PCBA assembly, manufacturing and prototyping with ultra-low to medium volume batch production.
As one of only a handful of UK-based AS9100 accredited PCBA suppliers.
Trizo’s PCB assembly process offers a more rapid and reliable way to bring sophisticated electronics products to market, built for critical, high-integrity sectors.
We support the full journey from PCB manufacturing and prototyping through to finished PCB assembly, with batch sizes ranging from ultra-low volume to medium volume production.
What is PCBA Assembly?
PCB assembly (PCBA) is the process of soldering electronic components onto a bare printed circuit board (PCB) to create a finished, functioning circuit.
- A PCB is the foundation, an unpopulated board with conductive pathways.
- A PCBA is that same board once every component has been mounted, soldered and tested, ready to function inside a finished device.
Built for Complex Electronics
Trizo isn’t just equipped for straightforward PCBA. We’re built to take on the complex boards and assemblies that demand greater engineering expertise.
From fine-pitch and mixed-technology assemblies to high layer-count and HDI boards, dense BGA placement and rigid-flex, we have the capability to manufacture challenging builds right first time, to AS9100 standards.
Our engineering expertise spans DFM/DFT, process engineering and production, backed by experienced project management to keep complex builds on track from design through to production.
Our PCB Assembly Process
Trizo’s PCB assembly process combines precision equipment, experienced engineering and rigorous quality control across five key stages:
- Solder paste printing
- Automated component placement
- Reflow soldering
- Selective soldering
- Inspection & testing
Solder Paste Printing
Solder paste printing prepares the PCB for precise component placement and reliable soldering.
Our capabilities:
- High-precision printing: Trizo uses advanced SMT stencil printing equipment, including the Europlacer EP710, featuring 1-micron linear encoders for exceptional accuracy and repeatability.
- Controlled paste deposition: A precision stainless-steel stencil is aligned with the PCB, with apertures matching each component pad. Solder paste is applied using a squeegee to ensure consistent coverage.
- Reliable results: Precise paste application helps prevent defects such as solder bridging, weak joints and incomplete solder connections.
Pick-and-Place Assembly
Trizo’s high-speed SMT assembly capabilities combine speed, precision and flexibility for a wide range of PCB assemblies.
Our capabilities:
- High-speed placement: Our S20 Hybrid Modular Mounter can place up to 45,000 components per hour, delivering fast and accurate component positioning.
- Precision placement: Vacuum nozzles and advanced vision systems pick components from reels or trays and accurately position them onto solder-paste-covered pads.
- Component flexibility: From resistors and capacitors to ICs, connectors and microcontrollers, components are checked for orientation and alignment during placement.
- Complex assemblies: Our equipment and expertise support everything from standard SMT builds to complex, high-density assemblies.
Reflow Soldering
Reflow soldering creates the permanent electrical and mechanical connections between components and the PCB.
- Controlled reflow: Assemblies pass through a multi-zone reflow oven using a carefully controlled temperature profile covering preheating, soaking, reflow and cooling.
- Reliable solder joints: As the solder paste melts, it forms strong electrical and mechanical connections between components and PCB pads.
- Process control: Precise temperature and timing help prevent defects such as cold joints, solder bridging and component damage.
- Flexible production: Our reflow process is suitable for a wide range of PCB assemblies, from standard SMT builds to complex, high-density assemblies.
Selective Soldering
Trizo provides high-precision automated selective soldering for PCBs containing through-hole components alongside SMT devices, using advanced ERSA equipment.
Our capabilities:
- Dual-pot technology: Two solder pots allow different alloys to be used without retooling delays, or enable increased throughput when using a single alloy.
- High-purity nitrogen: Our on-site nitrogen generation provides over 99.995% purity, helping prevent oxidation, minimise dross and produce reliable solder joints.
- Precision fluxing: Micro-drop jet or spray flux is applied only where required, helping reduce residue around sensitive components.
- Quality assured: Our selective soldering process is backed by AS9100 certification and supported by automated X-ray inspection as part of our zero-defect approach.
PCB Assembly Inspection and Testing
Quality inspection and testing are integral to every PCBA process, helping ensure assemblies meet the required standards for performance and reliability.
Our capabilities:
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): high-resolution cameras check for missing or misaligned components, incorrect polarity and solder defects against the reference design.
- Automated X-Ray Inspection (AXI): Provides visibility of hidden solder joints, particularly on BGAs and other bottom-terminated components.
- Functional Testing: Assemblies can be tested under real operating conditions to check circuit functionality, signal integrity and power distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
PCB manufacturing is the process of producing the bare circuit board, while PCB assembly involves placing and soldering electronic components onto that board to create a functioning PCB assembly.
Depending on your requirements, Trizo can support the wider journey from component sourcing and assembly through to inspection, testing and box build.
To provide an accurate quotation, we typically need your Bill of Materials (BOM), Gerber or PCB manufacturing files, pick-and-place data and any relevant assembly drawings or special requirements.
If you’re unsure what information is needed, our team can help identify the documentation required.
Yes. Trizo can support component sourcing as part of your PCB assembly project, helping manage the supply of components alongside the manufacturing process. Discover how Trizo can support your supply chain and procurement process.
We support projects ranging from prototypes and ultra-low-volume builds through to medium-volume production and more complex, higher-demand manufacturing requirements. The right approach depends on your product, forecast and production needs.
Lead times depend on factors including component availability, PCB complexity, production volume and testing requirements. Once we understand your requirements, we can provide a more accurate production lead time.
Yes. Early involvement can help identify potential manufacturing challenges before production starts. Trizo can support customers with pre-production services and engineering input to help move a design towards manufacture.
Yes, depending on the project requirements. We can discuss whether customer-supplied or Trizo-sourced components are the most suitable approach for your build.
Yes. Depending on your requirements, Trizo can provide additional manufacturing services including cable and harness assembly, conformal coating and box build, helping customers consolidate multiple stages of production with one manufacturing partner.