Levison Enterprises Blog

Is Your Electronic Manufacturing Partner Ready For Your Project?

You have a lot of choices when it comes to partnering with an electronic contract manufacturer. So, how do you know the electronic contract manufacturer (ECM) you choose will be ready for the challenge of your project? The best way to avoid partnering with an ECM who isn’t capable of successfully managing and manufacturing your product is by looking for indicators that DO make them the right choice.

Partnering with a Domestic ECM Can Save You Money

There seems to be a common thought that partnering with an overseas electronic contract manufacturer can save you money. That misconception is just that...and far from the truth. In fact, partnering with a domestic ECM can save you much more money in the long run. There is a long list of reasons, all of which should have you looking here at home in the good old US of A for your next manufacturing partner.

An ECM Should Focus on More Than Assembly

Electronics is one of the largest global industries in the world. Its continued growth has many original equipment providers (OEMs) turning to solution providers that offer industry expertise and experience. This allows them to focus on research and development while a contractor takes over manufacturing. Electronic Contract Manufacturers (ECMs) provide a wide range of value-added engineering and manufacturing outsourcing services to OEMs. They are a partner that can handle as much or as little of your project as you need them to. But the relationship needs to be more than just someone doing a job they are hired to do. You need an ECM that will anticipate your needs so manufacturing runs smoothly no matter what.

Benefits of a Domestic Turnkey ECM for Your Rigid-Flex PCB

Turnkey manufacturing is the smart choice for printed circuit board development and manufacturing. And partnering with a domestic turnkey ECM for your rigid-flex PCB is a great way to go. Instead of outsourcing various stages of your PCBs to multiple locations - and possibly different countries - turnkey manufacturing is a one-stop-shop. This full-service manufacturing process provides everything you need when it comes to manufacturing and supply chain services. This includes design, fabrication, installation, aftermarket support, and technical support. Domestic turnkey manufacturing gives you the expertise and service of multiple contractors under one roof and comes with a multitude of benefits for your rigid-flex PCB project.

Mitigate Parts Obsolescence in Medical Device Manufacturing with a DFM

Patients often rely on electronics to increase their longevity. Their lives depend on medical devices that have long lives of their own. However, parts obsolescence in medical device manufacturing can complicate this. Many electronic components have life cycles which are shorter than that of the medical device in which they are used. Obsolescence of electronic components is a common problem. Sometimes parts become obsolete before a product is even through production. Often the only chance manufacturers have to battle this is with forecasting and being proactive.

Benefits of Partnering with an Electronic Contract Manufacturer in the U.S.

There is a common misconception that you could save a lot of money by relying on foreign manufacturers for electronic contract manufacturing. Not only is this not true, but now more than ever before it's important to work with a domestic ECM partner. Working with a manufacturer in the U.S. supports our economy. It keeps domestic engineers and technicians employed. But, that's not all. Keeping your electronic manufacturing here at home comes with many benefits you will not easily or confidently find overseas.

Flex Circuit vs. Rigid Circuit: Which is Right for Your Project?

Gone are the days when a printed circuit board was only available as a rigid board that allowed for minimal design versatility. The introduction of flexible PCBs into electronic manufacturing has opened up limitless design possibilities. While using the cutting edge technology of a flex circuit seems extremely appealing, sometimes utilizing a traditional rigid board might be better. Which one you use for your project will vary based on a number of considerations, including the end application.

Obsolete Parts is the Great Vulnerability in a Supply Chain

Counterfeits are everywhere. The electronic industry is particularly vulnerable. Electronic technology is rapidly changing, and sometimes it is hard for companies to keep up. The need to regularly source parts or complete a rapid redesign due to parts obsolescence only increases the risk of fakes making their way into your product. It may seem like an uphill battle, but taking time to employ stricter counterfeit electronic component detection and avoidance methods could be the key to ensuring high-quality in your next project.

Your Guide to Flex PCB Types

The electronics industry is constantly evolving. There is a constant demand for products to do more in a much smaller package. Luckily, technology in the form of a flexible printed circuit board allows this to happen. Flexible PCBs are designed for saving room and allowing for a smaller and higher density mounting design. Because they can bend, fold, twist, and change in width, flexible circuit boards provide some major benefits over traditional rigid boards. This includes the ability to fit circuits into tight spaces with almost unlimited design freedom.

Parts Obsolescence Continues to Cause Headaches in Electronic Manufacturing

The electronic manufacturing industry has been battling the problem of parts obsolescence for decades. In an environment where the lifecycle of a component is shorter than the lifecycle of a product, part shortages lead to other headaches. Counterfeit electronic components entering the supply chain is one of the biggest issues resulting from hard-to-source parts. Manufacturers often find themselves scrambling to obtain parts, and when this happens it makes them particularly vulnerable. The key to combat this is by making sure steps are in place to minimize risks by practicing counterfeit electronic component detection and avoidance.

Benefits of a Flexible Printed Circuit Board Design

Rigid printed circuit boards are just fine for a number of applications, but depending on how you choose to utilize the PCBs, you may need to take it to the next level. That's when flexible PCBs enter the picture - they give you the ability to really custom-tailor your next PCB project, moving innovation and design forward.

How to Choose the Right Cable Assembly Company for Your Project

The electronic industry comes with a lot of choices. Choosing the right manufacturer to partner with on a project shouldn't be a stressful situation. Sure, there is a wide variety of custom cable assemblies and cable assembly manufacturers to select from. You need a contractor that will not just meet your needs, but also considers quality, cost, production time, and reducing the chance of cable defects into the job. Here are some things to look for when choosing the right cable assembly company for your project.