufacturing issues, rework, and schedule delays.

Q: What PCB design mistakes can cause assembly problems?

Common PCB design mistakes include incorrect component footprints, insufficient spacing between components, poor component orientation, inadequate board-edge clearance, missing or poorly positioned fiducials, and incorrect solder mask or pad dimensions. These issues can lead to placement errors, solder defects, inspection challenges, and costly redesigns. Reviewing the design before fabrication and assembly helps identify potential problems earlier.

Posted 4/26/2013 by AdvancedPCB

When you are in the process of designing your printed circuit boards for fabrication, we know that it is important to maximize the efficiency of your PCB in order to reduce your overall cost. In order to do this, the team at AdvancedPCB has put together tips to help you along the way. Be sure to start by placing the components that require a specific location on your PCB first. Also, do your best to minimize trace lengths during the design process so you can maximize functionality. You can use the free PCB design software from AdvancedPCB, PCB Artist, to help achieve the optimal layout.

Submit Gerber Files to AdvancedPCB to Help Expedite Your Order

See what Free DRM checks for and read free tips you can use with our free design for manufacturability tool. Check out the PDF!

When you submit your files to AdvancedPCB using the FreeDFM File Check system you will be able to have your designs reviewed for potential manufacturability issues before placing your order. Once these issues are resolved, you can place your order for PCBs that will be made on site and tested by expert engineers for quality assurance before shipping. To learn more about the design and fabrication process, contact a representative at AdvancedPCB today.