Prototype
Get 1 to 10 assembled boards to validate an initial revision, check electrical interfaces and confirm power supplies, communications and critical functions.
Critical points can be inspected on the first board before continuing the batch.
Have a prototype to test, a new revision to assemble or a deadline to meet? We work with you to prepare SMT and through-hole assembly of your electronic boards in our Martillac workshop. Using your bill of materials (BOM), Gerber files and Pick & Place data, we prepare the machine and jetting programmes before sourcing even begins.
From your PCB files to the assembled board.
- 01
Receipt
On arrival, the PCBs, components and any additional supplies are grouped in a single bin assigned to the project. The bin carries the project's internal reference to prevent mix-ups and maintain traceability.
- 02
Incoming inspection and identification
The team checks the part numbers, quantities, condition and packaging of incoming supplies. Each component part number is then identified and linked to the project before use in production. Particular attention is paid to moisture-sensitive components and opened packaging.
- 03
Production preparation
We check that each component matches its PCB lands. This check uses a 2D model of the electronic board in our placement machine software.
- 04
Solder paste deposition
Jetting deposits solder paste precisely on the PCB. There is no screen-printing stencil to manufacture. That means one less step and one less cost to get your prototype into production.
- 05
SMT placement
Components are prepared in packaging compatible with our equipment. When they arrive loose, we create pockets tailored to the components using an ESD-safe material.
- 06
Vapour phase reflow
The board then undergoes vapour phase reflow. The cycle is prepared according to the alloy, materials and thermal masses. We develop a dedicated reflow profile for your boards when needed.
- 07
Through-hole insertion and finishing
We insert and solder connectors and other through-hole components (THT). We also handle lead trimming and forming, as well as manual finishing.
- 08
Inspection and agreed tests
Inspections follow IPC-A-610 Class 2 criteria. Each board is examined under a microscope to inspect accessible joints. Tests agreed with the client follow the defined procedure. X-ray inspection is always used when solder joint quality and wetting cannot be verified under the microscope, particularly for hidden connections.
- 09
Packing and dispatch
Boards are wrapped in antistatic bubble wrap. Recycled paper provides additional protection, and the boards are then packed in double-wall cardboard boxes. Express shipping guarantees delivery on the next working day after collection.
Production designed for prototypes and small runs.
Small production run
We assemble small runs of 10 to 500 boards from an approved manufacturing file. Part numbers, variants, revision indices, assembly instructions and inspections are defined before production starts to ensure repeatability across the batch.
With your agreement, we may arrange for a specialist provider to carry out AOI inspection of the assembled boards, according to the defined criteria.
Checks at every stage of production.
1
- Supplies identified and grouped by project.
- Part numbers, quantities and packaging checked.
- Component compatibility with PCB lands checked in 2D.
2
- Precise solder paste jetting, without a stencil.
- Packaging suited to SMT placement, with ESD-safe pockets for loose components.
- Vapour phase reflow, with a dedicated profile when needed.
- Through-hole insertion, lead trimming and manual finishing.
3
- Microscope inspection to IPC-A-610 Class 2.
- X-rays for joints that cannot be verified under a microscope.
- Functional tests following your procedures, if agreed.
- Antistatic protection, cushioning and express shipping.
Which files should you prepare for an assembly quote?
For your quotation
- Bill of materials (BOM)
- Gerber or ODB++
- Component placement file (Pick & Place)
- Assembly drawings
- Quantities, variants and panelisation
Depending on the project
- List of customer-supplied items
- Test documentation and associated equipment
- Specific requirements in addition to IPC-A-610 Class 2
- Traceability and packaging requirements
