PCB Assembly Service

What Makes a PCB Assembly Service Industrial-Grade?

A PCB Assembly Service is not simply soldering components onto bare boards. It is a controlled workflow that transforms a design file into a functional, testable electronic module ready for final product integration. UNIXPLORE has delivered this service from Dongguan, China since 2011, focusing on applications where field failure is not an option.

Unlike basic assembly houses that only place components, UNIXPLORE manages the entire hardware chain: multilayer PCB fabrication, SMT and THT mounting, component procurement, box building, and cable harness assembly.

The Difference Between Component Placement and Full Service

Many vendors offer "assembly." Few offer true one-stop service.

Core Equipment Used by UNIXPLORE

UNIXPLORE invests in automated machinery to eliminate human variability:

• High-precision pick and place equipment – Placement accuracy down to ±0.025mm for 01005 components.
• Automatic soldering equipment – Selective wave soldering for THT parts.
• Three-zone reflow ovens – Profile control for lead-free and tin-lead alloys.
• AOI systems – Automated optical inspection at 15-micron resolution.

Five Value-Added Services Included in UNIXPLORE’s PCB Assembly Offer

A true PCB Assembly Service reduces your vendor count. UNIXPLORE bundles these five extras without separate project management fees.

Component Procurement

Sourcing components is the #1 cause of assembly delays. UNIXPLORE buys from franchised distributors (DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow) and maintains safety stock of common passives. You receive one BOM price, not 30 separate line items.

Multilayer PCB Manufacturing

Up to 12 layers, 0.2mm minimum hole size, 3mil trace/space. UNIXPLORE fabricates or directly manages PCB suppliers with 24-hour electrical testing.

Box Building Assembly

Placing a PCBA into an enclosure requires screw alignment, panel cutouts, and cable routing. UNIXPLORE performs box build for metal, plastic, or mixed-material housings.

Cable and Wire Harness Assembly

Loose wires cause intermittent failures. UNIXPLORE assembles crimped, soldered, or IDC-terminated harnesses with strain relief and overmolding options.

Finished Product Assembly

The highest level of integration. UNIXPLORE takes PCBAs, enclosures, displays, batteries, and packaging – shipping completed retail-ready products.

Why Certifications Matter in PCB Assembly Service

Certifications are not marketing badges. They change how UNIXPLORE handles defective material, operator training, and environmental compliance.

Active UNIXPLORE Certifications

ISO9001:2015 – Every assembly process has a documented work instruction. Non-conforming products trigger root cause analysis within 48 hours.

SGS – Independent verification of solder paste composition, flux activity, and board cleanliness.

RoHS – No lead, mercury, cadmium, or other restricted substances. Required for EU and California sales.

UL – UNIXPLORE is a UL-recognized assembly supplier. Your final UL certification becomes faster.

What Each Certification Means for Your Delivery

UNIXPLORE PCB Assembly Service FAQ

These three questions are asked by every engineering and procurement team evaluating UNIXPLORE.

Question 1: Does UNIXPLORE provide one-stop PCB assembly service including both SMT and THT on the same board, or do I need to manage two separate vendors?

Answer: UNIXPLORE provides true one-stop service covering both SMT and THT on the same board. Many assembly houses specialize in only surface mount or only through-hole, forcing you to manage two vendors, two shipments, and two quality standards. UNIXPLORE runs SMT first on all boards, then transfers the same panels to the THT line for wave soldering or selective soldering of connectors, transformers, and large electrolytic capacitors. Mixed-technology boards (SMT on top, THT on bottom) are handled without additional NRE. For boards requiring both technologies, UNIXPLORE builds custom pallets to protect SMT components during wave soldering. The entire process stays under one roof in Dongguan. You receive one invoice, one quality report, and one shipment. Lead time for mixed-technology boards adds only 2 days compared to SMT-only.

Question 2: How does UNIXPLORE handle component procurement for hard-to-find or long-lead parts, and what is the minimum order quantity for turnkey assembly?

Answer: UNIXPLORE uses a three-tier procurement strategy. Tier one (in-stock): common passives (resistors, capacitors, LEDs, small transistors) – UNIXPLORE holds inventory, no lead time. Tier two (franchised distribution): ICs, connectors, modules – sourced from DigiKey, Mouser, Arrow, or LCSC, typical lead time 5-10 days. Tier three (allocated or obsolete): UNIXPLORE works with authorized aftermarket suppliers and presents you with a written risk assessment before purchase. The minimum order quantity for full turnkey assembly (UNIXPLORE buys all components) is 100 assembled boards. For consignment where you supply your own components, the minimum is 50 boards. UNIXPLORE does not charge a procurement fee on turnkey orders – component costs are passed through at distributor invoice price plus a 8% handling fee covering receiving, kitting, and moisture-sensitive device baking. Volume discounts apply above 5,000 boards.

Question 3: What is the typical lead time from sending Gerber files to receiving finished, box-built products from UNIXPLORE, and does rush service exist?

Answer: For a typical order comprising double-sided SMT, THT, functional testing, and box build into a plastic enclosure, UNIXPLORE delivers in 22 to 25 business days. Breaking it down: 3 days for component procurement (assuming all parts are active), 4 days for multilayer PCB fabrication, 2 days for solder paste stencil and SMT program generation, 3 days for SMT placement and reflow, 2 days for THT wave soldering and touch-up, 3 days for functional testing and AOI inspection, 2 days for conformal coating (if specified), 5 days for box build assembly (enclosure loading, screw torquing, label application), 2 days for final quality audit and packing. Rush service (15 business days total) is available for a 30% premium, but requires UNIXPLORE approval of component availability and enclosure stock. Customers who provide their own components and enclosures can reduce lead time to 12 business days for PCBA-only, or 17 business days including box build. Lead time starts when UNIXPLORE sends a signed work order confirmation – not when files are first submitted.

How UNIXPLORE Ensures Quality During High-Mix Assembly

Different products require different processes. UNIXPLORE separates production into three quality tiers.

Tier 1 – Consumer and LED Lighting

100% AOI, sample-based functional testing. Cost-optimized for price-sensitive projects.

Tier 2 – Industrial Control and Home Appliances

100% AOI plus 100% ICT (in-circuit testing) where fixtures exist. Conformal coating standard.

Tier 3 – Medical and Automotive

Clean-room SMT, 100% functional testing, component traceability to batch level, 15-year record retention.

Getting a Free UNIXPLORE Quotation

UNIXPLORE provides binding quotations within 24 hours. Required documents:

• Gerber files (RS-274X format, any layer count)
• BOM with manufacturer part numbers and quantities
• Assembly drawing or centroid file
• Box build instructions (if applicable)

UNIXPLORE responds with:

Per-board pricing at 100, 500, 1000, and 5000 units

One-time NRE (tooling, stencils, test fixtures, programming)

Firm lead time to your forwarder or door-to-door