When you’re looking to get your new electronic products into the market as quickly as possible, it can help to work with a PCB assembler with the experience, technology, and flexibility to handle any design.
Choosing a large scale PCB manufacturer in the USA can bring these benefits. But what exactly is meant by large scale, and how can you differentiate large scale PCB manufacturers from one another?
Imagineering has compiled a list of what to look for when choosing between large scale PCB manufacturers to help you make the decision.
The Benefits of Working with Large Scale PCB Suppliers
When it comes to PCB manufacturers, “large scale” can be defined through various lenses, with the definition possibly varying by the context in which it’s being applied (industrial, investment, or technology level, for example).
In general, large scale refers to:
Production Capability
Large scale manufacturers distinguish themselves through their ability to quickly produce a wide range of designs, generally in as little as 24 hours.
Thanks to their large facilities, manpower, and component sourcing, they should be able to offer on-time guarantees, making them more reliable when a specific timeline needs to be met.
They’re also more likely to offer compliance with international regulatory standards such as RoHS and ITAR.
Technology
Large scale PCB suppliers are more likely to have access to the latest technology needed to produce even the most unique PCBs.
Look for proof of the following capabilities:
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT): A method for producing electronic circuits in which the components are mounted directly onto the surface of PCBs
- Flip Chip: A semiconductor device assembly technique where the chip is inverted and connected directly to the PCB, enabling shorter paths and improved performance
- Through-Hole Technology: A traditional assembly process where components are inserted through holes drilled in the PCB and soldered to pads on the opposite side
- Cable Assemblies and Wire Harness Assembly: The production of complex wiring and connectivity solutions within electronic systems
- BGA X-Ray Inspections: A method for inspecting the solder joints of BGA components, which are hidden beneath the body of the component
Automation
Automation reduces the potential for human error and time-wasting defects.
Large scale manufacturers will understand the need for automation and make use of automated techniques like machine-placed SMT and automated optical inspections (AOI).
Volume
Having the facilities, tools, and manpower to quickly produce large volumes of PCBs is a hallmark of large scale PCB manufacturing.
The capability of producing 100,000 units or more in a short time frame is a large scale benchmark.
Global Sourcing and Manufacturing
A significant advantage of large-scale PCB suppliers is their global presence, which facilitates economies of scale in materials sourcing and manufacturing.
This global network not only provides resilience against supply chain disruptions but also ensures competitive pricing through cost-effective procurement and logistics strategies.
5 Large Scale PCB Manufacturers in the USA
To give you an idea of how to look for large scale PCB manufacturers, here are 5 examples.
1. Imagineering
Imagineering is headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL, USA.
We’ve been focused on delivering high-quality PCBs to our customers since 1986. In that time, we’ve developed a large scale turnkey operation that blends traditional business values with a high-tech environment.
- Industry Specializations: Imagineering specializes in producing rigid and flex, double-sided, and multilayer PCBs. We cater to industries requiring high reliability, such as medical, aeronautics, and military applications.
- Production Capabilities: Imagineering offers same-day turnaround for prototyping and can handle production in as few as 7 days. We can manage small volume production in 5-6 days and medium-to-large production in 2-3 weeks.
- Technologies Available: Imagineering is AS9100D/ISO9001:2015 Certified, ITAR Registered, SAM Registered, UL Approved, WEEE Certified, CCR Registered, ORCA Registered, and RoHS Certification compliant. We are also a proud IPC Member.
2. Epec Engineered Technologies
Epec is a PCB manufacturer located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. They’ve been in operation for more than 70 years.
- Industry Specializations: Epec has carved out a niche in several high-demand industries, focusing on defense, automotive, industrial, and medical sectors.
- Production Capabilities: Epec offers quick-turn PCB production, with pre-production delivery times of anywhere from 2 days up to 20 days.
- Technologies Available: Epec is known for its advanced HDI capabilities, support for heavy/extreme copper PCBs, and expertise in RF/Microwave PCBs.
3. Sanmina Corporation
Headquartered in San Jose, California, Sanmina operates a global footprint with design, order fulfillment, and repair facilities in 20 countries across six continents.
- Industry Specializations: Sanmina specializes in serving a wide range of industries such as communications networks, cloud solutions, medical, defense, automotive, and industrial.
- Production Capabilities: Sanmina offers advanced PCB assembly technology and a full range of services, including prototyping, low volume high mix, and high-volume global manufacturing.
- Technologies Available: They offer fully integrated high-speed solutions, including design, signal integrity, EMC/RFI analysis, prototyping, and production of custom backplanes, high-speed PCBs, and enclosures.
4. TTM Technologies
TTM Technologies has an international presence with facilities around the world, including North America.
- Industry Specializations: TTM has a strong focus on creating structurally and technically complex PCBs and RF solutions for the defense, healthcare, and growing electric vehicles industries.
- Production Capabilities: TTM’s production capabilities include a mixture of conventional PCBs and RF/microwave components. They also produce complete microelectronics.
- Technologies Available: For PCBs, TTM offers a range of technologies like HDI, Flex/Rigid-Flex PCBs, thermal management, and ceramic materials.
5. Summit Interconnect
Summit Interconnect’s headquarters are located in Irvine, California, with additional facilities across the U.S. and Canada.
- Industry Specializations: Summit specializes in manufacturing printed circuit boards (PCBs) for various industries, including aerospace, computing, consumer electronics, medical, and aerospace.
- Production Capabilities: Summit’s facilities are equipped to handle everything from prototypes to mid-size production quantities.
- Technologies Available: Summit offers advanced technology PCBs, including HDI high-layer count boards, staggered microvias, back drilling, metal-backed/core, bookbinder, stiffeners, laser ablation, assembly options, and a wide range of PTFE materials for RF/microwave applications.
Imagineering Combines Large Scale Capabilities with Small Scale Customer Care
Choosing the right large scale PCB manufacturer is crucial for ensuring your electronics reach the market quickly and meet the highest standards of quality.
Each of the manufacturers listed offers unique specializations, catering to a diverse range of industries and technical requirements. As you consider your options, remember the importance of production capacity, technological expertise, and a proven track record.
For those seeking a partnership that combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to excellence, Imagineering stands ready to meet your needs. Contact us today to explore how we can support your projects and accelerate your success in the competitive electronics market.