Top 10 PCB Manufacturing and SMT Assembly Manufacturers in Robotics Industry

The robotics industry relies heavily on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and surface mount technology (SMT) for the electronics and controllers that power robots and automated systems. As robotics technology continues advancing in capability and application, demand grows for PCB and electronics manufacturing partners that can support prototyping, high mix low volume production, and scalable volume manufacturing.

Choosing the right PCB and electronics assembly partner is crucial for robotics companies to get designs produced correctly and on time. This article looks at the top 10 PCB and SMT assembly manufacturers supporting the robotics industry with exceptional service, quality, and manufacturing capabilities tailored for robotics.

Top 10 PCB Manufacturing and Assembly Companies for Robotics

1. RayMing Technology

RayMing is a leading PCB and SMT assembly manufacturer based in China with manufacturing facilities in Shenzhen, Huizhou, and Suzhou. RayMing has extensive experience supporting robotics companies with manufacturing services optimized for the industry’s demands.

PCB Capabilities

• Prototype and low volume production
• Support for rigid, rigid-flex, and flex PCBs
• PCBs up to 24 layers
• Line width and space down to 3/3 mil
• PCB panel sizes up to 600mm x 600mm
• Suitable for double-sided mounting
• High frequency, controlled impedance, HDI
• Extensive DFM checking and analysis

Assembly Capabilities

• SMT assembly with 3 high-speed SMT lines
• Component placement down to 0201 size
• BGA, MicroBGA, QFN, 01005 components
• Conformal coating, potting, gluing
• Press-fit technology
• Box build, cabling, functional testing

Quality

• ISO 9001 and ISO 13485 certified
• IPC Standards testing
• AOI, X-Ray inspection
• Functional testing

Why RayMing for Robotics?

RayMing has expertise in manufacturing complex, high mix PCBs and assemblies for robotics applications. Their engineering team provides DFM analysis and works closely with customers through the design, prototyping and testing process to ensure manufacturability and reliability.

2. Advanced Circuits

Based in the USA, Advanced Circuits is a quick-turn PCB manufacturer that can deliver in as fast as 24 hours, helping robotics companies accelerate product development.

PCB Capabilities

• 24 hour turn prototypes
• Medium volume production
• 2 to 16 layer boards
• Min line/space 5/5mil
• Panel size 23.5 x 23.5 inches
• FR4, Rogers, polyimide flex materials
• ITAR registered

Assembly Capabilities

• Prototype assembly
• SMT assembly with 008004 components
• BGAs, QFNs, 01005 passives
• Conformal coating

Quality

• IPC 6012 Class 2 and 3
• ISO 9001:2015 certified
• 100% electrical testing
• 3D AOI inspection

Why Advanced Circuits for Robotics?

Advanced Circuits fast turnaround makes them ideal for PCB prototyping and low volume builds during product development. Their domestic USA facility allows close collaboration and support for robotics customers.

3. altasTTM

altasTTM provides advanced HDI PCB manufacturing optimized for high reliability and rugged environments. They focus on supporting robotics, defense, aerospace, and other rugged electronics applications.

PCB Capabilities

• Medium to high volume production
• Up to 40 layer count
• 2 mil line/space
• 0.5mm BGA pitch
• Panel size 21 x 24 inches
• FR4, polyimide, Rogers, aluminum-backed
• ITAR Compliant

Assembly Capabilities

• Prototype to medium volume
• Component sizes down to 01005
• BGA, MicroBGA, QFN and uQFN
• Press-fit connectors
• Box-build, cabling
• Conformal coating

Quality

• AS9100D Certified
• IPC 6012 Class 3
• 100% AOI inspection after SMT
• X-Ray inspection
• HALT/HASS testing

Why altasTTM for Robotics?

The company focuses on high-reliability PCBs and assembly ideal for rugged robotics applications. Their HDI technology provides excellent thermal performance and reliability.

4. Bittele Electronics

Bittele provides advanced PCB assembly services tailored for prototype through production volumes. Their wide-ranging capabilities make them a strong choice for robotics companies.

PCB Capabilities

• Quick-turn prototypes
• Low to high volume production
• 2 to 32 layers
• 5mil line/space
• Panel size 21 x 24 inches
• Rigid-flex PCBs
• Rogers, Isola, Arlon materials
• ITAR compliant

Assembly Capabilities

• Prototype to medium volumes
• 01005 components
• BGAs to 0.4mm pitch
• Press-fit connectors
• Conformal coating and potting
• Design assistance

Quality

• IPC 6012 Class 2 and 3
• ISO 9001:2015 certified
• Automated optical inspection
• X-ray inspection
• Netlist testing of bare boards

Why Bittele for Robotics?

