PCB production delays can disrupt your project timeline and inflate costs, but understanding common bottlenecks can help you avoid setbacks. Incomplete design documentation often leads to manufacturer questions and slowdowns, making thorough design reviews essential. Parts shortages, long lead times, and obsolescence can halt production, particularly in regulated industries like medical and military. Tooling setup challenges arise when custom fixtures are needed but not accounted for early on. Production line transitions between SMT and through-hole processes create delays as boards sit in queues. Equipment selection issues can lead to quality problems if manufacturers use generic production lines instead of specialized machinery. Rushed prototypes from low-cost manufacturers often require multiple revisions, while professional PCB assembly can streamline development. In-house assembly can quickly become inefficient for complex boards, as automated processes improve speed and consistency. Choosing a manufacturer without proper certifications can result in extra testing and validation, adding weeks to production. Documentation transfer issues, such as software mismatches, can cause unexpected delays late in the process. Communication breakdowns, especially with overseas partners, can stall production due to time zone lags. Lastly, poor environmental controls in manufacturing facilities can lead to defects that only surface during final testing, forcing costly rework.
source: https://www.myemssolutions.com/pcb-manufacturing-bottlenecks-factors-that-cause-slowdown/
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