Turnkey service refers to providing fully functional or finished products that can be used immediately upon receipt. However, PCB assembly turnkey service is not that simple. By definition, PCB assembly turnkey service is a special service provided by suppliers, who inspect different or even all aspects of PCB assembly based on customer requirements and supplier capabilities. Turnkey PCB assembly services typically include -

PCB board procurement - Many turnkey PCB assembly service providers also have their own PCB manufacturing departments, but often, if the PCBs to be manufactured exceed their capabilities, the PCB boards may be provided by customers or even other suppliers.

Component procurement - Most designers choose turnkey PCB assembly services to purchase components. The supplier providing this service purchases the components to be assembled on their own. Components can be purchased from customers or third-party suppliers, or both.

Component Assembly - Assemble the purchased components onto the purchased PCB.

Testing and Quality Inspection - The assembled PCB undergoes thorough quality inspection and testing.

Shipping and Delivery - Many PCB assembly turnkey services are typically provided through third-party service providers to meet delivery times of varying degrees of urgency.

PCB turnkey services are not limited to PCB assembly and component procurement. Suppliers provide different turnkey PCB assembly service packages. Some common types include:

Full turnkey PCB assembly - Most suppliers refer to it as turnkey PCB assembly. In this type of service, the supplier is responsible for handling all aspects of PCB assembly. The supplier is responsible for procuring all components and PCBs involved. This service sometimes also includes functional testing. Some suppliers may also offer cheaper components with the same functionality in such services. It is recommended to use a complete PCB turnkey assembly, as PCB suppliers are procurement experts and have resources that small businesses and individual engineers cannot access.

Commissioned parts PCB assembly turnkey - Many suppliers also use the term 'partial turnkey PCB assembly service'. In this type of turnkey PCB assembly, some parts are provided by the customer, while the rest are purchased by the supplier. The commissioned parts may include PCBs, ICs, or any other components to be assembled on the PCB. If you have spare PCBs or special or confidential ICs that cannot be purchased through other channels, you can use this type of service.

The requirements and procedures for turnkey PCB assembly services are significantly different from those for conventional PCB assembly services. Successful turnkey PCB assembly services require good coordination and communication. The requirements for turnkey PCB assembly services are -

Bill of Materials - BOM or Bill of Materials is extremely important in turnkey PCB assembly services. The BOM for regular assembly services should include the manufacturing part number and the PCB name of the component. In addition, turnkey PCB assembly services also require detailed part descriptions and one of the procurement links for components (non mandatory). BOM is extremely important for procurement, therefore it is necessary to correctly create and maintain BOM. Suppliers and customers may exchange BOMs multiple times during PCB turnkey assembly to confirm corrections or updates.

Pick and place files - The operation completed by the All/All PCB assembly machine requires generating pick and place files for each component to be installed. However, for many turnkey PCB assembly services, the pick and place files may be generated by the supplier for you, but it is recommended that you generate your own pick and place files to avoid any misunderstandings and errors.

Gerber files - Although Gerber files are not absolutely necessary, it is best to provide them for any PCB assembly for verification purposes. Turnkey PCB assembly services are no exception. If you choose turnkey PCB assembly services, suppliers may also provide Gerber file correction or improvement prompts in certain situations.

Transportation information - Although most transportation information is simple and clear, not all orders are like this. For large or commercial quantities, many countries have import tariffs, and for PCBs, import tariffs are very complex. For example, there are generally three types of electronic products that can be transported, namely SKD (semi loose parts), CKD (fully loose parts), and CBU (fully assembled parts), with different tariff percentages for each type. Customers must decide how to transport PCBs in order to minimize tariffs as much as possible.

There are many benefits to using turnkey PCB assembly services, some of which are-

Reducing the hassle of purchasing components: Purchasing components is a tedious and resource intensive task that typically requires professionals to find the most favorable prices. Purchasing components is a major help provided by PCB turnkey assembly services. PCB suppliers are usually experts in purchasing various components, and they are more likely to find component sources that are cheaper than finding components yourself. In addition, turnkey PCB assembly services eliminate the hassle of sourcing different components from different sources.

Single point of responsibility: As only one supplier is responsible for all aspects of assembly, it is easier to identify potential defects and resolve any issues in the supply chain, assembly, or component procurement.

Reduce costs - By utilizing turnkey PCB assembly services, discounts can be obtained on services such as PCB assembly and PCB procurement. Turnkey PCB assembly service providers may be able to purchase cheaper components, which is very helpful for reducing costs in large quantities.

Easy Management - Turnkey PCB Assembly Service only requires customer management of suppliers, making it the perfect choice for small teams with less labor.

Time saving - Turnkey PCB assembly services save time for small businesses and teams by managing fewer aspects of PCB assembly and reducing the potential delivery time of the entire PCB assembly.

Utilize the expertise of PCB suppliers - PCB suppliers typically have years of expertise in manufacturing and procuring components. Sometimes PCB suppliers may recommend better or cheaper alternative solutions that ultimately help customers. The professional knowledge of PCB suppliers may also help alleviate transportation restrictions and costs for small to large orders.

Turnkey PCB assembly services require caution when using them. Some of them are -

Build a descriptive BOM - Always use a descriptive BOM, which can reduce the likelihood of suppliers having questions and help reduce the delivery cycle of turnkey PCB components.

Maintain change history (if any) - Often, BOM or Gerber files must be modified based on discovered errors or recommendations from suppliers or manufacturers. Using the GIT system helps maintain a history of changes.

Always analyze PCB supplier recommendations - In some cases, PCB manufacturers or suppliers may suggest using different components or changing Gerber or BOM. It is recommended to thoroughly discuss such changes with the PCB supplier and at least not raise any questions from your perspective.

Using turnkey service for assembling PCBs in China - Most components used on PCBs are manufactured in China. Choosing a Chinese PCB turnkey assembly supplier will bring cost-effective logistics and transportation costs to each component, and the likelihood of finding more competitive components yourself or from non Chinese PCB suppliers is extremely low. Chinese suppliers will also be able to purchase and assemble PCBs at the cheapest prices. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a Chinese PCB supplier to obtain fast and cost-effective turnkey PCB assembly services.

Pay attention to import transportation restrictions for shipping addresses - different surcharges and taxes may be required for shipping to different countries/regions. For example, when shipping PCBs from certain Asian countries/regions to European countries/regions, in addition to tariffs and shipping fees, there may also be some anti-dumping duties. Fully utilize the concepts of CKD, SKD, and CBU, and refer to the recommendations of PCB suppliers.

If pursuing cost-effective FPC manufacturing services, choosing a Chinese manufacturer is the best choice. As a manufacturing powerhouse, China has abundant resources, cheap labor, and a large number of technical personnel. We recommend Haibo, a Chinese FPC assembly service provider with over 10 years of experience, who has performed outstandingly in various aspects

Efficient and reasonable quotation:There is an efficient quotation process to assist you in making decisions, providing reasonable prices and highly competitive quotes in China.
High quality and reliable products:Produce high standard printed circuit boards, manufacture and test according to specifications, international standards, and internal controls, and conduct pre production inspections to ensure robust processes.
Quick and on-time delivery:The assembly equipment is in good condition, with high productivity, minimal downtime, short delivery time, and also provides urgent services.
Timely and effective response:Always respond to customer needs, provide accurate information, answer questions through multiple channels, and offer one-stop services.
Strong technical strength:China's FPC manufacturing technology is leading, and Haibo has a complete SMT solution that covers assembly, inspection, and other capabilities. It also provides prototype production and customization services.