Turnkey PCB Assembly Explained: Full vs Partial Process And Benefits

PCB Assembly is a process that requires knowledge not just of PCB components and assembly but also of printed circuit board design.  Circuit board assembly is just one piece of the puzzle to delivering the perfect product the first time without rework and assembly errors. Every product goes through some prototype stages, after complete prototyping the mass production is possible. And this is the stage where turnkey PCB assemblies play an important role. At mass production level it is not easy to go through the assembly process with hands unless you have hundreds of manpower available.

1.    What Is Turnkey PCB Assembly?

When the most innovative small businesses and startups need to make use of printed circuit boards (PCBs). They often face problems when it comes to assembling those PCBs, like the need to carry a large inventory of different components and have an in-house team to create it. Turnkey PCB assembly is an efficient and cost-effective solution of assembly. Means of building and testing circuit boards for new products with the shortest lead times possible.

These are basically production houses, which mass manufacture a certain type of components but do not have rights to sell to any other than the original manufacturer. In this way small companies can concentrate on marketing and other things while their products are manufactured somewhere else with their tag and brand name. In terms of PCB assembly, turnkey assembly is a service where all aspects of the PCB project are handled by your supplier on your behalf. The supplier procures parts and components and assembles the PCB.

Services Offered in Turn-key PCB Assembly:

   ⦁    Quick-turn prototype assembly

   ⦁    Turn-key assembly

   ⦁    Partial turn-key assembly

   ⦁    Consignment assembly

   ⦁    RoHS compliant lead-free assembly

   ⦁    Non-RoHS assembly

   ⦁    Conformal coating

   ⦁    Final box-build and packaging

2.    Quoting a Turnkey PCB Assembly?

After preparation of all required files, the quoting process is discussed in following steps:

Step 1. PCBs Quote: You can get a PCB price instantly after a few option selections. All PCBs will be electrically tested.

Step 2. PCB Assembly Quote: This is also an instant quote for the cost of labor for PCB assembly in seconds. It requires two types of files: BOM and CPL.

3. BOM Pricing: After uploading the BOM, pricing information is provided instantly if the parts are in stock. BOM must include the quantities, reference designators, and manufacturer name and manufacturer part number.

4. Component Placement File (CPL): A component placement file in PCB assembly lists the exact X-Y coordinates, rotation, and reference designators of all components on a PCB. It guides automated pick-and-place machines for accurate component mounting, ensuring precise assembly, reduced errors, and efficient manufacturing processes.

3.    The Benefits of Turnkey Assembly:

The most obvious benefit of turnkey PCB assembly is that businesses don't have to take their focus off critical processes like continual innovation to spend time figuring out the assembly side. The most significant benefits of turnkey assembly include:

1. Cost Reduction

With a turnkey contract, there is no extra cost to deliver freight to an assembly workshop, meaning you save a significant amount of money. Turnkey services always get a better price for parts than small or medium businesses due to their good relations.

2. Issue and Error Identification

Usually the boards are manufactured after the prototyping stage but if there is any fault the ability to spot potential issues before the circuit boards make it into any products helps the user. As part of the process, you submit a netlist file to the assembler. Before assembly begins, the assembler will check to be sure specifications match the application and identify any errors that may be present.

3. Streamlined Management

Dealing with multiple vendors can be stressful and a time drain, especially on small businesses with fewer human resources to go around. With turnkey manufacturing solutions, you stand a far less chance of experiencing a miscommunication because you’re managing multiple channels of interaction.

A turnkey supplier will likely provide you with a single point of contact through which all business will be conducted, providing you with peace of mind and lightening the burden of management in the assembly of PCBs.

4.    Partial Turnkey vs. Full Turnkey Process:

Turnkey PCB assembly comes in two varieties: partial and full. Partial turnkey services are a form of consignment manufacturing, in which only part of the assembly process is outsourced. In a partial turnkey project, the technology developer retains responsibility for a portion of the supply chain. This can mean involvement in purchasing or assembly. The consignment model sees the tech developer in charge of obtaining, sorting and packaging materials for delivery to the assembler.

Partial turnkey PCB assembly is a good option for customers who have some of the components already or want to source them from a specific supplier on the other hand Full turnkey PCB assembly is a good option for customers who want to outsource the entire assembly process to the manufacturer.

5.    Full TurnKey Assembly Process:

PCB prototyping: This initial stage is all about creating a sample of the PCB to test its design and performance before it goes into production.

High volume PCBA: Once the prototype has been tested and approved, the assembly of PCBs on a large scale takes place.

Box build: This process involves the assembly of the completed PCBs into their final product enclosures.

End-user shipment: The final products are then packed and shipped directly to the customer's desired location.

For businesses seeking a flexible and efficient manufacturing partner, JLCPCB offers both partial and full turnkey solutions. the capability to handle everything from prototyping to high-volume production, JLCPCB simplifies the entire PCB assembly process — helping you save time, reduce costs, and bring your product to market faster.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both partial and full turnkey PCB assembly have their advantages and disadvantages. The choice between the two depends on the customer’s requirements and preferences. Partial turnkey PCB assembly is a good option for customers who want to save money on component costs and shipping fees, while full turnkey PCB assembly is a good option for customers who want to outsource the entire assembly process to the manufacturer.