Printed Circuit Board Assembly Manufacturer & Supplier
Scalable and Fully Integrated Printed Circuit Board Assembly Manufacturing in the USA
CO-AX is a leading printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) contract manufacturer with fully integrated engineering, prototyping, and production services that ensure the utmost quality and cost-effectiveness of your electronics assemblies.
We offer fully scalable production to help you better manage seasonal peaks and market fluctuations. Plus, we can move your PCBA from proof of concept to prototype in as little as two weeks from receipt of materials, giving you the confidence to introduce new products that help your business grow.
We do all this by continually investing in new automation technology that maximizes productivity, reduces costs, and ensures the highest quality assemblies. From PCB routers to inline robotics, automated testing, and laser marking with serialization, we work closely with our customers to tailor solutions that meet their unique requirements.
Our 114,000 SF facility features multiple advanced Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lines, a dedicated NPI/Prototyping line, through hole assembly (THT), wave and selective soldering, automated optical inspection (AOI), in-circuit and functional testing (ICT/FCT), conformal coating, and more.
CO-AX is a fully qualified and integrated electronics manufacturing service provider with world-class design and manufacturing capabilities for flex, rigid-flex, and rigid printed circuit board assemblies for both RoHS and non-RoHS products.
In addition to our printed circuit board assembly capabilities, we also design and manufacture cable and harness assemblies and finished products/turnkey box builds.
Printed Circuit Board Assembly Manufacturing Process
Our in-house design and manufacturing engineers work closely with you to ensure your printed circuit board assembly is repeatable and optimized for DFM (Design for Manufacturability). Upon receipt of your documentation, we complete a thorough design engineering and Bill of Materials (BOM) evaluation using Solidworks, Altium, and SiliconExpert software. Once your parts arrive, your product goes to our dedicated NPI/Prototyping line to verify assembly. From there, your product goes into full production. We can also test your assembly using your provided test fixtures, or we can build one for you.
Every step in our process is meticulously controlled and fully traceable. We manage the supply chain for you and take a proactive approach to obsolescence forecasting, regulatory compliance, and counterfeit detection. Plus, an automated inventory management system ensures your components are securely stored and accurately picked.
Our Quality Management System is certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, along with a comprehensive list of other regulatory standards. In addition, our assemblers hold certifications in IPC-J-STD-001 and IPC-7711/7721, underscoring our commitment to producing the highest quality printed circuit board assemblies. We are dedicated to delivering superior PCBAs with transparency, integrity, and accountability to ensure our customers’ complete satisfaction.
Our advantages include:
Tell Us About Your Project
Our PCBA Manufacturing Capabilities
- Surface Mount Technology (SMT)
- Through Hole Technology (THT)
- Miniaturization
- Micro Ball Grid Array (BGA) and Ultra-fine Ball Grid Array (uBGA)
- 01005 (0402 metric) component placement
- Wave and Selective Soldering
- RoHS Lead Free, Tin-Lead, Water Soluble, No-Clean Process
- Closed-Loop De-Ionized Water Wash System
- Solder Paste Inspection (SPI)
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
- In-Circuit Test (ICT)
- Functional Test (FCT) Fixtures
- Automated Conformal Coating of Acrylic and Polyurethane
Customer Success Stories
This customer wanted to bring back manufacturing from overseas due to low quality and long lead times.
CO-AX redesigned the customer’s PCB assembly to utilize our SMT equipment. Automating the processes made their product far more superior in quality with faster production times, resulting in higher profit margins for the company.
The customer now uses CO-AX exclusively for all its PCBA needs at volumes ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 assemblies annually.
What are the different types of PCBs?
There are several types of printed circuit boards (PCBs) that serve different applications and requirements in electronics manufacturing. As a leading PCBA contract manufacturer, CO-AX offers fully scalable production and exceptional quality across all PCB types, ensuring optimal performance for any electronic assembly needs:
- Single-Sided PCBs Single-sided PCBs feature conductive material (usually copper) on only one side of the substrate. Components are mounted on the opposite side, with their leads extending through holes to connect with the conductive traces. These are the simplest and most economical PCB types, ideal for basic electronic devices with minimal circuitry.
- Double-Sided PCBs Double-sided PCBs have conductive layers on both sides of the substrate. This allows for more complex circuit designs and higher component density. The connections between the two sides are made using plated through-holes, enabling signals to travel between both layers.
- Multi-Layer PCBs Multi-layer PCBs contain three or more conductive layers separated by insulating material. These boards can accommodate highly complex circuitry in a compact space, an essential feature for advanced electronic applications. Multi-layer designs reduce electromagnetic interference and provide better power distribution.
- Rigid PCBs Rigid PCBs are built on a solid substrate that cannot be bent or flexed. Typically made from fiberglass-reinforced epoxy laminate (FR-4), these boards provide structural stability and are the most common type used in consumer electronics, industrial equipment, and medical devices.
- Flexible PCBs Flexible PCBs are constructed on flexible substrates like polyimide that can bend, fold, and twist without damaging the circuitry. They’re ideal for applications with space constraints or those requiring movement during operation, such as cameras, displays, and wearable technology.
- Rigid-Flex PCBs Rigid-flex PCBs combine rigid and flexible board technologies, featuring areas that remain firm and others that can flex. This hybrid approach provides the reliability of rigid boards with the space-saving benefits of flexible circuits, making them perfect for complex, three-dimensional applications in aerospace applications or medical devices, for example.
- High-Frequency PCBs High-frequency PCBs are specifically designed for applications operating at frequencies above 500 MHz. These boards use specialized materials with low dielectric constants to minimize signal loss and maintain signal integrity, which is critical for telecommunications or radar systems.
- Aluminum-Backed PCBs Aluminum-backed PCBs (also known as metal core PCBs) use a metal base layer that enhances heat dissipation. The metal core conducts heat away from components, making these boards ideal for high-power applications like LED lighting, power supplies, and automotive electronics, where thermal management is essential.
CO-AX provides manufacturing services for many of these PCB types using processes certified to ISO 9001 and ISO 13485, fully compliant with prevailing US and International standards.
What is the difference between PCB and PCBA?
A PCB is a bare foundation board containing conductive pathways, traces, pads, and holes but without any electronic components attached. In contrast, a PCBA is a completed functional unit with all electronic components mounted and soldered onto the PCB.
Key differences include:
- Purpose: PCB serves as the mechanical framework and electrical infrastructure, while PCBA is the functional electronic circuit
- Components: PCB has no electronic components, while PCBA includes resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors
- Manufacturing stage: PCB represents an intermediate production phase, while PCBA is the final assembled product
- Functionality: PCB cannot perform electronic functions on its own, while PCBA is ready for installation in devices
- Testing: PCBAs undergo functional testing that PCBs do not require
CO-AX Technology offers comprehensive services for both PCBA contract manufacturing and Finished Products/Turnkey Box Builds. With multiple advanced SMT lines and a dedicated NPI line, we ensure the highest quality electronic assemblies for medical, smart systems, industrial, and consumer applications.
Learn more about the different types of PCBs and PCBAs in our blog “What is the Difference Between PCB and PCBA?“.
