Manufacturers use industrial-grade devices that will last a long time, yet even the most durable devices will not function forever. Certain parts, such as the printed circuit board, are susceptible to damage. It’s necessary to get them repaired and bring the devices back online.
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Where Can You Find Affordable PCB Repair Services?
Numerous affordable PCB repair services are ready to help you identify and rectify the ailments of your devices. Here’s an overview of the best and where you can find them.
1. Global Electronic Services
Global Electronic Services is a service and repair company for industrial electronics and manufacturing equipment for businesses worldwide. It can easily perform accurate printed circuit board repair for all types of issues, utilizing advanced diagnostic equipment.
Evaluations can reveal what to expect from the repair process and whether it meets the quote, making it one of the most transparent and affordable PCB repair services. Plus, the provider can replace failed components before testing repaired boards for maximum functionality.
Address: 5325 Palmero Ct, Buford, GA, 30518 and 1010 Pamela Drive, Euless, TX 76040
Key features:
- Deploys skilled and experienced in-house technicians
- Offers a repair price guarantee with an in-service warranty of two years
- Ensures a quick turnaround of three to five days
- Allows risk-free evaluations and rush service as necessary
2. Industrial Control Solutions
Industrial Control Solutions specializes in urgent and expert repair of industrial electronics, operating since 1997. While it is best known for fixing AC and DC drives, it can also handle PCB issues. It aims to beat competitor rates by 10%.
Look forward to cost-effective solutions that ensure the best value for your investment. Repair quotes are also provided for free, along with advice for troubleshooting and maintenance. All in all, the service provider aims to make your equipment seem as good as new.
Address: 2543 Data Dr, Louisville, KY 40299
Key features:
- Offers free evaluation and technical support
- Expedites repair for 24 or 72 hours
- Provides custom developments on products
- Backs services with a warranty of 12 months.
3. American Industrial
American Industrial is an industrial electronics repair company that has worked on over 100,000 parts since 1988. After receiving your report and damaged PCB, the team can evaluate the issue and provide a quote.
From there, specialists will rebuild and test the device to ensure it works. Unique test stands help simulate the PCB’s resilience in real-world operating conditions. Granted, you can also use engineered solutions to make your manufacturing environment more equipment-friendly.
Address: 14240 Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI 48089
Key features:
- Deploys a Pinpoint Diagnostic System that ensures dependable circuit board tests and repairs
- Developed InSite, an on-location asset management system to track repairable assets in your inventory to prolong their lifespan
- Provides a full-service warranty of 24 months
- Delivers personalized customer service to companies
4. Precision PCB Services
Precision PCB Services has been reworking and repairing PCBs and other electronic assemblies since 1991. Some processes it can carry out include solder mask repair, circuit modification, inner layer repairs and more.
The service provider ensures high-end results at an affordable price while complying with the IPC guidelines. It is also committed to lowering waste and defects in the process to improve sustainability without sacrificing quality.
Address: 1750 Mitchell Ave., Oroville, CA 95966
Key features:
- Certified in hand solder training and BGA reworking
- Provides BGA rework machines for in-house PCB repair and modification
- Trains interested manufacturers to the BGA rework stations for free
- Offers 1-year warranties and a lifetime of technical support
5. Schneider Electric Repair
Schneider Electric Repair has over 40 years of experience providing industrial electronic repair to companies. It has even utilized technology and test equipment to research and develop repair capabilities and processes.
Its specialists can easily repair or upgrade your PCB and other automation products. While there is a physical facility, it also accepts industrial electronic shipments. Guidelines for packaging are published on the website to avoid further damage to your electronics.
Address: 235 Burgess Rd, Greensboro, NC 27409
Key features:
- Has worked on a variety of electronic brands
- Avoids scrapping equipment when still usable
- Designs and fabricates replacements of obsolete PCBS
- Delivers best-in-class customer service
6. Advanced Electronic Services
Advanced Electronic Services, or AES, has been operating since 1992, launching industrial electronic repair facilities in various states. On average, it repairs over 25,000 items annually and tests more than 200 fixtures.
It’s committed to helping companies worldwide with industrial equipment repair services. In fact, it has already worked with retail, manufacturing, oil and gas equipment, among other sectors. Count on the providers’ experience to ensure the best quality for your electronics.
Address: 101 Technology Lane. Mt. Airy, NC 27030, 2875 N. Berkeley Lake Rd, Suite 1, Duluth, GA 30096 and 101 Memorial Drive Suite 103 Chattanooga, TN, 37415
Key features:
- Provides free evaluations and quotes per repair
- Ensures a turnaround time of up to 10 business days for standard projects
- Offers rush services with a turnaround time of one to three business days
- Gives a two-year warranty for repairs
7. EMS, Inc.
EMS, Inc. has delivered electronic design, assembly, and repairs for over 19 years. The team has already completed over 200 projects to assist 150 customers worldwide. It has assisted industrial motor manufacturing, product marking, automotive and other industries.
When reworking your circuit board, you can look forward to failure analysis, circuit modification, solder mask repair and component repairs. It can work on schematic, multilayer, high-speed, flex, and rigid flex designs. Rapid sourcing with anti-counterfeit policies is arranged.
Address: PO Box 848, Lincoln, AR, 72744
Key features:
- Employs skilled and experienced technicians
- Processes PCBs of different sizes and thicknesses
- Ensures on-time delivery, amenable to sending partial shipments
- Prioritizes making an affordable repair plan
8. Green Circuits
Green Circuits is a full-service electronics manufacturing service provider with more than 30 years of experience. It specializes in printed circuit board fabrication and assembly, which is vital knowledge when you’re seeking PCB repairs.
