Low-Cost PCB Assembly Without Compromise

In the world of electronics, the challenge of balancing cost-efficiency with high-quality standards in printed circuit board (PCB) assembly is a critical concern for businesses. Corintech, with its years of expertise and carefully developed strategies, stands at the forefront of this industry challenge, ensuring that quality is maintained without sacrificing cost-effectiveness. This article explores how Corintech achieves this balance through strategic design reviews, robust quality controls and a globally optimised supply chain.

Engineering Excellence to Reduce Costs

Corintech's approach to lowering PCB assembly costs begins at the design stage. By conducting a thorough engineering review of customer designs, the team at Corintech focuses on enhancing Design for Manufacturability (DFM). This process often results in design improvements that make PCBs easier to manufacture and increase yield without compromising on performance or quality. The engineering team also reviews component lists and often suggests alternative components that are not only lower cost but also more readily available, ensuring that projects remain on schedule and within budget.

Such strategic design interventions are made possible by Corintech’s extensive expertise and a deep understanding of PCB assembly processes. By considering factors like component placement and board layout early in the design process, Corintech helps customers avoid costly revisions and production delays down the line.

Strategic Global Procurement

Corintech’s ability to reduce costs extends into its procurement strategy. With established worldwide supplier networks, Corintech leverages global purchasing power to secure components at significantly reduced costs. This international presence enables the company to offer reliable supply options and quantities of scale, which are particularly advantageous in times of market fluctuation and material scarcity.

Moreover, the company’s component and kit stockholding practices allow for larger component purchases. PCB assembly can be called off in smaller batches as required, using a Kanban system to improve efficiency and reduce waste. This method ensures that production is responsive to demand without maintaining excessive inventory, thereby minimising storage costs and risks associated with overstocking.

Assembly Options Tailored to Volume

Corintech offers flexible assembly options with facilities in both the UK and the Far East. This geographical diversity enables the company to provide lower-cost assembly solutions on higher-volume contracts typically suited to production in the Far East, while also offering the precision and rapid turnaround required for smaller-volume, high-complexity projects in the UK. This dual capability ensures that all customer needs are met with the most cost-effective yet appropriate assembly solutions.

Uncompromised Quality Control

At Corintech, cost reduction does not come at the expense of quality. The company’s investment in state-of-the-art inspection machines, including in-line 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and the use of X-ray systems, underscores its commitment to quality. These technologies enable detailed inspection of PCBs at various stages of the assembly process, identifying potential defects that could impact functionality.

Furthermore, Corintech’s dedication to quality is reflected in its workforce training programmes, which empower employees to perform inspections up to IPC-610 Class 3 standards—the highest quality standard in the electronics industry. This level of training ensures that every product meets rigorous quality benchmarks, thereby reducing the likelihood of failures and costly reworks.

Documentation Excellence

The meticulous manufacturing documentation practices at Corintech ensure that every step of the PCB assembly process is carefully controlled. By maintaining comprehensive records and standardised processes, both in the UK and the Far East, Corintech upholds consistent quality across all production sites. This documentation is vital for traceability and helps in maintaining a clear, accountable production flow, which is crucial for both quality assurance and client confidence.

Conclusion

Corintech’s strategy for PCB assembly is comprehensive—integrating cost-saving measures with stringent quality controls. By focusing on smart design, strategic procurement, flexible production options and rigorous quality assurance, Corintech not only meets but exceeds customer expectations in PCB assembly. With these practices, Corintech demonstrates that it is possible to reduce costs while still delivering products that adhere to the highest standards of quality, thereby affirming its position as a trusted leader in the electronics manufacturing industry.

Author: James Ord (Head of Sales)
https://corintech.com