What to Expect from PCB Assembly Services in China

The importance of printed circuit board (PCB) technology has escalated throughout the years with the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), wireless interfaces, automation and big data analytics in many applications. The global competitiveness of China in the electronics landscape has also leapt to becoming the leader in export and manufacturing of printed circuit boards.

The business and economic environment in China manufacturing remains superior to the rest of the world with cheap labor and easy access to modern technology. The support of the country’s government also promoted the infrastructures and policies that helped the electronics industry flourish. For many years, many companies have entrusted their high-volume production capability by outsourcing PCB assembly China providers.

The production of PCBs can largely be classified into two stages: Fabrication and Assembly. 

• PCB Fabrication: PCB fabrication involves laminating the dielectric and conductive layers and forming the copper circuit pattern, producing a bare printed circuit board. The bare boards also undergo a surface finish for oxidation protection and solderability enhancement.
• PCB Assembly: PCB Assembly is comprised of the following sequential steps to mount the electronic parts into the PCB: solder paste application, component placement, reflow and inspection processes. Another method of PCB assembly is through hole technology where the package leads are inserted into the holes of the PCB and wave soldered on the other side.

PCB manufacturing in China has become the primary option and central PCB technology hub with the concentration of large-scale production since the 2000s. In 2018, sales revenue has grown to over 50% share in the PCB market globally. In this article, we will focus on understanding what to expect from PCB assembly China services. We will also tackle the trends and challenges that are being encountered by China PCB assembly services.

What are the Advantages of Choosing PCB Assembly Services in China?

PCB assembly China companies are among the most trusted partners worldwide due to several favourable factors:

Fast Leadtime: An important basis in selecting a PCB assembly China service is lead time. Lead time is typically defined as the time it takes for the parts to be delivered from the time a purchase order was issued. PCB assembly China service providers are recognized to have very short processing times and fast lead times. Most raw material suppliers, especially raw bare boards, are also concentrated in China making the availability of parts much easier. Logistics in China is very convenient and well-integrated which boosts further the supply chain system.  

Low-Cost: Outsourcing to PCB assembly China services not only minimizes risk but also reaps the benefit of having low-cost assembly solutions. Original Equipment Manufacturers or OEMs can avoid hefty capital expenditures by relying on PCB assembly from a vendor with low operating costs and technical expertise. Compared to other locations, PCB assembly China services can offer very low pricing that is unmatched by other competing companies.

Advanced Technologies: With China’s focused research and development efforts, the future of electronics assembly looks even more positive. PCB assembly China services have strengthened their technology foundations making them not only more affordable but also more technically competitive. SMT (Surface Mount Technology) machines are highly automated and fast and can cater simply to high-density circuit boards. PCB assembly China services are never behind in terms of utilizing the latest technologies from high-speed component placement machines to high-precision optical inspection machines.

High Quality: In achieving an export-grade and functional product, PCB assembly China services put high regard to quality. PCB companies comply with standards and implement quality management systems to ensure a fully reliable product. Controls are set in place during the assembly of the printed circuit boards with intelligent inspection systems to accurately mount the electronic parts. With the reduction of solder joints due to smaller and more compact devices, test standards are being strictly followed to verify the quality and reliability of assembled PCBs.

Excellent Customer Support: PCB Assembly China services also boast of their strong customer support. This helps flawless execution from product design and development to the assembly of the PCB through constant communication. Every decision that transpires from collaborative discussions is documented for seamless tracking. Online PCB assembly China platforms to communicate quotes and issues have also been utilized for a faster exchange of concerns and requests. Any complaints are also addressed systematically for fast resolution.

What are the Trends and Challenges now in China PCB Assembly Services?

After discussing the different advantages, it is now worthwhile to know the challenges that PCB assembly China services face. This will help with the necessary preparation and mitigation when partnering with suppliers from PCB assembly China providers.

Increase in Material and Oil Price: Copper-clad laminates which are the base materials for PCBs used in assembly have experienced an increase in price. The spikes in the cost of copper material are due to the increase in the demand and limitations of supply.  The increase in oil prices is brought about by conflicts between countries. To stay competitive in the aspect of cost, other factors must be optimized to compensate for the increasing material cost such as efficient production and lean manufacturing through the elimination of wastes and bottlenecks.

Geopolitical Tensions: A significant factor impacting electronics trade across borders is geopolitical tensions. China has recently encountered pressures due to trade conflicts. Despite this, PCB assembly China companies remained resilient by securing the supply chains, strengthening IP protection and advancing research and technology development. PCB output in China is still projected to grow in the coming years with the expansion of automotive electronics, intelligent consumer electronics and increased demand for AI (Artificial Intelligence) capabilities.

Miniaturization and Densification: The observed trend towards miniaturization and densification of PCB has continued throughout the years. Smaller form factor electronic products drive the need for smaller PCBs that can accommodate fine-pitched packages with tighter spacings. To also adapt to the demand, PCB footprint design, SMT machine capabilities and stencil design, among others, should be optimized. PCB assembly services in China are well-poised and ready to support complex requirements with their upgraded technology.

Environmental Sustainability: The threat of climate change and persistent environmental concerns has triggered policies and regulations that restrict materials and operations to limit hazardous materials and chemicals from being expended into the environment. These measures have heightened PCB recycling projects and have limited the usage of halogen and lead-free-containing substances. Adopting green techniques in PCB fabrication and assembly will continue to be a trend while maintaining cost-effectiveness and revenue sustainability.

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