Kitting Process
The kitting process in electronics manufacturing involves gathering and organizing all the necessary components required for PCB assembly into kits, which are then provided to the assembly team. This process is crucial to ensure that the correct parts are available in the right quantities for the manufacturing process. Attrition values are used to account for potential losses or damage to small SMT (Surface Mount Technology) components like 0402-size parts during handling and assembly. Here’s an explanation of the kitting process and attrition values:
Kitting Process
- 1. Component Selection: The first step in kitting is to identify and select all the required electronic components for a specific PCB assembly job. This includes resistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, diodes, connectors, and other parts.
- 2. Inventory Check: Verify the availability of these components in the inventory or order them from suppliers if necessary. Components should be from reputable sources to ensure quality.
- 3. Quantity Determination: Determine the exact quantity of each component needed for the PCB assembly. This is based on the bill of materials (BOM) and assembly instructions.
- 4. Component Packaging: Components are organized and packaged into kits. Each kit contains all the components required for a single PCB assembly, simplifying the assembly process.
- 5. Labeling: Each kit is typically labeled with a unique identifier or barcode, making it easy to match kits to specific PCBs or assembly jobs.
- 6. Quality Control: A quality control check is performed to ensure that all components are correctly identified, and their values, markings, and packaging are in accordance with the BOM.
- 7. Attrition Values: For small SMT components like 0402-size parts and others, attrition values are calculated and included in the kits. Attrition values represent an estimate of the additional components needed to account for potential losses or damage during the assembly process. The attrition rate can vary depending on factors like component size, handling procedures, and the experience of the assembly team.
Attrition Values for 0402-Size Parts (and Others):
These are among the smallest SMT components commonly used in PCB assembly. Due to their tiny size, they can be challenging to handle, and losses may occur during the assembly process. Attrition values for 0402-size parts can range from 2% to 5% or more, depending on the specific assembly environment and practices.
Attrition values for other SMT components, such as 0603, 0805, 1206, or larger, are typically lower than those for 0402-size parts. For example, attrition values for 0603 components may be around 1% to 2%.
