Industrial electronics manufacturing processes for control, monitoring, and power systems can be highly technical and, oftentimes, difficult to understand. Between design considerations and finding the right manufacturer for your needs, costs, and shipping logistics, there are a number of topics to be informed about with this style of manufacturing.

SMTNW lays out a guide that covers some of the most important topics to consider when evaluating needs for industrial electronics manufacturing.

System Types and Best Practices

Establishing exactly what type of system you need manufactured is critical, as control, monitoring, and power systems all do different things, which in turn means the design and manufacturing of these systems are going to be different.

For control systems, PLCs, PACs, drive controllers, and control panels where logic is executed are essential aspects of projects. Additionally, sequencing machines containing an interface that features actuators are likely to be featured.

When it comes to monitoring systems, remote I/O features, sensor hubs, data loggers, and SCADA front ends are a must. They can also contain power meters and condition monitoring modules to give users enhanced control and monitor key metrics or visuals.

Lastly, for power systems, AC-DC and DC-DC converters, motor drives, and soft starters are going to be necessary throughout manufacturing. UPS interfaces and power distribution units featured within control panels are also part of the equation.

Additional Considerations

  • The environment where your equipment is going to be located. This includes factors such as temperature, vibration, dust, moisture, chemical exposure, and more.
  • Safety integrity such as SIL levels and functional safety needs, and panel voltage levels.
  • Ensuring products follow all regulations. For products being used in the United States, this includes UL, CSA, and NEC regulations.

Industrial Electronics Manufacturing Demands Standards and Regulatory Frameworks

Industrial electronics manufacturing demands stringent standards and regulatory frameworks to be followed before, during, and after production cycles. When it comes to the chosen topic — control, monitoring, and power systems — some unique standards and regulations must be adhered to.

Systems that feature control panels and wiring must adhere to UL 508A regulations in order to be considered industrial control panels. Additionally, electrical safety considerations, conductor types, and protection parameters should be aligned with NFPA 70 and NFPA 70E for best practices.

As far as electronics and PCBs are concerned, manufacturers must follow IPC codes. This includes IPC-2221 for simple PCB design with a focus on creepage and clearance, materials, and layout rules. IPC-A-600 codes apply to bare board acceptances, with IPC-A-610 geared toward electronic assembly acceptability. And lastly, there is IPC-7351 for all SMT land pattern design, with IPC-620 for cable and harness assemblies.

The best manufacturers know everything that these codes entail and ensure design, manufacturing, and post-production operations follow these standards and regulations.

Design Best Practices for Industrial Electronics Manufacturing Services

While control, monitoring, and power systems are different in both design and application, having best practices readily available can be helpful for both manufacturers and customers.

All systems should heavily rely on and incorporate design for manufacturing (DFM), as it streamlines the manufacturing process and makes going from design to production easier.

Control systems require a logical arrangement of power in sources, distribution, control, and field I/O parameters. It’s also best to allow for proper spacing in order for parts to have room to breathe — thermal considerations — and it is required by UL 508A standards.

For all systems, ensure that wiring systems as well as power distribution are efficient in layout, usage of cable ducts, and trays. Additionally, ensure that wireways maintain specified clearances to simplify maintenance needs down the road.

As a final consideration, clearly mark all items in your builds with proper documentation, warnings, and compliance measures.

General Manufacturing, Testing, and Lifecycle Considerations

As a final note, while industrial electronics manufacturing can vary depending on what system is being produced, there are general considerations and best practices to follow.

  • Use properly documented instructions that align with IPC standards for items such as PCB assemblies and panel builds.
  • Integrate solid quality control stopping points to ensure builds are being created as designed and function properly.
  • Electrical tests of vacant PCBs followed by in-circuit testing (ICT), as well as functional testing of assemblies, provides three levels of data for both manufacturers and customers.
  • When performing tests, gather data to use as reference points for real-world applications so customers know the full capabilities and functionality of their systems.

Contact SMTNW for Your Industrial Electronics Manufacturing Services Today

Since 1996, SMTNW has provided expert solutions, quick quotes, fast turnaround times, and high-quality builds for all industrial electronics manufacturing projects. Our Portland, Oregon, facility serves as the base of our operation, where we’ve created numerous modules that have served as control, monitoring, and power systems.

With numerous quality metrics and measures in place, including ISO and RoHS compliance, your builds don’t leave our facility until we know they meet the highest quality standards. When it’s time to get started on your industrial electronics manufacturing services, contact the team at SMTNW, and we’ll work together on bringing your vision to life.