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Inside PCBasic’s PCB Assembly Process | Professional PCBA Manufacturing in China

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In the field of PCBA manufacturing, every detail counts—from the precision of solder paste printing to the reliability of final functional testing. At PCBasic, we take pride in offering a one-stop PCB assembly service that integrates design verification, component sourcing, SMT and THT assembly, inspection, and testing. With nine high-speed SMT lines, advanced AOI and 3D X-ray inspection, selective wave soldering, and a fully digital MES + ERP + CRM + IoT management system, PCBasic ensures that every circuit board we produce meets the highest standards of performance and quality.

Step 1: Engineering Preparation and DFM Review

Before production begins, our engineering team carefully reviews all submitted files, including Gerber, BOM, and Pick & Place data. We conduct a comprehensive DFM (Design for Manufacturability) analysis to verify board layout, pad sizes, and component spacing. This stage helps identify potential design risks and ensures a smooth assembly process.

Step 2: Solder Paste Printing

Solder paste printing is the foundation of SMT assembly. Using fully automatic stencil printers equipped with 3D SPI (Solder Paste Inspection), we guarantee precise paste volume and uniform deposition on every pad. This step is crucial for ensuring reliable solder joints, especially for fine-pitch components such as QFN and BGA.

Step 3: SMT Component Placement

Our automated SMT lines feature high-speed pick-and-place machines capable of mounting 01005-sized components, BGAs, CSPs, and other fine-pitch devices. Fiducial marks and vision alignment systems ensure precise placement accuracy. Every PCB passes through real-time monitoring and barcode tracking for full process traceability.

Step 4: Reflow Soldering under Nitrogen Atmosphere

After placement, the boards move into our nitrogen reflow ovens. By maintaining a 99.99% nitrogen environment, oxidation is minimized, solder wetting is improved, and the joints become smoother and more reliable. This process is particularly beneficial for aerospace, medical, and high-frequency applications where solder integrity is critical.

Step 5: AOI and 3D X-Ray Inspection

Each assembled board undergoes 3D AOI inspection to detect solder bridges, missing parts, and polarity errors. For components with hidden joints—such as BGAs, QFNs, and CSPs—our 3D X-ray inspection system reveals internal solder quality, identifying issues like voids, shorts, and insufficient solder that cannot be seen visually.

Step 6: THT and Selective Wave Soldering

For through-hole components, PCBasic uses both manual and automated selective wave soldering. The nitrogen-based selective system achieves up to 95% tin penetration and ensures consistent solder quality even for densely populated boards. This process eliminates the need for masking and reduces thermal stress on sensitive components.

Step 7: Cleaning and Conformal Coating

To ensure long-term reliability, boards may be cleaned with environmentally friendly solvents to remove flux residues. When required, conformal coating is applied to protect against moisture, dust, and corrosion—ideal for automotive, outdoor, or industrial electronics.

Step 8: Functional Testing and Final Quality Inspection

Before shipment, every assembled PCB passes through functional testing (FCT), in-circuit testing (ICT), and flying-probe testing as needed. Our testing engineers validate electrical performance, communication interfaces, and component functionality. Only after passing all inspections do the boards enter the final packaging process.

Step 9: Packaging and Delivery

PCBasic uses anti-static, moisture-proof, and shock-resistant packaging to protect each product during transit. We offer both turnkey and consigned assembly options, supporting global logistics through DHL, FedEx, UPS, and other express carriers.

Why Choose PCBasic?

  • Nine advanced SMT lines with nitrogen reflow soldering
  • 3D SPI, AOI, and X-ray inspection for full process control
  • MES + ERP + CRM + IoT digital management for traceability
  • Support for prototypes, small batches, and mass production
  • One-stop PCB manufacturing, assembly, and testing service

At PCBasic, our mission is to deliver speed, quality, technology, and service in every project. From prototype validation to mass production, we help customers worldwide turn their electronic designs into reliable, high-performance products—faster and smarter.

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