Aspocomp, a Finnish leader in the printed circuit board (PCB) technology, provides a seamless process for transitioning from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing. With over a decade of refinement, Aspocomp’s customer-centric approach combines in-house production in Oulu with trusted global partnerships to provide high-quality PCBs for customers in 46 countries. Aspocomp’s expertise ensures fast delivery, reliable quality, and ongoing technical support throughout the product lifecycle.
Aspocomp demonstrates its commitment to quality and reliability through certifications and over 40 years of experience. Aspocomp holds ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016, and AS9100D certifications, ensuring the highest quality standards across all operations. These include meeting rigorous requirements for aerospace and automotive industries, further reinforced by certified partners in China.
“Our certifications demonstrate our dedication to maintaining the highest quality standards across all our operations,” says Aspocomp’s Sales Manager Tuula Erkinjuntti.
Step 1: Product development
In most cases, the journey begins with product development, where Aspocomp manufactures prototypes at its Oulu facility. These prototype batches allow customers to validate their designs, refine functionality, and ensure manufacturability before scaling up production.
Every customer is assigned a dedicated technical engineer who serves as their go-to expert throughout the project. This engineer can assist in specifying materials, best-fit stack up and recommend the customised design rules. By working closely with the customer, they ensure the PCB design is not only manufacturable but also tailored to meet specific application requirements.
“Our close collaboration with customers during product development ensures that their specific needs are met, leading to a more efficient and successful production”, emphasizes Tuula.
Key aspects include:
- Technical Support: Expertise in PCB structure, materials, and manufacturability to reduce costs and enhance production efficiency.
- Prototyping: Smooth and fast iterations to perfect the design.
It is also possible to streamline the process further by working with Aspocomp’s partners and starting production directly in China, without going through the prototyping process in Oulu factory.
Step 2: Transition to Volume Manufacturing
After the prototypes are finalised and approved, Aspocomp ensures a smooth transition to high-volume manufacturing. Production is carried out by audited and certified partners in China, replicating the processes established during prototyping to guarantee consistency and quality.
Tuula notes, “By managing the entire production coordination, we eliminate the complexities for our customers, allowing them to focus on their core business.”
What makes this phase effective:
- Seamless Process Transfer: Prototype designs are replicated precisely for high-volume production.
- Quality Control: Additional testing at Aspocomp’s Oulu facility ensures compliance with quality standards.
- Simplified Communication: Aspocomp handles all production coordination, eliminating the need for customers to manage international operations.
Step 3: Comprehensive Lifecycle Support
Aspocomp remains a trusted partner throughout the product’s lifecycle, providing solutions for both large-scale production and smaller, specialized needs. As demand decreases, production can be relocated back to Oulu for cost-effective and efficient manufacturing.
Benefits for customers include:
Technical Collaboration: Continuous support for design updates and evolving
needs.
- Technical Collaboration: Continuous support for design updates and evolving needs.
- Flexible Small-Batch Production: Quick turnaround for urgent or niche applications.
- Smooth Production Relocation: Easily transition manufacturing back to Oulu to accommodate changing volumes or lifecycle phases. *
This lifecycle approach ensures customers can adapt to changes in demand, market conditions, or logistical challenges without compromising efficiency.
* A key advantage of the process outlined here is that production can be seamlessly relocated back to Oulu if needed, as the initial phases of the project were completed at Aspocomp. This eliminates the need for additional approvals or clarifications, saving both time and effort while providing customers with peace of mind. By safeguarding against potential disruptions such as geopolitical conflicts or global crises, this model ensures that, should challenges arise, the transfer back to Oulu remains straightforward. Customers can rely on the stability and reliability of production in Finland’s calm and secure environment.
Step 4: Transportation and Storage
Aspocomp supports all logistics for products manufactured in China, offering flexible transportation options based on customer needs.
Shipping options include:
- Air Freight: Standard air shipping for regular deliveries, balancing speed and cost-effectiveness.
- Sea Freight: Cost-effective for large shipments.
- Express Shipping: Rapid solutions for urgent deliveries.
This tailored logistics service ensures timely delivery, allowing customers to focus on their core business.
For long-term projects Aspocomp can also offer a variety of consignment and buffer stock solutions.
Your Trusted Partner in PCB Innovation
Tuula Erkinjuntti, Aspocomp’s Sales Manager, brings over 15 years of experience in the PCB industry, fostering strong customer relationships and ensuring tailored solutions for every project. Her expertise and commitment to understanding customer needs have been pivotal in shaping Aspocomp’s customer-centric approach, emphasising seamless processes, high-quality results, and long-term collaboration.
“Our priority is to build lasting partnerships by delivering exceptional service and solutions that meet the unique requirements of each customer,” Tuula states.
Over the years, Aspocomp’s operational model has been refined to deliver tangible benefits, including reduced lead times, cost-efficient production, and consistently high-quality results. This proven model seamlessly integrates product development, prototyping, and volume production, ensuring reliability and efficiency at every stage.
By partnering with Aspocomp, customers have access to a dedicated team that prioritizes their success, offering expertise in rapid prototyping, flexible logistics, and comprehensive lifecycle support.
Ready to streamline your PCB supply? Contact Aspocomp today to get started.
