There are several parts and components used in the production of circuit boards. However, these parts can be limited due to the continuous demand for printed circuit boards. This makes the procurement of parts to be a challenging task for PCB manufacturers and OEMs. Taking the right measures regarding parts procurement can make the process a simple one for manufacturers. Also, this will help them in meeting some demands in their business.
We will learn about parts procurement in PCB assembly. First of all, we will define what procurement of parts is about. Then, we will discuss the benefits of parts procurement and how it impacts the PCB assembly process.
What is Parts Procurement?
The process of PCB assembly which is very significant is the parts procurement. The aspect has tp do with the bringing together as well as buying of different electronic components. This will later be assembled on the circuit board. Procuring these parts is very necessary because different components and parts are used during PCB manufacturing.
Procuring these parts can be done in different ways. Your PCB supplier can save you the stress by procuring these components and then delivering them to you. This is called component sourcing. Procurement of parts forms an important step which determines how successful the PCB manufacturing process is.
Furthermore, circuit boards come with different parts. Every part plays a significant role in how these boards function. So, what are the parts that suppliers procure? In manufacturing circuit boards, electronic components such as transistors, diodes, capacitors, and resistors are usually sourced for.
During the procurement of these PCB components, you will have to get all the required information from the supplier. One major purpose for part procurement during PCB manufacturing has to do with getting these parts from suppliers at great prices.
In addition, the parts, components, as well as raw materials utilized for producing circuit boards has to be gotten from reliable distributors.
PCB Parts
Below are examples of parts used in circuit boards.
Integrated circuit
Integrated circuits are very small electronic components that comprise a lot of tiny transistors. ICs are well-known for their significant role in circuit boards. Asides from the transistors in these miniature electronic components, they have other electronic components. Integrated circuits are usually soldered on the circuit board.
Resistors
Resistors are one of the electronic components on a circuit board. The function of these components is the transmission of electric current to help discharge electric power as heat. They are made of different materials. Resistors have color codes which help to determine their resistance.
Capacitors
The function of the capacitor in a circuit board is to keep electrical charge within the PCB. This charge is released when a part of the circuit needs more power. Resistors collect opposite charges on conductive layers. However, an insulating material separates these layers.
Diodes
Diodes enable the flow of electrical current in a circuit. This current flows only in one direction. You can use diodes to prevent electrical current from going into the wrong direction. The Light Emitting Diode (LED) is the most popular diode that can emit light.
Sensors
Sensors are an important part of a circuit board. These components identify any changes in the environment and produce a signal that matches to the detected change. The sensor sends this signal to other components in the PCB.
Inductors
The function of an inductor is similar to that of a capacitor. Inductors are dual-terminal components whose function is to save charge in a magnetic field. Most times, they are popularly referred to as coils due to their appearance. Inductors have wires which are twisted into coils. Since they have a special appearance, they are very easy to identify.
Other Elements of Circuit Board to Procure
Printed circuit boards are not just made up of electronic components. Some materials are contained in it as well. A circuit board’s elements are laminates, substrates, silkscreen, and the soldermask.
Substrate
A circuit board’s base material is called the substrate. This part is where other components would be placed. This is why it is regarded as the board’s foundation. Also, different materials make up the substrate; these include ceramics, FR4 etc.
Copper
The PCB’s conductive part is copper-made. Copper is highly regarded as great conductive materials which ensure a signal’s passage without holding electricity back. In addition, this layer of copper is known as its conductive layer.
This solder mask forms a significant component of printed circuit boards. Manufacturers apply this thin later onto copper layers. After placing this copper later, then the solder mask would sit on it. Most times, the solder mask comes in black and green color. However, other colors are available. Also, during the process of reflow, solder mask helps in reducing the defects in the solder. In addition, a PCB designer can avoid any defects through the reduction of space around the pads.
Silkscreen
The silkscreen can also be called the text layer. Their main function is to include letters, numbers, as well as codes on circuit boards. With this, you will be able to have a good understanding of some signs and symbols.
Procuring the parts
This deals with the purchase of the components. The PCB substrate forms an important component of the circuit board. This is why top manufacturers pay a lot of attention here.
What are the Factors that Impact Parts Procurement?
Different factors play in role in procurement of parts. In most cases, PCB manufacturers face some challenges while doing this.
Components Availability
Getting some components could be extremely difficult. Component shortage could be as a result of the increase in demand for that electronic component. In this case, these parts are subjected to delay.
Suppliers won’t get enough components from manufacturers when they allocate parts. During PCB design, designers usually overlook the physical availability of the board since they can view only the visual aspects of the components.
Some parts that are no longer available are even included. This may result in some critical problems during the assembly process.
Obsolete parts
Designers must ensure they keep a good record of products that are close to the end of their life span. This means such parts will become obsolete soon. Therefore, manufacturers need to be certain that the components added in the design are available at production.
Components distributors
A good relationship between PCB manufacturers and component distributors can be beneficial. This would help manufacturers to meet some customer specifications. Purchasing components from authorized distributors guarantees the performance and reliability of your component.
In fact, manufacturers will be able to gain loyalty from their customers. Component distributors also play a significant role for managing the supply chain. Also, they serve as a components’ source for designers of PCBs that can get their parts from several OEMs.
Benefits of Part Procurement
With respect to printed circuit board manufacturing as well as assembly, parts procurement must deals with the purchase of components utilized in the circuit boards. This deals with the creation of requirements, sourcing of the components as well as evaluating them. Of all the benefits, two important ones include cost saving as well as time saving.
In addition, parts procurement forms a significant step for managing the supply chain. This is because it ensures that manufacturers can locate the suppliers that can supply products that re competitively priced. For instance, when the expenses on procuring these parts are usually reduced, then the overall cost for PCB manufacturing will reduce as well.
Also, when the expenses are high, it will affect the profitability greatly. With parts procurement, manufacturer will be able to get the most appropriate components at affordable prices. Procuring raw materials don’t just happen in PCB manufacturing. There are other activities related to production that also requires parts procurement.
There are more advantages that part procurement offers. Both manufacturers as well as part supplier enjoy great benefits. At times, component distributors that are authorized can assist PCB manufacturers to get everything required in order to finish the printed circuit board.
How to Choose the Best Component Distributor
The numbers of component distributors are many, however, only a few can be trusted to deliver high quality. Manufacturers of PCBs are usually worried about the best service to work with when searching for component distributors. Choosing a company which has what it takes to solve all issues elating to part procurement will be a wise move.
Top component distributors have the ability to deal with all difficulties. These include meeting short deadlines, finding the hard-to-locate and obsolete parts. In addition, work with companies that use some systems for data acquisition. Also, you can go online and do ore research about these companies to know more about them.
Conclusion
During the assembly and manufacturing process of printed circuit boards, procurement of parts forms a major step. This deals with the procuring as well as sourcing for the components of printed circuit boards. There are parts which could be difficult to find. However, with the best component distributors, everything will come easy.
