PCBA & SMT Assembly Sourcing in China
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Assembly here means PCBA — populating bare boards with components via SMT and through-hole lines, the step where most electronics actually become products. Chinese turnkey assemblers handle BOM sourcing, stencil, reflow, AOI, and X-ray for BGA packages, typically building to IPC-A-610 Class 2 for consumer goods and Class 3 for high-reliability work. Prototype runs can turn in 5–10 days; the variables that drive cost are line setup, component placement count, and inspection class.
When you source assembly, the real decisions are the IPC-A-610 class, who owns BOM procurement (turnkey vs consigned), and what inspection coverage you pay for. A common pitfall is accepting Class 2 workmanship for a product that needs Class 3 reliability, or skipping X-ray on BGA/QFN parts where solder defects are invisible to AOI.
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FAQ
What's the difference between turnkey and consigned assembly?
Turnkey means the factory buys all components and assembles; consigned means you supply some or all parts. Turnkey is simpler but you rely on their sourcing; consigned gives you control over critical components.
Do I need X-ray inspection for my PCBA?
If your board has BGA, QFN, or other bottom-terminated packages, yes — their solder joints sit under the package and AOI can't see them. For simple boards with visible joints, AOI is usually enough.
What IPC-A-610 class should I specify?
Class 2 covers most consumer and commercial electronics; Class 3 is for high-reliability gear (medical, automotive, aerospace) where failure isn't acceptable. Specify it in writing — it materially changes workmanship and cost.
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