PicDude wrote:
> I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on an automated
> pick-and-place
> system for my own internal use, but the machines would spend most of
> their
> life sitting quietly, so I'm thinking it would be nice to offset some
> of the
> cost by assembling boards for others.  I don't want to become an
> assembly
> house, so it would be for low-volume board assembly, with the customer
> providing their own stencil, and perhaps their own centroid data as
> well.
> This would simplify things for me, and reduce cost for the customers.
>
> But is there really a market for this?

I don't think so.

I've never had to create my own stencil, and would have to do some research
about where to go, what options to ask for, etc.  It's not something I want
to get into, especially since I worry that there are probably various types
or formats of stencils and I don't want to end up with something
incompatible with your equipment.  Then I'd have to ship the stencil to you
and hope it doesn't get damaged in the process.  I'd rather pay the
assembler to do it since they know what they need and then the whole thing
is their responsibility.  Doing my own stencil wouln't reduce my cost, it
would increase it.  If you're running a production line, you have access to
lower cost labor than I can afford to keep around.

As for the centroid data, that's not as bad for most parts.  I can (already
largely have) a Eagle script that dumps this out.  For rectangular or
otherwise symmetrical parts there is no doubt where you think the centroid
is, but for unnusually shaped parts I'd be nervous.

All in all I don't think your model makes sense.  You are only looking at it
from your own point of view.  You need to think how this looks from a
potential customer's point of view.  Maybe you can find a local assembly
place that knows how to do the whole process and handle some overflow for
them occasionally.

Then there is the problem of competing with people all around the world that
do the same thing and more.  Can you beat Djula's prices in Serbia, or
charge less than someone in Viet Nam?  I seriously doubt it.  But from my
point of view Serbia and Florida are nearly equally accessible, both being
on the other end of the internet and both requiring shipping in a box.  If
you're not within a 1 hour drive, then it doesn't matter if your 75 miles or
7,500 miles away.  It's a global economy.  When you're selling something
anyone can do, you're competing with a lot of anyones in far corners of the
world that can live well for a whole day off a fraction of your hourly rate.


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