Helen Frankenthaler PCB Circuit Board R&D Center

industrial control pcb assembly guide

PCB Assembly - Integrated Manufacturing Partner For Quality Electronics

Your trusted manufacturing partner for PCB assembly and beyond

Our end-to-end PCB assembly services are designed for consistent quality, seamless communication, and solutions tailored to your exact requirements.

End-to-end PCB assembly solutions

Your product deserves nothing less than exceptional performance. With decades of experience in PCB assembly, we deliver the quality, functionality, and reliability you need for simple or complex designs. August Electronics serves as a single, integrated partner throughout the entire assembly process, streamlining your supply chain and shortening your time to market. From sourcing components to comprehensive testing, we manage every step of the assembly process, tailoring it to your project’s unique specifications. August isn’t just your contract manufacturer; we’re your manufacturing partner.

Our attention to detail and strict quality control exceed industry standards, elevating your product functionality and market appeal. Each unit is built to perform flawlessly, even in the most demanding environments. We work closely with you throughout your project, providing clear and consistent communication, as well as thorough documentation. With August, you can count on precision, transparency, and a trusted partnership from start to finish.

OUR CAPABILITIES

Capabilities you can count on
SINGLE-LAYER PCB ASSEMBLIES

We support the assembly of single-layer printed circuit boards as a simple, high-quality solution for straightforward electronic applications. This option is perfect for low-complexity, cost-effective projects where reliability and accuracy are key. Whether your needs are basic or intricate, we bring consistent quality to all our assembly projects.

COMPLEX MULTI-LAYER PCB ASSEMBLIES

Our team is equipped to handle complex, multi-layer boards that stack multiple layers of circuitry into a single assembly. We deliver expertly assembled, high-performance multi-layer PCB assemblies built for demanding applications, including rigid, flex, and rigid-flex technologies to push your product capabilities further.

THROUGH-HOLE TECHNOLOGY (THT)

We offer through-hole technology assembly services for designs that require stronger mechanical bonds and long-term durability. Each connection is carefully soldered to meet industry standards, ensuring lasting reliability across all use cases.

SURFACE MOUNT TECHNOLOGY (SMT)

Our surface mount technology (SMT) PCB assembly services leverage advanced placement systems to ensure high-speed, high-density builds for even the most intricate PCB layouts. With automated precision and experienced operators, we deliver the quality and consistency your projects demand.

MIXED PLACEMENT TECHNOLOGIES

We specialize in mixed assembly projects that combine through-hole and surface mount components on a single board. This hybrid approach allows us to meet your unique design specs with flexibility and accuracy, handling all the components your build requires with care.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Our PCB assembly process
FILE REVIEW

Once we receive your files, our team leverages advanced software to send bid requests to thousands of suppliers. We consider availability, lead time, and cost to compile a detailed quote that includes PCB board assembly costs and any non-recurring engineering (NRE) expenditures.

QUOTE

Once received, our team uses advanced software to send bid requests to thousands of suppliers, factoring in availability, lead time, and cost. We then provide a detailed quote covering PCB board assembly costs and any non-recurring engineering (NRE) expenditures.

PROCUREMENT & KITTING

We meticulously source all the components or verify consigned materials, ensuring every item is in place. Each part is counted, logged, and checked against the BOM to meet your required quantity. Internally, we generate unique internal documentation for each build, assigning part numbers to every prepared PCB and component for full traceability and inventory control.

SOLDER PASTE APPLICATION

We apply solder paste using a solder paste printer and stainless steel SMT stencil derived from the Gerber files. A solder paste inspection (SPI) is performed to verify the even distribution and alignment of components before placement.

PICK-AND-PLACE ASSEMBLY

With the boards ready, components are loaded into feeders for our four SMT lines—two high-speed and two standard lines. Our pick-and-place machine accurately places SMT components onto the solder paste, setting the stage for the next step.

PRE-OVEN AOI

Before reflow soldering, we perform a pre-oven Automatic Optical Inspection (AOI) to validate polarity, spacing, placement, and markings, minimizing errors before the reflow stage.

