V.U.nics Inc. - PCB Assembly & Electronics Manufacturing Services

Product Innovation: Responsive fabrics - the integration of electronics into fabrics

2012-01-18T09:54:00.000-08:00

At V.U.nics, electronics design service is part of our core services. Recently, an electrical engineering student approached us with a product idea, which we thought had great business potential. His idea, while not completely new, was to combine electronics with traditional weaving, printing, and felting techniques to produce a series of enhanced interactive textiles. In this way, fabrics could act as a display medium for colors, logos or messages.

This was achieved by using electronic circuits that would trigger the LEDs to produce light that would be transmitted through fiber optics, which are woven into the fabric. Furthermore, the LEDs could be controlled with built in touch and sound sensors.

After a few weeks of research and development, we created a fully functional prototype that was ready for production.

To discuss your product design requirements with us, please contact V.U.nics Inc. at (905) 532-9901 or sales@vunics.com.

20 things you should look for and ask when visiting a PCB assembly / contract electronics manufacturer - Part 2 of 2

2011-11-02T10:25:00.000-07:00

11. Machine operation, setup, and preventive maintenance schedule is posted on or close to machines, and operators are familiar with it
12. Operators are trained by experienced personnel and certified for the operation
13. Preventive maintenance is performed on a scheduled basis along with production.Frequency determined by equipment supplier’s recommendation
14. Fixtures and tooling are verified prior to assembly of first board. First article inspection is performed
15. Corrective action and process control actively pursued
16. ISO 9001 certification
17. Quality is checked at next station down stream from operation station
18. PCBs are fully supported and are held flat during the solder paste application process
19. No more than 4 hours between solder printing and reflow
20. How often is preventative maintenance performed on SMT feeders? How is that tracked?

www.vunics.com - PCB assembly and Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services

20 things you should look for and ask when visiting a PCB assembly / contract electronics manufacturer - Part 1 of 2

2011-10-19T13:28:00.000-07:00

1. Conductive/groundedbenches or bench tops are used
2. Components are storedin ESD protective bins and packages
3. PCBs are handledon edges
4. Components are handledin packaging that protects the component
5. Operatorinstructions, machine instruction, and process procedures are readilyaccessible to the operators
6. Where is the SMT solder pastestored prior to use?
7. How long is the paste allowed tostay idle on the stencil?
8. How much time is allowed after stencil printing and before placement?
9. How is SMT machine setup verified?
10. How does an operator know what isthe correct oven profile for a product?

www.vunics.com - PCB assembly and Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services

From prototype PCB assembly to production

2011-09-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

At V.U.nics, PCB assembly prototyping is one of our key services. Our prototype builds usually range from 2 PCB assemblies to 10.

One of the primary purposes of prototyping is product validation. As such, it is important that the circuit board prototype be free of assembly defects otherwise valuable engineering time is wasted. Furthermore, during prototype PCB assembly we may come across assembly issues that arise as the result of the PCB layout or board design. If this occurs or, if we find that there are ways, which would facilitate or improve the quality of the PCB assembly process, then we provide this feedback to our clients. Essentially, this activity is known as design for manufacturability (DFM) review. After the product has been validated and any DFM suggestions are reviewed and implemented, we move to the production phase of the PCB assembly. As an added quality measure, we assemble a first article that is sent to our customer for approval. Subsequent to the successful completion of the first article test, we proceed with the production run of the PCB assemblies.

www.vunics.com - PCB assembly and Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services

How to minimize your circuit board assembly cost

2011-08-16T13:37:00.000-07:00

When supplying parts to your contract electronics manufacturer, make sure SMT parts are on tape or reel and extra parts are supplied to accommodate for parts lost due to attrition, and larger parts are in trays
Ensure that the most current files are supplied to your contract electronics manufacturer
Make sure you provide a panelized version of your PCB files if your PCB is smaller than 47 square inches
Remember to provide any special assembly instructions
The more SMT parts the less the assembly cost

www.vunics.com - PCB assembly and Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services

What you need to consider when buying electronic parts & components

2011-08-16T13:24:00.000-07:00

When possible, purchase only franchised parts
Request a certificate of compliance
Consider minimum purchase quantities, which may be more the number required for your build
Ensure that SMT parts are on continuous tape (12” or longer), reel (full or partial), or tube
Make sure that larger parts are in t r a y s

www.vunics.com - PCB assembly and Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services

5 things to look for when choosing an electronics contract manufacturer

2011-08-16T13:10:00.000-07:00

1. Customer Service – First and foremost, contract manufacturing is a service business and the level of service you receive is critical. Service entails many aspects however, the most important are:

a. Responsiveness – are your needs responded to quickly with an appropriate level of urgency and care.

b. How much will you be valued as a customer – does the contract manufacturer have advocates? Advocates are customers who are loyal and satisfied.

c. Integrity – What is done to gain your trust. Is there transparency and open communication. How are the employees treated?

d. Needs are identified and anticipated - how well does the cm know its customers. Regular communication is necessary so that issues and upcoming needs are discussed

e. If something goes wrong then what happens – will the problem or issue be identified and immediately corrected or, will the blame game take priority?

2. High quality - Does the contact manufacturer have systems and standards in place to ensure products are consistently of high quality

3. Manufacturing knowledge & background – Do key personnel have a deep and comprehensive knowledge of manufacturing and extensive industry experience. Is there a training program for personnel to keep up to date with industry advances?

4. Flexibility - Is the company agile? Can schedule or other changes in the scope of the project be quickly adapted to and absorbed.

5. Value - Are you’re getting the most for your money.

www.vunics.com - PCB assembly and Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services