ELECTRO MECHANICAL & BOX BUILD ASSEMBLIES
ELECTRO MECHANICAL & BOX BUILD ASSEMBLIES
Carr Manufacturing (CMC) is a turnkey electronic manufacturing company that specializes in custom electro-mechanical and box build and assemblies. CMC provides Electronic Manufacturing Services (EMS) to help customers achieve the best performance with their circuits. These services are a natural extension of our cable and wire products. We provide support services for cable assembly and integration of electronic devices. This allows our customers to access our quality and level of proficiency in EMS as well.
The Box Build Assembly Process
The box build process involves the assembly of complex electrical and mechanical components into an integrated system contained within an enclosure or box. Since each project has its own unique set of requirements, they can vary vastly from enclosing circuitry to integrating multiple sub-level processes. Both the industry and the application can impact the variations of and considerations for wire harness and electro mechanical fabrication projects, and, in turn, the regulations and guidelines that they must conform to.
The box build may incorporate both pneumatic and mechanical components, integration with user interfaces, and more. A customary box build involves installing sub-assemblies and additional components, then wiring and cabling before fabricating the enclosure. Electro mechanical assembly may include one or more of the following:
- System design
- Sub-level product assembly
- Assembly and system testing
- Software installation and product configuration
- Packaging
- Labeling
- Warehousing and order management
The timeline for each build will vary with the level of complexity and the scope of the project. However, there are some steps you can and should take prior to beginning the project. Not only could they shorten the timeline, but they will also ensure you get exactly what you expect from the completed product. Before your box build supplier begins work on your order, furnish the following items to help streamline the process.
BILL OF MATERIALS
Electronic Manufacturing Services providers require clear expectations of what is to be included in the order. If you are sourcing any free materials, those should be itemized, as well. Someone must acquire consumables like tie wraps, nuts, bolts, fixatives, wire, wire identifiers, heat shrink, washers, and other small items, so identifying who will purchase them can prevent confusion and delays.
DIMENSIONS
Document and deliver the expected size and weight of the product to the EMS provider. Understanding the product dimension requirements ahead of time allows the EMS provider to better plan for construction materials. It also impacts the storage needs during the assembly process, as well as the shipping method, materials, and costs. Failing to agree on this ahead of time could result in the unit not fitting the installation site.
SAMPLE UNIT/ASSEMBLY/PROTOTYPE
If you do not have detailed design drawings, or if your drawings are incomplete, providing a sample unit to your EMS provider can be valuable. Skilled providers can quickly build one or more 3D prototypes of your assembly, even without detailed design documents. If your provider is experienced in providing design services, that can be an additional level of assurance that they will be able to translate your requirements successfully into the product you have requested.
TESTING
Your provider should explain all the testing they perform before providing a quote. If you have specific testing requirements, or if your team must conduct their own battery of tests during the assembly process, agreeing on the responsibilities and incorporating those tasks into the project plan avoids delays and miscommunication that could prevent the timely completion of your unit.
PACKAGING
Electro mechanical equipment packaging doesn’t just extend to the shipping containers. It can be a protective packaging of the fully assembled unit and safeguard its components. Make sure the packaging and labeling services of your EMS provider are clearly stated. If you have specific expectations about packing and transportation, agree on those specs with your provider and document them in the order.
