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Consignment PCB Assembly
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Consignment PCB Assembly Services
Consignment PCB assembly (sometimes referred to as kitted PCB assembly) is a manufacturing model in which the customer provides the components, materials, and documentation needed for production, while the contract manufacturer performs the assembly process. Customer-supplied kits typically include electronic components, printed circuit boards, hardware, and assembly documentation. EMS, Inc. then manages SMT placement, through-hole assembly, soldering, inspection, testing, and final shipment.
// Your Components. Our Manufacturing Expertise. One Reliable Production Partner.
Consignment PCB Assembly Services for Flexible and Cost-Effective Manufacturing
When you already have components in-house or prefer to maintain control over your supply chain, EMS, Inc. offers reliable Consignment PCB Assembly Services tailored to your production requirements. Also known as kitted PCB assembly, this manufacturing approach allows you to provide some or all of the components and materials needed for your project while our experienced team handles PCB assembly, inspection, testing, and final delivery.
By choosing consignment PCB assembly, you retain greater control over component sourcing, approved suppliers, inventory management, and material costs while benefiting from our advanced manufacturing capabilities and quality systems. Consignment (or kitted) assembly is often preferred by OEMs with customer-furnished inventory, established supplier relationships, specialized components, or long lead-time parts that must be sourced directly.
What You Provide in a Consignment Kit
To ensure a smooth manufacturing process, customers typically provide:
Documentation
- Gerber files
- Bill of Materials (BOM)
- Pick-and-place (XY/Centroid) files
- Assembly drawings
Components
- Surface mount components
- Through-hole components
- Connectors
- Hardware and mechanical parts
Recommended Extras
We recommend providing extra components for setup, testing, and production yield. All incoming materials are verified before manufacturing begins.
If anything is missing, we can supplement parts from our inventory or source them through our supply chain partners.
Our Consignment PCB Process
- Kit Receiving: All incoming consigned materials are logged and barcoded for traceability.
- Incoming Inspection: Visual checks, packaging review, and optional electrical verification.
- Kit Reconciliation: We confirm all components match your BOM and AVL.
- SMT & Through‑Hole Assembly
- Inspection & Testing: Multi-stage quality checks including AOI, X-Ray, and functional testing per your requirements.
- Finishing & Shipping: Conformal coating, potting, labeling, and return of any remaining components (or storage for future orders).
Best Practices for Success (We’ll guide you):
- Provide accurate, up-to-date BOM with approved alternates.
- Include 3–5% overage for potential losses.
- Clearly label reels, trays, and bags.
- Use proper ESD and moisture-sensitive device (MSD) packaging.
- Share test procedures and acceptance criteria upfront.
Our Consignment PCB Assembly Capabilities
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT): High-speed placement down to 0201 components, fine-pitch, BGA, uBGA, QFN, PoP.
- Through-Hole (THT): Selective wave and hand soldering.
- Mixed Technology: SMT + THT on the same board
- Double-sided assembly
- PCB Types: Rigid, flexible, rigid-flex, ceramic
- Board Sizes: From 0.2" x 0.2" up to 24" x 18".
- Component Packaging: Reels, cut tape, tubes, trays, bulk/loose parts.
Additional Services:
WHY CHOOSE EMS, INC. FOR CONSIGNMENT PCB ASSEMBLY?
- Cost Savings – Reduce or eliminate markup on components by using your established suppliers and inventory.
- Faster Turnaround – No waiting for us to source and receive parts. Ideal for urgent prototypes and quick-turn projects.
- Greater Control – You control component selection to meet your design requirements.
- Reduced Risk for Proprietary Parts – Keep sensitive or custom components under your direct management.
- Flexibility – Full consignment or partial consignment (you supply high-value or critical parts; we source the rest).
- Expert Assembly & Quality – Benefit from two decades of experience, 4 SMT lines, AOI, X-ray inspection, and comprehensive testing—without managing the entire supply chain.
QUALITY INSPECTION AND TESTING:
Every consignment PCB assembly project benefits from our comprehensive quality control process, including inspection and testing services such as:
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
- 3D AOI
- X-Ray Inspection
- Solder Paste Inspection (SPI)
- In-Circuit Testing (ICT)
- Functional Testing
- Ionic Contamination Testing
- Final Visual Inspection
// Most Frequent Questions
Consignment PCB Assembly FAQ
In consignment PCB assembly, the customer supplies the components while the manufacturer performs the assembly. In turnkey PCB assembly, the manufacturer handles both component procurement and assembly.
Yes. All incoming materials undergo verification and inspection before production begins to help ensure quality and completeness.
Yes. We recommend supplying additional components to account for machine setup, first article inspection, testing, and normal manufacturing yield. Our team can provide recommended overage quantities based on your project requirements.
Absolutely. EMS, Inc. offers partial consignment (partial turnkey) services, allowing you to supply selected components while we procure the remaining parts. This flexible approach is ideal for customer-furnished, long lead-time, or specialized components.
Our team performs an incoming material verification before production begins. If any components are missing, damaged, or do not match the BOM, we will notify you promptly and work with you to resolve the issue before assembly starts.
We support prototype builds, low-volume production, and high-volume manufacturing runs.
Consignment PCB assembly is an excellent choice if you already have component inventory, work with approved suppliers, require customer-specified parts, or want greater control over your supply chain. If you prefer to outsource component procurement as well, our turnkey PCB assembly services may be a better fit.
// Start to Finish Electronics Manufacturing Services
EMS' Capabilities
EMS stands out in turning ideas into finished products in one location. For more than 19 years, we have assisted entrepreneurs in turning ideas into finished products. We also excel at handling “Dirty Jobs” – the demanding, labor-intensive tasks that can hinder production. Whether it’s a medical device, military equipment, or a high-end gadget, we have the tools and experience to realize your vision.
Ready to Start Your Consignment Project?
Getting your project started is easy. Just share your idea with our team, and we will give you expert advice and suggestions on the materials, timeline, and cost breakdown required to complete the project. We guarantee the highest level of performance and effectiveness for your particular use.