When outsourcing PCB manufacturing, you need to ensure that the manufacturer produces perfect circuit boards. PCBs will be produced quickly and reasonably with the right supplier in place. However, many people only focus on price when looking for a reliable manufacturer. It’s important to consider quality too. Here are some tips for ensuring quality when you outsource your business’s PCB manufacturing.
Ask Questions
As soon as you find a potential PCB manufacturer, start asking questions. You want to know how long the manufacturer has been in business and how long it’s been working with PCBs. You should also ask about certifications and if the PCB manufacturer offers free samples. These are just a few of the important questions you need answers to. Make a list of your priorities and expectations so that you can ask questions to find out if they can meet those.
Read Reviews
You should also read reviews. Not just any reviews, but reviews of the manufacturer in question. Check out what other businesses have to say about their experiences with the PCB manufacturer. If multiple businesses consistently had bad experiences, there’s a chance you will too.
Check Certifications
Take a look at the certifications that are associated with your potential PCB manufacturer. Find out what certifications have been issued and when. The certifications are there for a reason, so you need to make sure that the manufacturer has taken the time to obtain them.
Check Reputation
Check the reputation of your potential PCB manufacturer. Who is their customer base? How long have they been in business? What are their customer testimonials saying about them? These are all important questions that you need answers to. If a manufacturer is new to the PCB business, they may not have much of a reputation.
Check for Quality Control
Take a look at the quality control department at the manufacturer to see if it has a dedicated staff to perform inspections and quality checks on each PCB. If this department is small or nonexistent, you may be getting substandard PCBs. Keep in mind that substandard PCBs can cause damage to your network devices. Therefore, a quality assurance team is critical.
Look for Sufficient Stock
Make sure that your potential PCB manufacturer has enough stock to meet your needs. You don’t want to order 1,000 PC boards only to discover that the manufacturer doesn’t have enough. The last thing that you want is a shortage. For instance, printed circuit boards will have a shelf life, so if a manufacturer has a shortage of printed circuit boards, you might be waiting several months to receive your inventory.
When you outsource your business’s PCB manufacturing, you need to make sure that you’re getting the best quality boards possible. Make sure that your potential supplier has all of the certifications that it needs, and use these tips to help you find the right PCB manufacturer. You can talk to companies, like Advanced Circuits, when you’re ready to outsource your PCBs.