> ...let's say you have a working
> prototype based in a PIC12C508 the size of a Basic Stamp II board (the
> device could be a really annoying toy, an access control device
> for doors in
> the home, etc.) and you have the commitment of a company to buy 2000 units
> every month if the cost is 10.00 USD for unit...could you please
> share your
> opinions, thoughts, suggestions about the approach that you would
> follow to
> manufacture this thing  ?.
>
> Some of the ways I have been exploring and evaluating are:
>
> a). Outsource in Taiwan ?...2000 units for month seems a very
> small volume.
> b). Buy parts + Outsource PCB's + Assemble in Mexico City ( I
> live in Mexico
> City)
> c). ...I don't have a c). option...in fact I am out of options.... "8o) .
>
> Thanks !
>
> Gerardo Arroyo
> Bridge Technologies
>
> e-mail: garroyo@bridgetech.com.mx
>

I would guess that 2000 boards of that size might be too low a volume to be
done cost effectively in Asia.  Check with the local contract manufacturing
houses in your area.  They will probably want the boards web routed on a
panel with 100-150 boards per panel.  With pick and place machines and
reflow ovens they could do your entire months run in short order.  You
should also look into having them purchase the parts.  Because of their
volumes, they can often get much better pricing than you would.

One last thought on this.  Most of the value added to any product tends to
be in manufacturing.  Don't be too surprised to find the contract assembly
house making more money on your product than you do.  You can buy a low end
(but still automated) surface mount assembly line for about US$ 50k.  If
your volumes pick up, the time to recover your capital costs can be
amazingly short.

Good luck on your product

Mark Walsh