EMS Solutions Banner Image

EMS Solutions

Innovative PCB Assembly Services You Can Rely On

CCK Automations is a leading provider of high-quality, IPC-A-610 certified printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA's). With over 20 years of expertise in electronic product manufacturing, we are committed to delivering precision-engineered solutions that meet the unique demands of our diverse customer base.

Our team of more than 100 highly skilled professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project. Supported by cutting-edge production equipment, including advanced automated systems and inspection technologies, we ensure that each PCBA is produced with exceptional accuracy and reliability.

At CCK Automations, we understand that every customer, industry, and application has distinct requirements. Whether it's for consumer electronics, industrial systems, medical devices, or other specialized needs, our flexible and scalable manufacturing processes allow us to deliver tailored PCBA's that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.

From design consultation to final assembly and testing, our end-to-end capabilities provide complete solutions for all of your PCB needs. Our commitment to continuous improvement, along with our attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction, makes CCK Automations a trusted partner for all your electronic manufacturing requirements.

How Are PCB Assemblies Created?

Exploring the Key Methods in PCB Assembly

Creating a fully functional electronic assembly from a printed circuit board (PCB) involves several critical steps, with three primary methods commonly used to meet different needs and application requirements: Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Assembly, Thru-Hole Assembly, and Box-Build Assembly. Each of these methods provides distinct advantages, depending on the design complexity and the specific goals of the project.

Regardless of the assembly method chosen, all PCB assembly processes demand meticulous attention to detail. Even minor inaccuracies or misalignments can compromise the performance and reliability of the final product. At CCK Automations, we utilize these advanced methods to ensure that every PCB assembly meets the highest standards of quality, precision, and functionality. Each process is tailored to the specific needs of the customer, ensuring optimal performance in the final electronic device.

What Materials Make Up a PCB Assembly?

From Components to Circuits

PCBs consist of several layers—the substrate, the conductive pathways, the solder mask, and the silkscreen—each of which is made from different materials.

PCB Assembly Image

The substrate is the base layer of the PCB. It can be made from rigid, rigid-flex, or flexible materials, depending on the intended application.

The conductive pathways are made by adding a thin layer of conductive foil to the functional side(s) of the substrate. The material is added to one side in single-sided PCBs and both sides in double-sided PCBs.

The solder mask is applied on top of the copper layer. It gives PCBs their characteristic green color, insulates the copper layer from accidental contact with other conductive materials, and prevents solder from adhering to the wrong places on the PCB.

The silkscreen is the final layer added to a PCB. It adds alphanumeric and symbolic labels—typically in white—that indicate the function of each component added to the board. These labels help clarify the intended design for technicians during initial assembly and repair work.

Types of PCB Assemblies

Understanding the Different Types of PCB Assemblies

Printed circuit board assemblies are available in several designs and configurations to suit different applications. These variations can be categorized into a number of broad classifications depending on the critical design element.

PCB assemblies can be grouped into three types based on the number of conductive layers or sides:

Single-Sided PCB Assemblies Image

Single-Sided PCB Assemblies

As the name suggests, single-sided PCB assemblies have a single conductive substrate surface. As a result, electrical and electronic components can only be added to one side. They are relatively inexpensive to produce in large quantities, which makes them suitable for mass-produced electronics. However, they are generally not used for industrial applications.

Double-Sided PCB Assemblies Image

Double-Sided PCB Assemblies

Double-sided PCB assemblies have two conductive layers, meaning that there are two surfaces on which to mount components. Components mounted on opposing sides can be connected vita through-holes.

Multilayer PCB Assemblies Image

Multilayer PCB Assemblies

Multilayer PCB assemblies contain three or more conductive layers. As a result, they are suitable for electronics that require greater PCB density and complexity. The additional layers provide greater power to the circuitry and protection against electromagnetic interference.

