For over 30 years, ETI has provided complete, custom solutions and services, including design for manufacturing (DFM), prototyping, leaded or RoHS compliant manufacturing and testing of mixed technology assemblies. Capabilities include BGAs, Micro-BGAs, LGAs and fine pitch devices.
ETI provides the in-depth expertise and quality found in larger electronic contract manufacturers yet has the nimbleness to provide one-on-one personal service. We believe that being a successful PCBA manufacturer depends on a combination of:
We specialize in customers with: Small-to-medium volumes that require rigid process controls for their complex products.
Our staff: Includes Certified IPC Trainers.
Our Quality Management System: Enables us to consistently provide printed circuit board assemblies that conform to strict specifications and operate reliably in numerous applications and environments. We are registered to ISO 9001:2015.
We offer a full menu of PCBA manufacturing services to bring your product to market. The dedicated ETI team of expert industry professionals builds the highest-quality assemblies using the latest automated assembly equipment, including:
ETI offers through-hole (or thru-hole) services for both lead-free and leaded assemblies. We support RoHS processes for selective and wave solder. Our selective soldering station provides robotic soldering for the highest level of reliability in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
A question we are often asked is:
What is the difference between surface mount and through-hole technology in the printed circuit board assembly process?
Surface mount technology (SMT), the most common method of PCB board assembly, is fast and cost-effective. It allows smaller components to be densely packed on both sides of the board. Components are usually positioned with automated pick-and-place machinery onto solder paste that has been applied with the help of a screen printer and stencil. Then the assembled board is heated in a multi-zone reflow oven, which liquefies the paste.
Through-hole mounting, a technique with a longer history, creates a strong, durable bond that minimizes the risk of shearing. Component leads are mounted through vias drilled into the PCB and secured by utilizing a wave solder or selective soldering machine. In both through-hole and surface mount technology, the bond is created as the solder cools.
Every board begins with a substrate that can consist of multiple layers of copper foil routing. Many PCB assemblies are of a hybrid nature, blending through-hole and surface mount technology (SMT), with the majority of the components surface mount and a few larger or heavier components through-hole mounted. Most of our PCBA projects are mixed technology.
Our new production introduction (NPI) process is a way to get your products to market faster in a more cost-competitive manner than traditional printed circuit board assembly prototype builds.
How does it work? We commit to buying for the entire production order, while also providing you with a small number of assemblies to prove out your design and to evaluate our first unit builds.
By doing it this way, we narrow the gap between your first article approval and delivery of your production units. The cost of changing a few discrete components will be much less than the cost of a small prototype run. Any changes to the process can be accommodated quickly.
The diverse high-tech industries and products that rely on our boards include:
1. Specifications
The more information a customer provides upfront, the better we’ll be able to build a robust product and prevent production delays. Important information includes: A complete bill of material (BOM) in Excel format that contains component descriptions, manufacturer and manufacturer part number, quantity and component designators. How does the product function and what performance benchmarks need to be met? What environmental factors must the electronics withstand? Are there any agency standards we need to work within?
2. Problem Solving
We make a point to consider potential issues and challenges early, ideally during the quoting/DFM process. We’re not PCB designers, but we are experts in optimizing products for production. For example, we can provide bare board panelization suggestions that result in cost savings, or alternate components that might be more readily available
3. Supply Chain
Our experience and foresight, including component safety stock programs and other custom solutions, keep your supply chain operating with minimal disruption. When it appears that a component is likely to become obsolete in the near future, we will recommend alternatives.
4. Assembly
We provide surface mount, through hole and mixed technology assemblies using the latest in assembly equipment. As a full-service integrator, we also offer conformal coating and complete box build if you require those services.
5. Testing
We manufacture to IPC-A-610 Class II and III standards, and our inspection and testing capabilities include 3D AOI (automated optical inspection), X-ray and functional testing.
6. Quality
Our quality management system is in full compliance with ISO 9001:2015, certified by Perry Johnson Registrars.
We serve customers in many industries, such as industrial controls, scientific instrumentation, aerospace, medical, agriculture, water purification and monitoring, high-density mobile storage systems and HVACR building controls. Rigorous, reliable and responsive, we exceed expectations through continuous improvement, personalized service and ISO 9001:2015 quality management.
In addition to ISO 9001:2015, we adhere to IPC-A-610 class II and III good manufacturing practices. We are UL and CSA Certified and provide potting and box build capabilities.
No matter what fluxing agent you choose (no-clean or active), we have the cleaning processes you require to accommodate your needs. We are experienced in the nuances of conformal coating and parylene coating.
We have the equipment and the knowledge to provide you with either RoHS compliant assemblies or leaded assemblies depending on your industry requirements. The strictest process controls prevent cross-contamination. of these two processes.