Electronics Prototyping at Z-AXIS
Electronics prototyping creates physical models that designers use to test and validate their ideas. It involves PCB assembly for the electronics and machining for the housing.
Years ago, Z-AXIS created prototype boards by placing parts and soldering them by hand. That was time-consuming and labor-intensive, and there was a risk of wiring errors. Today, we rarely use this approach.
Basic vs. Complex Electronic Prototypes
If your design is basic, we can create a simple layout and order boards with quick turnarounds. We can get prototypes like this in a few days, but they won’t have a solder mask or silkscreen. Typically, we hand solder the parts to get a functional circuit quickly.
For complicated or fine-pitch circuits, we’ll create a layout and order boards with solder mask and silk screen instead. This take about two weeks. The advantage is that we now can provide you with a prototype that looks just like the final project.
Low Volume vs. High Volume Electronics Prototyping
If you need five boards, it doesn’t make sense to set up a pick-and-place machine. So, we’ll use a stencil, apply solder paste, hand-place your parts, and reflow solder them.
Compared to how we used to build prototypes, it’s easier to place parts by hand this way. Plus, reflow soldering reduces the risk of defects.
If you need 10 or more boards, we can run them on our SMT line instead. Our pick-and-place can load eight trays, and we can build custom tray inserts to hold small quantities of parts so that we don’t need to buy a full reel.
SMT, Machining and 3D Printing
At Z-AXIS, our prototyping capabilities also include machining. We use this modern three-axis Haas milling machine with housings and parts.
If your prototype uses an off-the-shelf housing, you might need holes for connectors. We also machine plastic blocks and aluminum rails.
We can even support your prototyping project with our 3D printer. For a small volume of plastic parts, 3D printing costs less than injection molding, which requires tooling.
Ask Z-AXIS for Electronics Prototypes
Electronics prototyping is often an iterative process, and Z-AXIS can help you refine your design with expert feedback from our design and manufacturing engineers.
From prototyping to pilot runs to full-volume production, Z-AXIS has the design and manufacturing services you need, all under one roof.