Though the cost and effort of designing a PCB — or printed circuit board — is much greater than it is to actually assemble circuit boards, they are sold cheaply and are typically highly reliable. They support the electrical connection of electronic components via conductive pathways etched onto layers of copper foil. PCBs were first introduced in the 1940s and industries still rely upon them today in assembling practically all electric devices like toys, television sets and computers.

To find an ideal partner to help you assemble circuit boards, consider the following:

1. U.S. companies dedicated to assembling circuit boards

2. Inexpensive, overseas services for assembling circuit boards

3. Multiple quotes from a variety of circuit board assembly companies

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get fast results with circuit board assembly providers in the U.S.

Circuit board assembly providers are numerous, both domestic and overseas. If you buy circuit boards from a company based in the U.S., you can bet on fast customer service and no hassles due to foreign language translations. Like their overseas counterparts, many of these companies offer one- to two-day turnaround for quantities of more than 100. Many of them also feature checklists in an effort to avoid PCB flaws in everything from design to production.

I recommend: PCBexpress.com offers shipping within 24 hours on 2-layer PCBs and have provided circuit boards since 1972. U.S.-based Quality Electronics, Inc., specializes in low volume assembly and gives a discount on your first order.

Consider international circuit board assemblies

If you're looking for a deal on your circuit board assemblies, a company located overseas could save you a bundle. Often, the equipment these companies use is the same automated testing equipment as U.S. companies use to guarantee their finished products work properly. Don't forget, though, that you'll need to factor in higher shipping costs from electronic board assembly companies based overseas, as well as longer waits for customer service responses and potential returns.

I recommend: Gold Phoenix Printed Circuit Board Co., Ltd., boasts a component cost of 50% less than that in the U.S.. OurPCB can assemble PCB for minimal cost.

Shop several quotes for circuit board assembly services all at once

Turn to the Web to get PCBs fast and obtain the widest assortment of quotes via sites specifically dedicated to circuit board assembly services.

I recommend: Find multiple quotes for all PCB assembly services for everything from design and layout to production through Everything PCB. MFG.com offers the ability to get you multiple quotes within a matter of hours. Just register as a buyer to get started.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  In 2006, the U.S., and many other countries abroad, banned the use of lead components in circuit boards. Ensure that the circuit board assembly service providers assembling your circuit boards adhere to lead-free standards.