Bittele provides strong support for taking projects from early prototype through volume production, making them a good manufacturing partner as robotics products scale up.

5. Calumet Electronics

Calumet focuses on prototype and low volume production of complex PCBs and assemblies ideal for R&D and product development in robotics.

PCB Capabilities

• Quick-turn prototype boards
• Short run production up to 1000 pcs
• 2 to 30 layer boards
• 6 mil line/space
• Panel size 18 x 24 inches
• Flex and rigid-flex
• FR4, Rogers, polyimide

Assembly Capabilities

• Prototype and low volume assembly
• 01005 components
• BGAs and uBGAs
• Press-fit connectors
• Conformal coating

Quality

• IPC 610 Class 2 and 3
• ISO 9001:2015 certified
• AOI and X-ray inspection

Why Calumet for Robotics?

Calumet provides fast high-mix prototype and short run PCB production ideal for robotics R&D and product development needs.

6. EPCD Solutions

EPCD Solutions provides advanced SMT assembly optimized for high-mix, low volume runs typical of robotics products. Their focus is on supporting low volume complex assembly rather than pure PCB fabrication.

Assembly Capabilities

• Low to medium volume SMT assembly
• High mix, low volume expertise
• Component sizes down to 01005
• BGA assembly
• Press-fit connectors
• Conformal coating, potting
• Functional testing
• Supply chain management
• New product introduction

Quality

• IPC-A-610 Class 2 and 3
• ISO 9001:2015
• X-Ray inspection after SMT
• AOI optical inspection
• Netlist testing
• Functional test

Why EPCD Solutions for Robotics?

Their optimized processes for complex, low volume assembly make EPCD Solutions an excellent choice for robotics companies focused on new product introduction and ramping to production.

7. Epectec

Epectec provides advanced PCB manufacturing and assembly tailored to meet high reliability requirements for aerospace, defense, and ruggedized electronics. Their capabilities suit complex robotics applications.

PCB Capabilities

• Medium to high volume production
• Up to 30 layer boards
• 2 mil line/space
• 0.4mm BGA pitch
• Panel size 18 x 24 inches
• Rogers, Arlon, polyimide materials
• ITAR registered

Assembly Capabilities

• Medium to high volume
• 01005 component assembly
• BGAs to 0.4mm pitch
• Press-fit connectors
• Environmental stress screening

Quality

• AS9100 and ISO 9001
• IPC 6012 Class 3
• Rigorous HALT and HASS testing
• X-Ray inspection after SMT
• Netlist testing of bare boards

Why Epectec for Robotics?

Epectec’s expertise in high-reliability PCBs and assembly makes them suitable for rugged, long-lifetime robotics products.

8. Imagineering, Inc.

Imagineering provides flexible and rigid-flex PCBs ideal for the interconnect demands of advanced robotics and automation systems.

PCB Capabilities

• Flex and rigid-flex expertise
• Quick-turn flex prototypes
• Small to medium production runs
• 4 to 12 layer flex circuits
• 5 mil line/space
• Panel size 13 x 18 inches
• Polyimide and polyester flex materials

Quality

• IPC 6013 Class 2 and 3 flex standards
• ISO 9001:2015 certified
• Automated optical inspection
• Netlist testing of bare boards

Why Imagineering for Robotics?

Their focus on high-performing flex PCB technology makes Imagineering suitable for robotics needing dynamic, high density interconnections.

9. Millennium Circuits Limited

Millennium Circuits provides advanced PCB fabrication optimized for high frequency, tight tolerance designs common in robotics systems.

PCB Capabilities

• Quick-turn prototype boards
• Medium to high volume production
• Up to 32 layer count
• 3 mil line/space capability
• Panel size 15 x 18 inches
• FR4, polyimide, Rogers, Arlon
• ITAR registered

Quality

• IPC 6012 Class 2 and 3
• ISO 9001:2015 certified
• 100% AOI inspection after fabrication
• Automated 5-axis router inspection
• Test coupons on every board

Why Millennium Circuits for Robotics?

Their expertise in high frequency PCBs with tight tolerances makes Millennium Circuits suitable for RF and other technically demanding robotics applications.

10. Spectra Circuits

Spectra Circuits provides full turn-key PCB fabrication and assembly services, making them a one-stop-shop suitable for robotics companies.

PCB Capabilities

• Quick-turn prototypes
• Medium to high volume production
• Up to 28 layer boards
• 5 mil line/space
• Panel size 33 x 65 inches
• FR4 and halogen-free materials

Assembly Capabilities

• Prototype and production assembly
• BGA, 01005 and uQFN components
• Press-fit connectors
• Conformal coating and potting
• Environment stress screening

Quality

• ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified
• IPC 6012 Class 2 and 3
• Automated X-ray inspection
• Rigorous HALT and HASS testing

Why Spectra Circuits for Robotics?

