MacroFab Blog
Cloud Manufacturing: Advantages for Rapid PCBA Prototyping
Rapid PCBA prototyping helps move designs quickly through this process and on to full production. MacroFab can expedite this process in several ways.
MacroFab Blog
Rapid PCBA prototyping helps move designs quickly through this process and on to full production. MacroFab can expedite this process in several ways.
Working with a digital manufacturing partner offers new opportunities through rapid prototyping, elastic manufacturing, and operational efficiency.
Invention is all about the iterative process. Rumor has it James Dyson worked through more than 5,000 failing prototypes before striking on his successful vacuum cleaner design. While the PCBA prototyping process may be easier than an entire vacuum system, developers still have to design, build, and test to improve end results.
Sometimes this takes more than one try. Rapid PCBA prototyping helps move designs quickly through this process and on to full production. Cloud manufacturing platforms like MacroFab can expedite this process in several ways. Read on to find out more.
A PCBA prototype is an early version of a product design. While this may not completely represent the final product, prototyping allows designers to test functionality and provides an accurate idea of the form, fit, and function of the final product. This is an excellent way to mitigate problems early on to ensure they do not follow the design into full production, where costs can quickly mount.
Prototypes can focus on mechanical functionality, electrical functionality, or both. Runs limited to small quantities between 1 to 100 boards allow faster turnaround times while providing the user with a high-quality product for testing and design modifications.
Rapid PCBA prototyping offers many advantages that prove valuable for electronics device creation. Rapid PCB prototyping benefits include:
Verify the actual delivery timeline with every vendor and all costs involved rather than focusing only on the manufacturing window and per-piece prototyping charges.
Traditional manufacturing platforms often promise quick turn PCB prototyping. Some say they can turn boards in as little as a day. But this promise typically only speaks to actual manufacturing time and doesn’t account for the shipment, quoting, or communication delays. Such things can add up, especially if your prototyping shop is overseas.
Additionally, delivery via airfreight can eat up cost savings, while overseas routes can take weeks or even months to get the product to your door. Make sure to verify the actual design-to-delivery timeline with every vendor as well as all the costs involved rather than only the per-piece prototyping charge.
MacroFab offers North American-based manufacturing options connected via our cloud manufacturing service. Our overall order-to-delivery window is competitive even though our manufacturing time remains slightly longer than quick turn shops. We do this using a combination of technology, customer service, and location, leading to advantages like:
MacroFab’s prototyping services offer greater agility connected to a transparent supply chain delivering a finalized product faster. Additionally, advantages continue after the prototype is perfected.
Once completing your rapid PCBA prototyping, companies with a finished product design need to move it into production. With traditional manufacturing services, this can mean ending your relationship with the people who have perfected your product and starting the search again for a new manufacturer offering volume production.
But MacroFab is different. Our cloud manufacturing service provides access to distributed manufacturing facilities across North America We maintain the expertise and experience from your prototyping order within a digital thread. This remains with your order regardless of which facility produces it. With a single manufacturing relationship, you can now produce at volume across Mexico, the USA, and Canada. You can even change locations as needs dictate, quickly and without fear of production delays or disintegration of quality.
Reduce time costs, and frustration by staying with a company that already understands your product. When your prototyping order is run at MacroFab, our team can use that knowledge to match your full product run with a facility with the right specifications, right capabilities, correct location, and proper standard certifications. This factory matching–which offers us multiple good matches for your EMS production–shortens lead times, leverages unlimited capacity, and never leaves you vulnerable to a single contract manufacturer’s limitations.
PCBA prototyping is an essential step in new technology development. But it’s only one step toward complete product realization. When assessing a prototyping partner’s value, always keep in mind what they can do to help you achieve your ultimate goal.
Want to know more about building a successful prototyping plan?
MacroFab offers comprehensive manufacturing solutions, from your smallest prototyping orders to your largest production needs. Our factory network locations are strategically located across North America, ensuring that we have the flexibility to provide capacity when and where you need it most.
Experience the future of EMS manufacturing with our state-of-the-art technology platform and cutting-edge digital supply chain solutions. At MacroFab, we ensure that your electronics are produced faster, more efficiently, and with fewer logistic problems than ever before.
Take advantage of AI-enabled sourcing opportunities and employ expert teams who are connected through a user-friendly technology platform. Discover how streamlined electronics manufacturing can benefit your business by contacting us today.
Working with a digital manufacturing partner offers new opportunities through rapid prototyping, elastic manufacturing, and operational efficiency.