Variations in PCB Assembly

Rigid, Flexible, and Rigid-Flex

Single-sided, double-sided, and multilayer PCB assemblies are available with substrates of various rigidities and flexibilities

PCB Assembly Image

When most customers think about PCBs, they imagine rigid ones—thin but inflexible boards with printed circuitry. This rigidity comes from the solid and rigid substrate employed (e.g., fiberglass). Typical applications for rigid PCB assemblies include computer towers, laptops, consumer electronics, and industrial control mechanisms.

Flexible PCB assemblies utilize flexible substrates that allow them to bend to fit into small and tight spaces without damaging the circuitry. While they are more expensive than rigid PCB assemblies, they offer a number of advantages, such as accommodation of smaller space and weight limits. This quality makes them well-suited for use in aerospace, military, and other similar applications.

Rigid-flex PCB assemblies combine segments of rigid board and segments of flexible substrate. They help reduce and/or eliminate the need for connectors and improve labor, yield, transmission, and reliability problems. These PCBAs are highly versatile, finding application in a variety of industries, including aerospace, consumer goods, medical, and military. The main disadvantage is their comparatively high price point.

Both flex and rigid-flex PCB assemblies can be designed for either static-flex or dynamic-flex applications. Static-flex PCB assemblies are intended to bend only for installation, typically as a means of fitting them into a small or tight space. Dynamic-flex PCB assemblies are used in products that experience repeated bending.

From Prototyping to Full-Scale Production

Quality Printed Circuit Board Assemblies (PCBAs) at CCK Automations

At CCK Automations, LLC., we design and manufacture IPC-A-610-certified printed circuit board assemblies for customer-specific, industry-specific, and specialized applications.

Our manufacturing facility houses all of the tools we need to develop and deliver quality PCB assemblies, including three high-speed surface mount lines, prototype lines, auto insertion equipment, spade insertion equipment, vapor reflow technology, automated optical inspection machines, and X-ray machines. This equipment allows us to provide a broad selection of PCBA capabilities to meet the various PCBA needs of our customers, including:

  • 3D Automated Optical Inspection
  • BGA and Micro BGA
  • Tin Lead Wave
  • Lead-Free Wave
  • Tin Lead Selective Solder
  • Lead-Free Selective Solder
  • Conformal Coating
  • Dip Coating
  • Selective Coating
  • Potting
  • Robotic Potting
  • Staking
  • Robotic Staking
  • Robotic Gasketing
  • Wire and Cable Assemblies
  • Hand Assemblies
  • Box-Build
  • Complete Testing
  • High-Volume Testing
  • Labeling
  • Customer-Specific Labeling
  • Packaging
  • Foam-in-Place Packaging
  • Full ESD Control Measures
  • Custom Packaging
  • Customer-Specific Packaging
  • Low-Medium-High Volume Assemblies
  • 0201 and Up Package Types
  • Surface Mount Line Placement to 70 Micron Accuracy

In addition to our PCB design, manufacturing, and assembly capabilities, we also offer a full range of in-house injection molding services. As a result, our customers experience the benefits of partnering with a PCBA supplier that completes all design and manufacturing processes under a single roof, such as greater control over product quality, lower freight costs, and faster turnaround time.

For printed circuit board assemblies tailored to your needs, you can count on the expert at CCK Automations. Contact us today to learn more about our PCBA capabilities or request a quote.

Design Engineering Image

Design Engineering

From Concept to Completion

CCK Automations, LLC. can offer over 30 years experience in design for manufacturability, printed circuit board (PCB) design, complete product design, and test development.

Our engineering department offers component engineering, mechanical design and prototype, RF and wireless, quick turn PCB and prototype, electrical design support, order entry, configuration, and fulfillment services, new product engineering services, CAD design and prints including AutoCAD and Solid Works, assembly lifecycle analysis, and DFM (design for manufacturing).

Please contact us today to discuss a product that you would like developed.

Ready to start your project? Let’s take your next step towards innovation.

Request a quote