As a full turn-key manufacturing partner, Spectra Circuits enables one-stop fabrication and assembly for optimized robotics manufacturing.

Key Considerations for Selecting a Robotics PCB/Assembly Partner

Here are some of the most important factors robotics companies should evaluate when selecting a PCB and assembly manufacturing partner:

• Technical capabilities – Assess the partner’s expertise manufacturing the types of boards and assemblies specific to your robotics application – high layer count, HDI, flex/rigid-flex, etc. Look for demonstrated experience supporting complex robotics and advanced electronics.
• Quality and reliability – Robotics operate in rugged, high-stress environments. Partner with a manufacturer that follows IPC standards, is certified to ISO quality standards, and has a track record delivering high-reliability PCBs/assemblies.
• Prototyping support – The ability to iteratively prototype PCB and electronics design is crucial during development. Look for partners that offer quick-turn fabrication and assembly for prototypes.
• Mix-flexibility – Many robotics involve low/medium volumes but high product mixes. Select a partner optimized for high-mix, low-volume production.
• Scalability – As your robotic product scales to higher volumes, your partner should offer a scalable framework to graduate from prototype to volume production.
• Testing capabilities – Rigorous testing of PCBs and assemblies is key to ensuring reliable performance. Look for partners with strong testing capabilities like ICT, flying probe, AOI, X-ray, etc.
• Supply chain management – Having a partner that helps manage procurement and sourcing of components can be a major advantage in electronics manufacturing.
• Design support – The best partners offer design for manufacturing (DFM) feedback and work collaboratively with your engineers early in the design process.

Selecting the correct PCB and assembly, along with effective supply chain management and collaborative design, not only simplifies manufacturing but also enhances the success and competitiveness of your robotics products.
Moreover, efficient supply chain management is crucial for securing timely and cost-effective access to essential components. Streamlining the supply chain reduces lead times, optimizes inventory management, and minimizes production delays, making the manufacturing process more efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some key PCB technology considerations for robotics applications?

Some key PCB technology factors important for robotics include:

• High layer count boards (20+ layers) to enable complex circuit routing in compact form factors
• HDI technology using microvias for enhanced high density interconnect capability
• Controlled impedance and tightly tolerance boards for high frequency or precision analog circuits
• Rigid-flex PCBs to facilitate 3D interconnections and improved reliability in dynamic environments
• Rugged base materials (polyimide, Rogers, aluminum backed) to withstand high temperatures, shock, and vibration
• Suitable for double-sided SMT assembly to maximize component density

Why is flex PCB technology useful for robotics products?

Flex PCBs provide a number of benefits for robotics:

• Enables interconnections to move dynamically without wires fatigue
• Suits limited space by conforming to 3D product contours
• Absorbs motion and vibration to enhance reliability
• Allows layer stacking for high density routing
• Facilitates repairs and retrofits by isolating circuits

What SMT assembly capabilities are important for robotics?

Critical assembly capabilities for robotics electronics include:

• High accuracy component placement suitable for micro-scale components like 01005 passives and 0.4mm pitch ICs
• Capability to assemble advanced package types like BGAs, MicroBGAs, QFNs
• Utilization of advanced interconnect methods like press-fit connectors
• Application of protective coatings (conformal coating, potting) for environmental resistance
• Quality inspection techniques such as X-ray and AOI
• Functional testing to validate performance

How can PCB/assembly partners assist with DFM for robotics products?

Experienced PCB and assembly partners play an important role during design reviews and design for manufacturing (DFM) to provide feedback that avoids manufacturability issues and improves reliability. Key areas they assist with include:

• Stackup design – recommending optimal layer count and stackup arrangement
• Reviewing board layout – identifying potential fabrication concerns early in layout
• Analyzing thermal design – providing cooling recommendations
• Assessing component selection – identifying potential assembly or procurement issues
• Suggesting design rule adjustments – balancing precision needs with manufacturability

Early engagement with manufacturing experts pays off by avoiding costly re-designs late in development.

What supply chain considerations are important when manufacturing robotics electronics?

Key supply chain factors to consider include:

• Procurement of long-lead components – early forecasting to avoid delays
• Strategic inventory management – balancing just-in-time needs with buffer stock
• Flexible sourcing capabilities – identifying alternate component sources as needed
• Management of compliance requirements – ITAR, RoHS, REACH, Conflict Minerals, etc.
• Logistics agility – adapting to changing market conditions
• Geographic risk mitigation – producing in multiple locations as feasible

A manufacturing partner with strong supply chain expertise can provide major advantages in responsively delivering robotics electronics.