OEM electronics manufacturing is a popular option for businesses but do you really know how to do this type of production the right way? Here are our 4 basic steps to OEM electronics manufacturing.
Step 1: Electronics & Product Design
Electronics design involves open communication between the client and the printed circuit board assembly supplier. Most of the time, the manufacturer will ask the client/customer for a concept and they work off of it. A lot of back and forth with suggestions and specifications until the final design is created. This occurrence usually happens if the OEM electronics company do not have graphic design skills to create the layout design or 3D model of the product. Some pcba manufacturing is usually staffed with graphic designers to take care of design tasks.
Step 2: Prototyping
Once the design is ready, it now enters the electronics product development stage with the main objective of having a product prototype at the end of the line. After noting down all of the details and specifications for the electronic product, the PCB assembly services company will work on the project and complete it as conceived. Extensive research and brainstorming will be done before they integrate into the actual manufacturing process to keep risks at a minimum and avoid wasting time and money. The product prototype should be a perfect replica of the design template including specs and details.
Step 3: Product Testing
An electronic prototype that serves as the product replica is going to be tested in its different facets multiple times. The goal is to ensure the product meets safety precautions and quality standards with its full functionality. Most circuit board assembly companies have laboratories designed for product testing and failure investigation. The engineers who conduct these tests will also take advantage of these as a research and development process for future electronic designs related to the current model.
Step 4: Mass Production
Electronic manufacturing is usually divided into two major areas with mass production capabilities: PCB manufacturing and electronic product manufacturing.
1. PCB Manufacturing
2. Electronics Product Manufacturing, PCB assembly Specialty Production
Conclusion
PCB Assembly and Production Processes follow the same manufacturing process. The biggest difference is the sub-processes involved in each step which further complicates the entire process due to the specific expertise and knowledge needed for the tasks. The market trend for consumer electronics is still great in the near future.
In the aspect of mass production, PCB manufacturing and actual electronic product manufacturing are both fields that require different skill sets and expertise. The wide range of skills needed within the OEM and ODM electronic manufacturing line is what makes this industry much more complex compared to the others. Hiring employees who are skilled in all of these departments will be tough to find in a very competitive industry and market.