REFLOW SOLDERING

The boards are passed through a controlled reflow oven that heats them to optimal temperatures without compromising component integrity. This reflow soldering process is critical to forming strong joints and reliable solder connections.

AUTOMATIC OPTICAL INSPECTION

Once cooled, we conduct a post-oven automated optical inspection (AOI) to identify any placement errors or defects. The inspection frequency is guided by panel quantity to balance precision and throughput.

THROUGH-HOLE & MIXED ASSEMBLY SOLDERING

We utilize wave soldering and selective soldering machines (SSMs) to ensure precise solder joints for assemblies requiring through-hole components. We can also handle mixed assembly projects, including SMT and through-hole components. Some complex or non-standard parts are soldered manually for the best results.

FINAL INSPECTION & TESTING

All boards undergo a final inspection and are functionally tested based on your requirements. Our inspection team verifies that each assembled board meets IPC standards before it is approved for final shipment.

PACKAGING & LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT

We manage custom packaging and delivery logistics, ensuring the assembled boards are securely packed and shipped to their destination on time and in a secure manner. Each order is tracked to maintain full visibility throughout the shipping process.

TESTIMONIALS

Trusted partnerships. Proven results.

"August Electronics is a leader among our manufacturing partners for value, quality, and service. They go the extra mile to make sure our projects are successful."

WHY AUGUST ELECTRONICS

Why choose August as your PCB assembly manufacturer
DECADES OF EXPERIENCE

With over 35 years in the industry, we bring the expertise and problem-solving skills to handle even the most challenging assembly projects. Our team’s extensive experience in PCBA services ensures that the job is done right.

STREAMLINED IN-HOUSE PRODUCTION

We maintain tight control over lead times, costs, and quality by keeping all stages of the PCB manufacturing process under one roof. This integrated approach lets us quickly identify and resolve potential issues, providing a seamless experience.

CUSTOMIZED APPROACH FOR UNIQUE PROJECTS

We don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all solution. Our tailored services are designed to accommodate your specific needs, whether you need quick-turnaround prototypes, low-volume PCB assembly runs, or scaling up for larger production volumes.

CONSISTENT QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST

Quality is a priority in everything we do. From day one, we’re committed to delivering durable, high-performance PCB assemblies that exceed your expectations.

Finding and fixing issues before they cost you

Our rigorous testing strategies eliminate risks and ensure your product’s reliability. Every PCB assembly undergoes dielectric testing, functional testing, and AQL inspections to verify safety and functionality.

RESOURCE LIBRARY

Our downloads, news, and resources.

13 February

What Does a HiPot Tester Do?

Your product can power on, do what it’s supposed to, and still have an electrical safety problem.That is because a power-on check answers whether the device performs, not that it’s safe. Electrical safety…

9 February

What Does PCBA Stand For?

You’ve seen the terms PCB and PCBA in emails, quotes, and file names for years without giving them a second thought. Someone sends over “PCB files,” another person asks for “PCBA pricing,” and the conversation…

27 January

Is a Networking Cable an Ethernet Cable? Fully Explained

“Network cable” is one of those phrases that sneaks into a schematic or BOM and feels harmless… until someone on the line has to decide whether that means a Cat6 patch, a shielded industrial assembly, or a fiber jumper, and makes..

CONTACT US

Looking for a second opinion on your electronics manufacturing requirements? Let’s talk!

Frequently Asked Questions
What quality certifications do you hold?

August Electronics is certified to ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 13485:2016, reflecting our commitment to quality in general manufacturing and medical device production. Our team also holds IPC certifications, including IPC-A-610 for electronic assemblies and IPC-7711/7721 for rework and repair. Additionally, we manufacture products that meet CSA, UL, and ETL safety standards and comply with Intertek, TÜV SÜV, and SGS international safety requirements. For more information, please visit our quality control page.

What types of testing and inspection methods do you use?

Our testing and inspection methods include 2D and 3D solder paste printing inspection (SPI), automated optical inspection (AOI), functional test, and X-ray testing for hidden defects. Our quality assurance processes also feature dielectric (Hi-Pot) testing and in-ci