The electro mechanical assembly is more omnipresent than most might expect. This is due to these assemblies integrating electrical & mechanical components to create systems that accomplish a variety of tasks. These types of systems are found just about everywhere. However, the key to having an optimally performing electro mechanical assembly is meticulous planning.
This includes the following:
Define Your Assembly Requirements
It is important to evaluate the complexity of the assembly needed. Detailed specifications for components such as motors, wiring harnesses, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and connectors should be documented. Compliance with industry regulations must be factored in from the start. Failing to address the basics early on can result in multiple design revisions and costly delays.
Collaborate with the Manufacturer
Collaboration streamlines the design & engineering process. Bringing together design engineers, production teams, and quality assurance personnel ensures that potential issues with electro mechanical assemblies are identified, and corrected, early. Also, communication with component suppliers can help ensure that parts are compatible, available, and that designs for assemblies factor in materials that are easy to come by.
Source Reliable Materials and Components
High-quality components are the backbone of any electromechanical assembly. Partnering with reputable suppliers ensures that materials meet required standards for durability, performance, and safety. It’s also important to consider the availability of components. Supply chain disruptions can cause delays, something that became a global issue in the last few years. Having contingency plans in place (i.e., secondary suppliers or alternative components) is invaluable.
Here is where there is a distinct shift in the process from the customer to the manufacturer. While communication & a collaboration is still a part of things, it’s here that the IDEAL manufacturer begins showcasing what sets them apart from others. Along with their strong design & engineering work, elite electro mechanical assembly manufacturers do the following:
Quality Control
Ensuring the reliability of an electro mechanical assembly requires rigorous quality control processes. Testing protocols should evaluate performance under various conditions, such as stress tests, vibration analysis, and thermal cycling. More importantly, they should evaluate performance akin to that of the customer’s specs. Automation is helping streamlining QC work, providing more consistent results.
Optimize Production Workflow
Efficiency is critical in the production phase of an electro mechanical assembly. Automation (i.e. robotics) is increasingly being used to enhance precision and consistency in manufacturing, simplifying the manufacturing process and reduce assembly time. Ensuring that team members are properly trained & understand assembly processes helps minimize errors and maintain quality.
Delivery of goods on time and on (or below) budget might be seen as the final parts of the process. However, a comprehensive plan for the best electro mechanical assembly doesn’t end here. Customer support is a critical, but often forgotten, element. Also, maintenance schedules should be developed to ensure the longevity of the assembly. To this end, detailed documentation at the facility keeps everyone on the same page in helping the system be in optimal condition.
Electro mechanical assembly purchasing is no small task. It is a process that demands attention to detail, collaboration, and a commitment to quality on all sides. In the end, it all rests on finding the right manufacturing partner with which to work. In a competitive market, finding the right manufacturer to deliver quality products that meet customer needs and stand the test of time can seem overwhelming.
Luckily, LoDan Electronics, Inc. of Illinois has been the go-to name in electro mechanical assembly quality since 1967. Find out what has made us a household name in custom interconnect solutions and electronic assemblies for nearly six decades. Call us today.