If you're new to electronics manufacturing, the terms "PCB" and "PCBA" are easy to confuse.
What is a PCB?
A PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the bare board — a flat substrate with copper traces. No components attached.
PCB fabrication involves layering, etching, drilling, and plating copper onto the substrate.
What is a PCBA?
A PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) is a PCB with electronic components soldered onto it — resistors, capacitors, ICs, connectors.
PCBA involves solder paste application, component placement, reflow soldering, and inspection.
Key Differences
- PCB = bare board; PCBA = assembled board with components
- PCB is fabricated; PCBA is assembled
- You order PCBs from a fab house; you order PCBA from an assembly house
- HUAXING does both — which saves you time and logistics costs
Contact us for a quote on your PCB or PCBA project today.