How to Choose OEM PCBA Service?

Author: Clarissa

Apr. 14, 2025

Electrical Equipment & Supplies

How To Choose A PCB Assembly Company: 6 Things To Look Out For

The success of your printed circuit boards all comes down to the quality of the assembly and the company handling your project. At ABL Circuits, we pride ourselves on being a well-trusted assembly company within the UK and work with a range of customers on a wide range of projects – big and small. We’re the number one PCB manufacturer in the UK for a host of sectors.

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When choosing PCB manufacturers, it’s paramount to work with a supplier who can deliver outstanding quality, offer their expertise and experience as well as deliver on time within budget. Below we share our handy tips on things to look out for when sourcing PCB assembly services. 

Top 6 Tips For Choosing the Right PCB Assembly Company For Your Business

1. Quality and Standards Compliance

Above everything, our clients tell us the most important factor for them when it comes to PCB assembly is quality and adherence to standards, and we’re guessing you’re probably in the same situation. Quality, attention to detail and adherence to industry standards are so important duringPCB manufacturing – at least we think so!

Without following industry standards and a high level of quality control in place, you can risk a direct impact on the reliability and performance of the PCB. So, finding the right PCB assembly partner is vital.

Certificates and accreditations are key indicators when looking at the quality of the product being produced. This will give you a good idea of the level of commitment to quality and the standards they follow. 

ABL Circuits is proud to hold the ISO - certificate. This accreditation is an internationally recognised standard for quality and ensures the supplier has established a systematic approach to quality management. So you can trust that we are committed to providing you with the highest levels of assembly production. 

2. Experience and Expertise

Looking back at a company’s history and who they work with can give you an idea of the level of expertise and experience of that supplier. A company that has been established for a long period and worked with a large range of clients is a strong indication that their work can be trusted and you will be in safe hands. 

Working with a supplier who can bring a wealth of experience will greatly enhance the success of your project. PCB assembly is a complex process that involves precise component placement and quality control, only a certain level of experience can appreciate the deep understanding of complexities. 

Experienced PCB assembly companies will often have a wider selection of cutting-edge technology. As well as an experienced team that’s used to working with the latest PCB technologies such as Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and 3D printing. 

ABL Circuits work within some of the toughestindustries where precision and quality are key, including:

  • Aerospace
  • Automation
  • Automotive
  • Energy
  • Healthcare
  • Military & Defence

In these industries, delays, faulty components and mistakes simply aren’t an option. This is why our customers choose us as their number one PCB assembly manufacturer.

3. Capabilities and Services

The capabilities and services offered by a supplier can be the difference between a successful project delivered on time where quality is second to none, and a project fraught with delays and compromises. 

It is important to understand the range of capabilities and services available, a company that can offer a wide range of services will be able to handle every aspect of the project and speed up production compared to a company that offers less.

We have already mentioned how cutting-edge and new technologies can reflect on the experience of a company, but it’s also a game changer when it comes to what a company can offer. The wider range of state-of-the-art equipment on offer will only benefit your project, ensure quality standards, enable adaptability, and scalability and will ultimately ensure your parts are delivered on time every time.

4. Testing Options 

Testing should be a non-negotiable step for any reputable PCB assembly company, it ensures that the final product meets the performance quality and reliability standards. When looking for an assembly supplier it’s essential to understand their testing process and what is offered.

Testing is important for checking that the assembled PCB functions the way it is intended to and is free from any defects or errors, skipping vital testing stages can result in delays further down the production process. 

Are you interested in learning more about OEM PCBA Service? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!

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Testing is considered a best practice procedure and if a company isn’t following this procedure we’d question their commitment to quality and accountability. 

5. Turnaround Time and Delivery

Being able to deliver a product on time is a vital factor when choosing a PCB assembly company. Delays to delivery can impact the overall project and in some cases result in extra costs, so it’s important to ensure turnaround times are adhered to and deadlines are met. 

If not managed correctly, timelines can be delayed. This can be due to several reasons but the most common are production capacity and workflow efficiency. Choosing to work with a supplier who has the experience to streamline workflows and ensure production capabilities are managed will eliminate any delays. 

At ABL Circuits we like to establish from the very beginning of a project what the client’s timelines look like, having this information from the start will help to manage client expectations and for us to plan the workload, this way we can give an accurate delivery date. 

6. Cost and Value for Money

Cost is always an important factor when decision-making, however, it’s also important to balance the cost with the quality of the service. Low prices might sound appealing at first, however, if the quality standard isn’t considered then this can cause greater costs further down the line. 

It’s important to discuss with your supplier any hidden costs that may occur that you have not considered, such as set-up fees, testing fees, and delivery costs. Some PCB assembly companies like to add these on as extra costs and give you a bill that’s way over budget once the project is complete.

At ABL Circuits we supply every customer with a delated quote outlining the costs involved. We don’t believe in ‘hidden’ costs, so our quotes include everything you need to make a decision. And we always strive to provide the best value for money when it comes to quality and reliability. 

Key Takeaways

It’s important to find the right assembly supplier that suits you and your business, finding a supplier that offers high standards of quality and reliability whilst offering a range of services will allow you to meet deadlines and manage budgets effectively. 

Lastly, communication is key! Communication is a vital part of how we conduct business here at ABL Circuits, our customers love how they can pick up the and speak with us directly if they have any questions regarding their project, this speeds up the process greatly and avoids unnecessary delays. 

PCBA OEM: A Comprehensive Guide to Outsourced Electronics ...

