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What Is a Box Build Assembly?
Electronics Assembly Factory Floor
Box build assembly may refer to the process of fitting PCBAs into enclosures. These enclosures may feature interfaces and displays. Nevertheless, the box-build assembly also refers to producing complex machinery. This machinery usually consists of hundreds (or even thousands) of separate parts.
It requires a host of different electronics manufacturing services. The scope of operations will depend on the box build requirements and scale. Albeit, the three most common operations are:
- Sub-level product assembly / sub-assemblies
- Enclosure fabrications
- Routing of wire harnesses or cables
The next section of the guide will discuss these concepts in greater detail.
Common Box Build Assembly Services
A Man Stacking Circuit Boards for Assembly
Box build assemblies involve at least one circuit board and an enclosure. With technology’s rapid evolution, box builds are becoming more complex.
Printed through-hole and surface mount assemblies come as part of the process. Additionally, the manufacturer handles enclosure blueprinting, designing, and construction.
Most manufacturers who offer box-build assembly services feature a wire processing center. They may also feature departments that specialize in cable cutting and stripping.
Testing services, including in-circuit and functional testing, must be compulsory. Manufacturers must ensure applicable, final, environmental, and burn-in standards.
Once the assembly process is complete, the manufacturer must package the product. This involves labeling and warehousing/storing.
Ways To Shorten The Box Build Assembly Process
Engineers planning and designing the box build assembly
Automation is a great way to optimize the box-build assembly process and reduce costs. Manufacturers can use it to limit human-caused errors and speed up the box build. This requires them to integrate a mixture of hard, programmable, and soft mechanization. Albeit, automating the entire assembly may not be viable. Especially for complex assemblies that need a custom box design.
Manufacturers must also ensure that they have a comprehensive assembly plan. The more accurate the plan, the more optimal the assembly process will likely be. CAD models have recently become essential assets for the assembly design phase.
A sample model of the final product can give manufacturers an idea of how to plan the assembly process. Most organizations may not consider this a compulsory prerequisite. However, it can undoubtedly help the manufacturer plan the assembly process.
Box Build Assembly Process Considerations
Manufacturing Plant Vector Image
There are a few things you must consider during assembly process planning. These include:
- Box Build Assembly Dimensions: Often, the manufacturer requires the final product’s size and weight. These specifications will affect the unit’s storage, shipping, handling, and storage.
- Bill of Materials (BOM): It lists the raw materials, components, parts, sub-assemblies, etc… The manufacturer will need this list to produce the final product.
- Testing: It’s important to specify what tests the manufacturer must conduct, especially in cases where the final product is a complex electronic device. Additionally, you must specify which tests your company must perform. Regardless, it’s best to ask the manufacturer for advice on testing. It will help you determine the best way to delegate and assign testing. It will go a long way in ensuring high-quality product standards.
FAQs
An Engineer and Project Head Discussing the Box Build Process
What is Electronic Box-Build?
As the name implies, an electronic box build is a complete systems integration. It generally consists of a circuit board assembly in an enclosure. Additionally, it may include a cable assembly and other electronic components.
What is a Turnkey Assembly?
A turnkey assembly is a synonym for a box-build assembly. Instead of a part or component, turnkey assemblies produce devices. This may include medical devices, LED Controllers, modems, routers, etc.
What Does PCBA Stand For?
PCBA stands for Printed Circuit Board Assembly. The key difference between a PCB and a PCBA is that PCBAs contain components where PCBs do not.
Conclusion
Box build assemblies allow manufacturers to provide usable devices to customers. Not all component manufacturers have the utilities to perform box builds. As such, you must choose an experienced EMS provider specializing in box builds. Albeit, contact us if you want to learn more about PCB.
