How does PCB fabrication work? Will I get back a blank board or?

Let's say I design a PCB with given components in EAGLE. If I send this bundle to a manufacturer, will I get back a board with the components already assembled or will I get back a blank board with traces and holes?

PCB Assembly
September 19, 2023

There are PCB fabricators that make the blank boards, plated with holes.

Then there are PCBA factories that will contract PCB fabricators. PCB fabricator will deliver blank PCB to them and then order your parts according to your BOM. Later, the PCBA factory will install components per your assembly drawings. Finally, they will perform any testing according to your test instructions. Then deliver the turnkey assembly to you.

The easiest and probably best way is to turn the whole thing over one factory which offers both PCB manufacturing and PCBA service.

Oliver Smith

Oliver is an experienced electronics engineer skilled in PCB design, analog circuits, embedded systems, and prototyping. His deep knowledge spans schematic capture, firmware coding, simulation, layout, testing, and troubleshooting. Oliver excels at taking projects from concept to mass production using his electrical design talents and mechanical aptitude.

Oliver Smith

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