Consigned PCB assembly is a service—also known as partial turnkey assembly—in which the customer provides the components and materials required for PCB production (such as integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors, and connectors), while the assembly service provider focuses solely on mounting these components onto the PCB boards. This approach differs from full turnkey PCB assembly, where the manufacturer is responsible for both procurement and assembly. Consigned PCB assembly allows customers to exercise greater control over component selection while still leveraging the expertise of professional assembly service providers.
Differences from Full Turnkey PCB Assembly
Consigned Assembly: The customer provides the components; the supplier is responsible only for assembly.
Turnkey Assembly: The supplier handles both material procurement and assembly, providing a comprehensive, end-to-end solution.
Advantages of Consigned PCB Assembly
Component Control
Customers can select the exact brands, models, or suppliers for critical components, thereby ensuring product quality and reliability.
Cost Savings
Companies that have access to discounted components or possess existing inventory can reduce costs by supplying the materials themselves.
Suitability for Specialized Parts
For rare or hard-to-find components, customers can supply them directly rather than relying on the assembler to source them.
Compatibility Assurance
Customers maintain control over the specific parts used in their designs, mitigating the risk of component mismatches that can sometimes occur in turnkey services.
Key Steps in the Consigned PCB Assembly Process
1. Provide Bill of Materials (BOM)
The customer prepares an accurate and detailed Bill of Materials (BOM) listing all components (including names, values, packages, and part numbers).
2. Component Supply
The customer ships the required components to the assembly provider. Components must be properly packaged and labeled to prevent loss or mix-ups during transit. Parts should be sorted and organized according to the BOM, with clear identification markings.
3. Pre-Assembly Inspection
The assembly provider inspects the received components for any damage, quantity discrepancies, or quality issues. Missing or defective parts may result in assembly delays.
4. PCB Production
The customer may either provide the bare PCBs themselves or request that the assembly provider manufacture the PCBs based on their design files (Gerber files).
5. Assembly
Surface Mount Technology (SMT): Used to solder small, precision components onto the surface of the PCB.
Through-Hole Technology (THT): Used for larger components that require through-hole soldering.
Assembly providers will perform soldering and component placement—utilizing either automated tools or manual techniques—in accordance with the client's design specifications and requirements.
6. Testing and Quality Assurance
Upon completion of the PCB assembly process, rigorous testing (such as Functional Testing, AOI—Automated Optical Inspection, or ICT—In-Circuit Testing) is conducted to ensure that performance standards are met.
When to Choose Consigned PCB Assembly
Consider Consigned PCB Assembly if the following conditions apply:
1. You already have preferred suppliers or an existing inventory of components;
2. Your product requires the use of specialized or proprietary components;
3. Cost control and quality assurance are your top priorities;
4. For projects with tight deadlines or complex supply chains, a turnkey assembly service may be a more ideal choice.
Conclusion
For businesses that prioritize maintaining control over the component procurement process—or that wish to achieve cost savings by leveraging their own existing inventory—Consigned PCB Assembly is undoubtedly an excellent choice.
Email: all@poe-pcba.com
Whatsapp: 85292069596
Tel: 0755-25312250/ +8613798543496
Factory Address: Floor 3, Jinyuan Industrial Park, No. 56, Tangtou Avenue, Shiyan Town, Baoan District, Shenzhen China
