Printed circuit board assembly is the process of soldering or assembly of electronic components to a PCB or printed circuit board. A circuit board prior to assembly of electronic components, also known as PCB. Once electronic components are soldered, the board is called Printed Circuit Assembly (PCA) or Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA).
A circuit board assembler is one who is knowledgeable in assembling a printed circuit board. A circuit board assembler is responsible for assembling circuit board components on a PC board while maintaining the highest level of speed, accuracy and quality.
HOW TO BE A CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLER
To be a circuit assembler, you must study and educate yourself. Although in most jobs, a high school diploma is enough, education, experience, and additional training are required for advanced assembly work.
Education – a high school diploma is enough for most employers, or its equivalent for fabricator and assembler positions.
Training – specialized training or an associate’s degree for the most skilled assembly and fabrication jobs may be required by some employers. There are companies who offer on –the-job training programs for their workers. But there are also companies who require formal education, especially those who are engaged in electronic, electrical, and motor vehicle and aircraft products.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations - many employers that hire electrical and electronic assembly workers, especially those in the aerospace and defense industries, require certifications in soldering. Becoming certified can demonstrate competence and professionalism. It also may help a candidate advance in the profession.
IMPORTANT QUALITIES OF A CIRCUIT BOARD ASSEMBLER
Math skills - Assemblers and fabricators must know basic math and must be able to use computers, as the manufacturing process continues to advance technologically.
Technical skills – They must be able to understand technical manuals, blueprints, and schematics for a wide range of products and machines to properly manufacture the final product.
Mechanical skills - assemblers and fabricators to be able to use programmable motion-control devices, computers, and robots on the factory floor in modern production systems.
Color vision – those who make electrical and electronic products must be able to distinguish different colors because the wires they work with often are color coded.
Physical stamina - Assemblers and fabricators must be able to stand for long periods and perform repetitious work.
Dexterity – they should have a steady hand and good hand-eye coordination, as they must grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts and components that are often very small.
Physical strength - Assemblers and fabricators must be strong enough to lift heavy components or pieces of machinery. Some assemblers, such as those in the aerospace industry, must frequently bend or climb ladders when assembling parts. Thus they have to be physically fit and strong.