An Overview of Quick-Turn PCB Assembly Services

Quick-turn PCB assembly services allow designers/producers of electronics goods to speed up their production cycles and deliver their product to market more quickly than would otherwise be possible. Quick-turn PCB manufacturing covers all aspects of PCB prototyping, PCB manufacturing, and fulfillment, and crucially, there is no restriction on scale, so even if you have a very large-scale project, you can still choose quick-turn PCB manufacturing.

Just how ‘quick’ is quick-turn PCB assembly? 

Standard PCB manufacturing can take around 1 week from the initial supply of the design file to the point where prototype circuit boards roll off the production line. With quick-turn PCB assembly and manufacturing, the entire process can be reduced to 24 hours. It should be noted that the complexity of the printed circuit boards influences production speed. Even with more complex, multi-layered boards, production time can be reduced to 48 hours, for example.

Quick-turn services are ideally suited to companies that wish to prototype and check the feasibility and functionality of boards rapidly. Many leading PCB manufacturers don't set a minimum order value for prototyping, so it is feasible to produce a working prototype in a very short time. That allows a company, or a student, for example, to present a working model of their product to a peer or investor.

Key questions answered by your PCB Manufacturing Partner 

Q: Can you check my design file before you begin production of my prototype printed circuit boards? 

A: Yes. There are several processes in place to ensure your PCB design file is free of issues. Firstly, AI-driven software analyzes the prototype circuit board design to check for common faults and errors. You can then go one stage further and opt for an experienced technician to take a close look at the design before they sign it off as ready for production.  With this human-led approach, the technician can make recommendations for layout/material changes that not only prevent errors and failures but also potentially reduce manufacturing costs.

Q: I need help choosing the correct surface finish for my PCB 

A: Leading PCB Manufacturer: Bay Area Circuits has detailed information on their website regarding PCB surface finishes. If you are hesitant about which surface finish is suitable for your quick-turn PCB project, contact the team directly, and they will happily make recommendations based on your specific PCB design. 

Q: I have an existing design for a PCB that isn’t in software form. Can you help? 

A: The best PCB manufacturing companies offer schematic capture, design, and analysis services. What this essentially means is that they can take an existing physical printed circuit board, analyze it, and generate a design file from it that can be used to mass-produce the PCB. There is an opportunity here to upgrade the design and introduce additional functionality.

Q: Why is Trace Width so important? 

A: Choosing the correct trace width ensures that the trace operates effectively. The correct trace width is determined by several factors, including whether it is intended to carry power or a signal, the current, layer location, copper thickness, and the length of the trace. For a trace optimized for current, 0.010” for 0.3 amps up to 0.150” for 6.0 amps would be suitable. Again, speak to your PCB manufacturer directly for expert help and advice if you're at all unsure about trace width issues.

For expert help and advice with your next quick-turn PCB project: 

Call Bay Area Circuits: 510-933-9000

Email: support@bacircuits.com

Website: bayareacircuits.com

Request your PCB quote: quote: instantdfm.bayareacircuits.com