Manual Assembly VS. Automated Assembly – Which is Better for Your PCB Project
2022-12-16
Automated assembly is very important for PCB assembly, it provides efficient, fast assembly capabilities. But for the PCB assembly process, manual assembly is not useless. Let’s take a look at the scenarios and differences between the two are used to choose the more suitable for your PCBA manufacturing process.
Manual assembly of PCBs
The main advantages of manual PCB assembly are：
Suitable for low-volume assembly:
When it comes to small orders, manual assembly is fast and economical. Through-hole assemblies work well with manual assembly.
Rapid prototyping:
Prototyping also benefits from manual assembly.
Manual error detection:
There are some components that cannot be inspected well by means of automated optical inspection, and this is when manual intervention is necessary to check for problems.
Automated assembly of PCBs
The main advantages of automated assembly of PCBs are
Cost-effective:
Using automated assembly PCBs makes it easier to get your product to market because it is fast.
Reduces the chance of errors:
PCB assemblers use an assembly program to control the assembly of PCBs, reducing the possibility of errors as well as order delays. And any design errors that exist can be corrected during the process.
Consistent quality:
Another benefit of automated assembly is the assurance that quality is consistent.
Suitable for miniaturized assembly:
For miniaturized PCB assembly, manual assembly of components is not applicable.
Other advantages：
- Large components require automatic reflow soldering
- Small components are not easily soldered manually
- Automated assembly ensures component-intensive soldering consistency
In addition to automated assembly, there are a number of automated systems include
- Labeling systems
- Pick-and-place machines
- Soldering systems
- Automated wiring machines
- Automated test systems: optical inspection systems, in-circuit test systems, flying probe test systems, functional test systems, etc.
Which assembly method to choose?
Each of the two methods has its own advantages. The most important thing is to choose to work with an experienced PCB supplier.
KingPCB has over 10 years of experience in PCB manufacturing and assembly in this industry, providing innovative PCB assembly services using modern technology and the latest machinery.
From simple to complex boards, we treat them all with the utmost care. To get a fast PCB assembly quote, contact us now.
