ECM, or Electronic Contract Manufacturing, is defined as outsourcing PCB boards, assembly processes, circuits, electronic components, and products of any particular manufacturer. ECM helps different manufacturers provide their services and products with the latest skills and instruments. In this post, we will discuss process flow, how to select suppliers, and learn how PCBasic is offering the best services.

What is Electronics Contract Manufacturing (ECM)?

The electronic contract manufacturing process is a single solution for the different processes since it comes with circuit designing, creation of PCB layout, component sourcing, board manufacturing, PCB assembly, and final delivery to customers. For all these processes, customers just have to provide the parameters that they need for the final product. It can also involve customers having designed features of their products and then hiring electronic manufacturers for board manufacturing and final assembly.

ECM also comes with design from one manufacturer, assembly from another, and after-sales services from third-party contract manufacturers.

Advantages of Electronics Contract Manufacturing

Cost savings and efficiency

Outsourcing manufacturing helps different electronic manufacturers save their high costs for instruments, getting skilled labor services and other features. Through ECM, larger bulk manufacturing is made, which also helps to reduce the overall cost and single component cost. It also provides high-speed production by using the latest machines and skilled staff and reduces the extra wastage of materials.

Flexibility

There is no need for the high value of cost for scaling the manufacturing up and down according to product demands for customers and market trends. The business can be pivoted by adapting new techniques and using new products and matters with the application of innovative designs. Any manufacturer can provide larger services without using new learning methods and services.

Focus on Core Competencies

Outsourcing helps any business or manufacturer apply their resources for research, product development, marketing techniques, and providing different services to users. The partnership with special and expert manufacturers helps businesses enhance their skills and technologies. So in a short time of manufacturing, they are highly invested in new ideas and starting new initiatives.

Types of Contract Electronics Manufacturing Services

PCB Assembly (PCBA)

The PCBA or PCB assembly involves the connection of different types of components on the PCB board and makes a complete finished board. There are two methods used for the connection of components on PCB boards to make working devices: SMT and the through-hole assembly process.

SMT is an assembly technique that helps to connect components on the board surface, and through-hole involves drilling holes on the board surface, and component leads pass through those holes to make connections.

Complete product assembly

In this type of ECM service, the complete manufacturing process of the board is performed, such as from the sourcing of components to the final board assembly with the complete requirements of the board. This service board is completely assembled and ready for delivery to customers.

High-quality and low-volume production

In this service, the client's demands for low-volume production but with high quality are provided. This service is helpful for businesses that are providing services or products for certain niches that need proper customization.

Testing and quality control

In this ECM, complete testing from start to end is performed to make errorless boards and devices according to the demands of customers. Different types of tests are performed, such as functional tests, reliability testing and compliance tests, that make products error-free and ready to use.

How do Electronics Contract Manufacturing Works?

Customers Engagement

ECM started with getting the details of customers' products, such as the features and volumes provided to electronic manufacturers.

Components Sourcing

In this step, components required for customers' products and according to requirements are sourced with high quality and low cost.

Manufacturing plan

Electronic manufacturers provide complete manufacturing plans from the start to the end of products to clients with the process used.

PCB Assembly

SMT and through holes processed are used to connect components on the PCB board and make the complete board assembly.

Final Assembly

Now, the final assembly of products is made, and all components are assembled on board in casing with working conditions.

Testing and Delivery

Now final testing is performed on devices to check they are working, and after making sure that every test is passed, the device is delivered to the customers. And For any inspection or modification, customer support is provided.

Applications of ECM

Medical

Different medical OEMs get services from ECM manufacturers that help them provide quality processes with the required standards. With that, they provide them with industrial expertise that teaches them complete product development.

Industrial Uses

Many industries use ECM services to create prototypes of their products and perform different tests to get new products for the market and users.

Aerospace

The instruments used in aviation and military needed certain materials and features that helped them to operate in hard conditions. ECM helps to get services from such manufacturers that have quality products with proper modifications and advancements.

Telecommunications

The components and devices used for telecom sectors and communication devices need high performance and scalability to fulfill the demand for new and latest connections that are getting through ECM.

ECM and EMS

ECM

ECM defines a company or manufacturer with contract manufacturing services. It makes products whose designs are created by another manufacturer. Services included for ECM are PCBA, component sourcing, different types of testing, etc.

EMS

EMS included more extensive manufacturing services for electronic components and different assembly processes. EMS service providers can handle various services, including PCB assemblies, such as design, manufacturing of the board, engineering, assembly, and testing. They provide services from start to end.

Be PCBasic's partner!

PCBasic is a company that provides different services to its clients all over the world. PCBasic works as an electronic manufacturing service provider for PCB and small to large-level PCBA services, offering PCB design and manufacturing on a single platform. It is equipped with the latest machines and skilled staff to provide quality services for different manufacturing of devices, from prototypes to final assembly. And it offers research and development solutions and material selection for OEM production and also has self-development systems such as CRM, MES, ERPT, etc. Its main services include:

·   high-end PCB rapid-proofing

·   industrial control automation

·   smart home

·   car network

·   communication

·   medical

Get in touch to become your ECM partner!

Conclusion

ECM is a high-speed process providing flexible solutions for high-speed services from skilled electronic manufacturers. In this service, you can get your products from the prototype level to the advanced level. ECM involves the sources of the components, assembly testing, and final assembly with delivery to customers. With the use of these services, you can get quality products from experts and reliable manufacturers. ECM services are beneficial in terms of making high-quality products as compared to your competitors.