Introduction

In today’s fast-paced electronics industry, companies are constantly seeking ways to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate time-to-market. One of the most effective strategies is outsourcing Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) to Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) service providers. PCBA OEM services allow businesses to focus on design, innovation, and marketing while relying on specialized manufacturers for high-quality production.

This article explores PCBA OEM in detail, covering its definition, benefits, key processes, selection criteria for OEM partners, and future trends in the industry.

What is PCBA OEM?

PCBA OEM (Printed Circuit Board Assembly Original Equipment Manufacturer) refers to outsourcing the entire PCB assembly process to a third-party manufacturer. The OEM partner handles component procurement, PCB fabrication, assembly, testing, and sometimes even product packaging and logistics.

Key Stages in PCBA OEM:

  1. Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Review – Ensures the PCB design is optimized for production.
  2. Component Sourcing – Procurement of high-quality electronic components.
  3. PCB Fabrication – Manufacturing the bare PCB based on design specifications.
  4. PCB Assembly (PCBA) – Soldering components onto the board using Surface Mount Technology (SMT) or Through-Hole Technology (THT).
  5. Testing & Quality Control – Functional testing, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), and In-Circuit Testing (ICT).
  6. Final Assembly & Packaging – Integrating the PCBA into the final product and preparing for shipment.

Advantages of PCBA OEM

1. Cost Efficiency

  • Lower Labor Costs – Outsourcing to regions with competitive manufacturing rates reduces expenses.
  • Reduced Overhead – No need for in-house assembly lines, equipment, or skilled labor.
  • Bulk Purchasing Benefits – OEMs procure components at scale, reducing per-unit costs.

2. Access to Advanced Technology

  • OEM partners invest in state-of-the-art SMT machines, reflow ovens, and testing equipment.
  • Expertise in high-density interconnect (HDI), flexible PCBs, and mixed-technology assembly.

3. Faster Time-to-Market

  • Streamlined supply chains and experienced production teams accelerate prototyping and mass production.
  • Quick turnaround times for small-batch and large-scale orders.

4. Scalability & Flexibility

  • Easily adjust production volumes based on demand without capital investment.
  • Support for low-volume prototypes and high-volume mass production.

5. Quality Assurance & Compliance

  • OEMs follow ISO, IPC, and RoHS standards to ensure reliability.
  • Rigorous testing protocols minimize defects and improve product longevity.

Key Considerations When Choosing a PCBA OEM Partner

Selecting the right PCBA OEM manufacturer is crucial for product success. Here are the most important factors to evaluate:

1. Technical Capabilities

  • Assembly Technologies – SMT, THT, mixed assembly, and fine-pitch components.
  • PCB Types Supported – Rigid, flexible, rigid-flex, and high-frequency boards.
  • Testing & Inspection Methods – AOI, X-ray inspection, functional testing.

2. Supply Chain Management

  • Strong relationships with component suppliers to avoid shortages.
  • Ability to source both active and passive components reliably.

3. Quality Certifications

  • ISO (Quality Management)
  • ISO (Medical Devices)
  • IATF (Automotive)
  • IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies)

4. Prototyping & NPI Support

  • Rapid prototyping services for design validation.
  • New Product Introduction (NPI) support to transition from prototype to mass production.

5. Geographic Location

  • Local OEMs offer faster logistics and better communication.
  • Offshore manufacturers may provide cost savings but with longer lead times.

6. After-Sales Support

  • Troubleshooting, failure analysis, and repair services.
  • Warranty and return policies.

The PCBA OEM Process: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Design Submission & DFM Review

  • The client provides Gerber files, BOM (Bill of Materials), and assembly drawings.
  • The OEM performs a DFM check to identify potential manufacturing issues.

Step 2: Component Procurement

  • The OEM sources components from trusted suppliers.
  • Alternative part suggestions in case of shortages.

Step 3: PCB Fabrication

  • Manufacturing the bare PCB with copper layers, solder mask, and silkscreen.

Step 4: PCB Assembly

  • SMT Process:
  • Solder paste application.
  • Pick-and-place machine installs components.
  • Reflow soldering.
  • THT Process:
  • Manual or wave soldering for through-hole components.

Step 5: Testing & Inspection

  • Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for soldering defects.
  • Functional testing to ensure performance.
  • Environmental stress testing (if required).

Step 6: Final Assembly & Delivery

  • Conformal coating, boxing, and shipping.

Future Trends in PCBA OEM

1. Increased Automation & AI Integration

  • AI-driven defect detection and predictive maintenance.
  • Robotics for faster and more precise assembly.

2. Growth in IoT & Wearable Electronics

  • Demand for miniaturized, high-density PCBAs.
  • Flexible and stretchable PCB technologies.

3. Sustainable Manufacturing

  • Lead-free and halogen-free materials.
  • Energy-efficient production processes.

4. Supply Chain Resilience

  • Localized manufacturing to reduce dependency on global supply chains.
  • Digital inventory management for real-time tracking.

5. Advanced Packaging Technologies

  • System-in-Package (SiP) and 3D IC integration.
  • Embedded component PCBs.

Conclusion

PCBA OEM services provide businesses with a competitive edge by offering cost-effective, high-quality, and scalable electronics manufacturing solutions. By partnering with a reliable PCBA OEM provider, companies can focus on innovation while ensuring efficient production and faster market entry.

When selecting an OEM partner, it is essential to evaluate their technical expertise, quality standards, supply chain stability, and support services. As technology evolves, trends like AI-driven manufacturing, IoT growth, and sustainable practices will shape the future of PCBA OEM.

By leveraging these advancements, businesses can stay ahead in the rapidly changing electronics industry while delivering superior products to their customers.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website PCB Electronic Board Assembly.

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