One of its most well-known offerings is its BGA rework services, which deliver personalized assessment and repair for circuit boards. State-of-the-art equipment is utilized to provide detailed service and reduce issues.
Address: 1130 Ringwood Ct., San Jose, CA 95131
Key features:
- Employs certified rework technicians for repairs
- Provides quotes in as few as four hours
- Ensures flexible production scalability
- Delivers stellar customer service
9. Associated Imaging Solutions
Associated Imaging Solutions delivers business solutions to help them run more productively and efficiently. It mainly focuses on enhancing tools such as multifunction copiers, laser printers and other imaging-focused products.
Should PCBs break down, it can provide affordable printed circuit board repair services to small and large businesses. It utilizes the latest techniques and technologies to restore your electronics to their best condition.
Address: 165 Veterans Way. Suite 100A Warminster, PA 18974
Key features:
- Capable of high-quality repairs like corrosion removal and impact damage rework
- Can replace select components
- May expedite services to deliver working products in three to five days
- Delivers exceptional customer service
10. BESTProto
BESTProto consists of soldering technicians, SMT process engineers and business people focusing on specialty-build PCBs. It is known for building and assembling electronic prototypes for small businesses.
It can help refurbish existing PCBs in several industries and government entities with its testing and repair services. There are also additional offerings like inventory management, parts reclamation and recycling to help businesses with their footprint.
Address: 1627 Louise Dr., South Elgin, IL 60177
Key features:
- Prioritizes speedy and lead-free assembly
- Provides outsourcing for PCB testing and board repairs
- Offers re-box and re-label services
- Processes returns according to warranties for reworks
What to Consider When Picking PCB Repair Services
With numerous PCB repair services on the market, how can you differentiate and verify what’s legitimate? Fair pricing is often a benchmark when picking a service provider, as you want to ensure you’re getting value for money. Here are other metrics to use when vetting professionals.
| Additional services | Certain PCB repair services may provide additional services like analysis and consultation before the actual repair processes. There are also follow-up offerings like maintenance. However, these will likely entail additional fees in the long run. |
| Experience | PCB problems can range in scale and complexity. If you’re trying to get the parts for your factory automation robots, control systems or other parts of your industrial machinery sorted out, it’d be ideal to seek a repair specialist who’s already done similar work in the past. |
| Warranties | While a PCB is functional during repair, it can break down after further use. Service providers with warranties can help you feel more secure about the quality of their work and commitment to keep their customers’ products working. |
| Customization | Repair services should be able to provide personalized diagnostics and support to your PCB, as each damage can be relatively unique. If they have customized solutions like BGA reworks or circuit modification, that’s a good sign of their skill set. |
Signs That You Need Printed Circuit Board Repair
Some newer manufacturers may find it difficult to pinpoint whether their PCB is already in distress. Here are signals that you need to consider for repairs.
Visible Physical Damage
The PCB is usually inside electronic devices, so you may have to carefully open them to reveal physical stress indicators. First, search for discoloration, as there may have been a short circuit when repairing. You can also look at the capacitors or resistors, as these are prone to cracking or swelling up when in need of repair.
Unusual Burning Smells
Odors can also indicate the PCB’s state. If they’ve been overused, these electronic devices can start to smell like burning. Removing their power sources and isolating the vessels is vital to avoid further damage or sudden fires. Look for other indicators of burning, such as charred marks in the corner or on the capacitor.
Flashing Error Codes
The electronic device’s display panel could display specific error codes pointing to a defective PCB. The manufacturer’s manual may provide a reference for what the code may directly mean. Others may also take it as a sign to run more visual inspections and check up on other signs of damage.
Partial or Complete Power Loss
Specific components of the PCB can start to malfunction, which means the devices will intermittently fail to work. They may also undergo a complete power failure, disrupting your operations. If these devices are becoming more erratic in performance, prioritize people’s safety and pause operations.
What Causes PCB Failure in the First Place?
It’s essential to recognize the culprits of PCB failure in industrial-grade devices to mitigate the issues early on and prevent sudden repairs.
Poor Component Quality
One potential mistake that may have led to the PCB malfunction is using a regular board for heavy-duty operations. While they may work initially, these applications use up much more power and run for an extensive amount of time. Utilizing and maintaining industry-grade equipment is crucial for avoiding quick equipment degradation.
Harsh Environment
Industrial machinery will always involve rugged environments. However, it doesn’t change the fact that too much heat, humidity and dust will result in PCB failure. It’s crucial to conduct proper maintenance on your electronic equipment. You can also look for solutions like cooling coatings to mitigate the undesirable thermal conditions.
Misinput During Assembly
Every component in the PCB has a necessary function, and the slightest shift can result in failure. For example, soldering is one of the main functions that helps components and circuits communicate with one another. Unfortunately, misinput can cause bridges and affect the flow. It’s important to seek electronic equipment from providers with thorough quality checks.
Equipment Age
PCBs can be well-crafted but still naturally break down, just like any other mechanical or electronic system. Part of this can come from old age and excessive use over time. The best way to mitigate this is to contact providers and see whether reworks can extend the life cycle. Otherwise, it may be time for a replacement.
Care for Your PCB on a Budget
PCB repairs should be conducted by capable professionals who ensure quality work and satisfaction. Ideally, you’ll also receive reasonable prices and deals as these restorations are underway. Get your electronic devices back in good condition and continue your operations without worries.