If your business needs control panels assembled for computers, medical and telecommunications, gaming and similar services, find a company that provides electromechanical assembly services. These firms are plentiful and will do the work on a contractual basis. However, the electromechanical assembly services they provide may vary.

Some firms offer the entire range of services, from design and layout to manufacturing recommendations. Other businesses will help you evaluate and redesign your existing products. You can even find electromechanical assembly business that provide short-run manufacturing for spec purposes.

You should base your selection of electromechanical assembly services on your quality requirements. When your business is looking for electromechanical assembly services, remember the following:

1. Some electromechanical assembly services firms manage the manufacturing process, from procuring parts to completed product.

2. Make sure the electromechanical assembly company you contract offers all the services you need.

3. The company you hire should adhere to the guidelines of testing groups, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). The UL mark indicates that tested products meet applicable standards for safety and performance.

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

Find an electromechanical assembly services group that gets the parts and puts them together

Some electromechanical assembly services firms do complete assembly (box build); others manufacture parts on quick turnaround. Other key services include wiring and smaller assembly tasks.

I recommend: New Hampshire Precision is a full-service shop. It provides material procurement, process definition, fabrication as well as testing of electronic components, PC boards, and discrete components. Altest can provide a range of services, including "box build" or complete assembly.

Compare the services that different electromechanical assembly companies offer

Because electromechanical assembly providers offer a range of services, it is important to find a shop that will do the job you need. Some suppliers will customize the work.

I recommend: CDM Electronics provides assembly services for a wide array of products. Their work is UL and ISO certified and approved by the military and aerospace industries. Trazar provides a variety of electromechanical assembly services, including customized assemblies.

Look for certification that the electromechanical assembly products meet industry guidelines

Quality control is a key to electromechanical assembly services. Some companies conduct testing for customers, using results to validate the quality of their products. Ask them to provide test results. Make sure the companies you are considering hold certifications from one of the industry watchdog agencies.

I recommend: You'll find the UL, CSA and ISO marks on the assembly capabilities of Hammond Assembly Solutions. Syscom Tech is ISO certified and UL recognized.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Numerous quality certification agencies oversee the electromechanical assembly industry. Look for suppliers certified by one or more of the following: UL (Underwriters Laboratories Inc.), IOS (International Organization for Standardization), CE (European Union - EU), CSA (Canadian Standards Association). Many other countries and world regions have their own certification organizations as well.