How to Prep for Success With PCB Box Build Assembly Services

(Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force)

Electromechanical PCB box build assembly services are one of the most important offerings of electronics contract manufacturers. In addition to the manufacturing and population of PCBs (printed circuit boards), this full turnkey production is a simple, all-in-one approach to addressing your manufacturing needs. This includes wire harnesses, metal fabrication, and sub-level assemblies.

PCB Box Build Assembly Services: What’s Included?

PCB box build electromechanical assembly services include:

• System level assembly
• Product assembly
• Sub-level product assembly
• Packaging & labeling
• Testing
• Software loading & product configuration
• Aftermarket services & repair
• Warehousing, order fulfillment, & traceability

To get your box build assembly off the ground, provide your electronics contract manufacturer (ECM) with the necessary information up front. This foresight can save you an arm and a leg —  not to mention a lot of time.

(Still in the design phase? Click here for a guide to making an electronics box build assembly.)

4 Ways to Be Ready

1. Bill of Materials (BOM)

This one is obvious, but it’s arguably the most important.

The bill of materials, or BOM, contains critical information for the design of your electromechanical assembly, including:

• Item number
• Reference number
• Manufacturer part number
• Package
• Part type
• Much more

You wouldn’t expect someone to build a house without blueprints, right? Well, the bill of materials acts as the blueprint for building your assembly, and it should be treated as just as significant.

An accurate, thorough BOM can get your product into production faster and with a lesser likelihood of error.

2. Dimensions

Another important tidbit of information is the size and weight of your product. Be sure to share this with your ECM, as it can affect your product’s:

• Shipping
• Packaging
• Warehousing

Do you have specific requirements for shipping and packaging? Be sure to specify those as well.

Another thing to consider: If your box build assembly is large, ask your ECM if it has the capabilities for such a project. Assets like an overhead crane can be vital to projects of formidable sizes.

3. 3D Model and Prototype

If you have 3D CAD technology, provide a 3D model to your electronics contract manufacturer so it can understand and visualize what you’d like the end product to be.

Better yet, provide a prototype unit, if you have one. If not, don’t fret: Many ECMs have their own 3D CAD software to accomplish this.

4. Test Specifications

Be sure to specify any explicit testing requirements. This includes:

• Basic electrical testing
• Functional testing
• Burn-in testing

If not, discuss with your manufacturer which kinds of electronic testing are available. Product quality is hugely important, so you’ll want to know all options available.

Other Needs, Before & After

Box build assembly can be just one of many services an all-in-one electronics manufacturing services supplier can offer. You can consolidate lead times and transportation costs by adding on:

• PCB design assistance
• PCB prototyping
• PCB testing
• Obsolescence management
• Aftermarket services

(Editor's note: This article was originally published in January 2019 and was updated in February 2024 to reflect current information.)