Omini Consignment PCB Assembly

What is Consignment PCB Assembly?

Omini offers consignment PCB assembly services where the customer provides the necessary materials for PCB assembly. In this model, the customer’s shipping, inventory management, and procurement teams oversee the acquisition and packaging of the components before shipment to the assembly provider.

In consignment PCB assembly, the assembly process is performed by an external contract manufacturer using the customer-supplied components. This differs from the turnkey PCB assembly solution, where both the materials and assembly are managed by the supplier.

Consignment PCB assembly is typically categorized into two types:

1. FULL CONSIGNMENT PCB ASSEMBLY: In full consignment PCB assembly, the customer provides all the necessary components, including both active and passive parts. This option is ideal for customers who already have their components in-house and want to start production immediately with a contract manufacturer.

2. PARTIAL CONSIGNMENT PCB ASSEMBLY: In partial consignment PCB assembly, only certain components are supplied by the customer, while the remaining parts are sourced and procured by the supplier. This model is preferred by clients who need to maintain confidentiality for specific components, particularly integrated circuits (ICs) and active chips.

What are the Important Factors to Consider in a Consigned PCB Assembly?

1. Communication and Collaboration
For a successful consigned PCB assembly process, both the customer and supplier must maintain open channels of communication. Regular exchanges of information about potential risks, project updates, recommendations, and any issues related to the PCB assembly are essential. This collaborative approach helps eliminate errors that may lead to delays and unexpected additional costs. At Omini, we prioritize clear and transparent communication to ensure every project runs smoothly, reducing the chances of costly mistakes.

2. Inventory Control
In consigned PCB assembly, the customer is responsible for managing the procurement, packaging, and shipment of parts. Therefore, inventory tracking within the assembly house is critical. It’s important to maintain a buffer or safety stock to mitigate the risks of part shortages, ensuring the assembly process is uninterrupted. Omini offers advanced inventory management solutions to provide real-time tracking and ensure timely availability of materials, preventing delays in production.

3. Scheduling
Effective scheduling is essential in consigned PCB assembly. The timing of part orders, material shipments, and coordination with the assembly site must align perfectly to avoid production delays. Since components have specific lead times, a well-structured scheduling system is necessary to manage these timelines and streamline operations. At Omini, we use state-of-the-art scheduling software to ensure that each step is executed on time, and all materials arrive when needed.

4. Assembly Quality
The quality of a consigned PCB assembly, especially for fast-turnaround orders such as same-day consigned PCB assembly, must meet the highest standards. A reliable supplier should have stringent quality control measures in place to ensure the production of top-tier PCBs. Omini adheres to international quality standards and holds certifications that demonstrate our commitment to excellence. Our on-site audits and robust quality management systems guarantee that every PCB assembly meets your exact specifications and industry requirements.

What are the Different Processes and Machines Used in Consigned PCB Assembly?

In this section, we will explore the processes and machines involved in consigned PCB assembly. Understanding these key elements is crucial to determining the capabilities to look for when discussing your needs with a consigned PCB assembly supplier. At Omini, we specialize in high-quality, efficient PCB assembly solutions, ensuring that every process is executed with precision.

1. Solder Paste Application
The solder paste application is a critical step in the PCB assembly process. A stencil printing machine is used to dispense solder paste onto the PCB. While indirect materials like solder paste can be procured by the consigned PCB assembly company, Omini ensures that only the highest-quality materials are used to guarantee optimal results in every project.

2. Component Placement
Once the solder paste is applied, a component placement machine is used to pick components from the feeders and place them accurately onto the circuit boards. It’s essential for customers to specify the type of packaging used for the consigned raw materials, as feeder types can vary, including reel or tray form. Omini offers expert guidance in choosing the best packaging solution to ensure smooth assembly operations and avoid any discrepancies during the placement process.

3. Reflow Process
The reflow process is where the solder paste is melted, and the components are soldered to the PCB. A reflow oven is used to complete this process, with the solder paste manufacturer providing a technical data sheet outlining the recommended soldering profile. At Omini, we adhere strictly to these profiles to ensure that every PCB is assembled with precision, resulting in high-quality, reliable products.

4. Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
After the PCB assembly, the boards undergo Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) to check for visual compliance with design standards. Omini uses advanced AOI machines equipped with built-in vision systems, cameras, software, worktables, and lighting to capture high-resolution images of the boards. This ensures that every board is thoroughly inspected for potential defects before proceeding to the next stage.

5. X-ray Inspection
In addition to AOI, Omini incorporates X-ray inspection as part of our consigned PCB assembly process. This is essential for identifying internal issues with the solder paste, such as voids and incomplete coverage, which cannot be detected by the AOI machine. Our X-ray machines are programmed to optimize power and current settings, delivering high-contrast images that allow for precise inspection of the internal layers of the PCB.

6. Conclusion
The decision to proceed with consigned PCB assembly over other business strategies requires careful consideration of various factors. A successful consignment model relies on the collaboration of Procurement, Sourcing, Engineering, and Project Management teams. At Omini, we bring over 16 years of experience to the table, providing comprehensive PCB assembly services tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. This article offers insights into the key processes and machines involved in consigned PCB assembly, helping you make an informed decision for your business.

For more information on our PCB assembly services, visit our website and discover how Omini can support your next project.

What are Omini’s Advantages in Consignment PCB Assembly?

At Omini, we specialize in providing high-quality, small- and medium-volume consignment PCB assembly services. With years of experience in the PCB industry, we offer distinct advantages that set us apart in the market:

1. Control of Material Quality
In consigned PCB assembly, the customer typically supplies the parts, meaning they are also responsible for the material quality. This gives customers the flexibility to procure components that meet their specific quality requirements. Once the parts are shipped to Omini, we take responsibility for managing inventory and monitoring stock levels. Our team will promptly notify you if any materials need replenishing. We also perform incoming inspections to identify any potential issues, advising you of any discrepancies for assessment and resolution.

2. Control of Assembly Quality
As a trusted consigned PCB assembly supplier, Omini focuses on maintaining the highest quality throughout the assembly process. We implement rigorous controls at every stage—before, during, and after assembly—to ensure that only high-quality PCBs are produced. Our team continuously evaluates and optimizes the assembly process, enhancing capacity and yield. For new product lines, many companies choose consigned PCB assembly during the early phases of development, enabling closer monitoring and active involvement in the PCB design and production processes. This ensures that quality is maintained from start to finish.

3. Low Cost
One of the primary benefits of consigned PCB assembly with Omini is cost control. By allowing customers to supply their own parts, they can choose materials that fit within their budget while still meeting quality requirements. Our team communicates directly with material suppliers, negotiating the best prices to keep costs low. By separating material procurement and assembly services, we help customers manage both aspects independently, ultimately reducing overall project costs without compromising quality.

4. Higher Production Throughput
Many companies opt for consigned PCB assembly to meet high-volume production demands without increasing operational costs. Omini enables customers to increase their production capacity by outsourcing the assembly process, which allows them to focus on in-house part supply management. This leads to higher throughput while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Our flexible consignment services provide you with the control needed to manage parts supply while benefiting from our efficient assembly capabilities.