
San Francisco Circuits, a leader in PCB fabrication and assembly, provides cutting-edge solutions for the industry’s evolving challenges—particularly in through-hole component assembly where traditional techniques like wave soldering or hand soldering fall short.
In many standard PCB assemblies, wave soldering or hand soldering is commonly used for through-hole components. However, these approaches can become problematic for advanced designs. Boards with Ball Grid Array (BGA) components on both sides, high component density, or closely spaced surface-mount technology (SMT) and through-hole parts can make traditional soldering unreliable or even unfeasible.
Hand soldering, although flexible, often lacks the consistency and repeatability required for high-reliability applications, such as those falling under IPC Class 3 standards. Meanwhile, wave soldering can involve high costs due to the need for custom fixtures and is often unsuitable for tightly packed or thermally sensitive layouts.
For these complex applications, automated selective soldering offers a clear advantage. This method provides precise, repeatable soldering of through-hole components without compromising nearby SMT parts or requiring extensive fixturing. The result is a more consistent, high-quality assembly process that meets the stringent demands of critical-use electronics.
End-to-End PCB Assembly Services
San Francisco Circuits offers both turnkey and consigned PCB assembly services tailored to a wide range of industries including commercial, medical, and defense applications. With the capability to deliver quick-turn prototypes in as little as 24 hours, the company supports everything from single prototypes to high-volume production runs.
Assembly capabilities include:
- Quick-turn and rush PCB prototype assembly
- Turnkey, partial turnkey, and consigned models
- RoHS and non-RoHS compliant processes
- High-precision component assembly down to 01005 size
- Package-on-package (POP) and flip chip integration
- Functional and electrical testing
- Full box build services
The company’s extensive expertise goes beyond soldering and assembly. It encompasses all stages of the PCB lifecycle—design, layout, fabrication, testing, and integration—making San Francisco Circuits a reliable one-stop partner for complete circuit board production.
Efficient Lead Times & Procurement Support
For customers supplying their own components, assembly lead times typically range from 1 to 5 days. In turnkey scenarios, which include both procurement and assembly, the total lead time includes the sourcing period—still often maintaining a turnaround within a week.
Whether customers need support with sourcing rare parts, managing bill of materials (BOM), or calculating proper overages, San Francisco Circuits provides the necessary technical assistance to ensure efficient procurement and accurate inventory planning.
Full & Partial Turnkey Assembly Options
Turnkey PCB assembly simplifies the production process by consolidating sourcing, logistics, assembly, and quality assurance under one provider. This model relieves customers from managing multiple vendors and procurement stages. San Francisco Circuits oversees every detail—from sourcing and shipping components to final assembly and inspection—offering peace of mind and time savings.
Options include:
- Full Turnkey Assembly: Complete management of component sourcing, PCB fabrication, assembly, testing, and shipment.
- Partial Turnkey Assembly: Customers provide selected components while the remaining tasks are handled in-house.
- Consignment Assembly: Customers supply all materials, while San Francisco Circuits performs the final assembly.
- Stocking Consignment: Materials are sent in bulk and securely stored for use in future projects.
Each approach is designed for flexibility, helping clients meet their production goals while maintaining stringent quality control.
Why Turnkey Assembly is Gaining Ground
While consignment was once more common, many companies are now shifting toward turnkey services for the added efficiencies and reduced risks. By leveraging San Francisco Circuits’ strong supplier relationships, customers benefit from:
- Streamlined logistics and fewer sourcing delays
- Accurate overage planning for reduced waste
- Minimized internal labor for kitting and procurement
- Enhanced quality assurance from sourcing to final test
- Faster production cycles and reduced time to market
Automated selective soldering, combined with a comprehensive turnkey assembly offering, positions San Francisco Circuits to consistently deliver reliable, high-quality results for even the most complex PCB projects. The company remains a trusted partner for clients requiring precision, consistency, and accelerated production in electronic manufacturing.