What box-build means
Box-build is the assembly of a tested PCBA into a finished, packed unit. It includes mechanical integration, cable harnessing, sealing, antenna placement, label application, and packaging.
Without box-build, a PCBA manufacturer ships boards. With box-build, the manufacturer ships finished products.
Tiers of box-build scope
Sub-assembly: PCBA into housing with conformal coat or potting if needed. Cabling not included or limited to short pre-built harnesses. Buyer handles final integration.
System integration: Sub-assembly plus full cable harness building, mechanical fixturing, gasketing, antenna placement. Unit assembled and tested as a complete product.
Full turnkey: System integration plus packaging, documentation insertion, master carton labeling, optionally outbound logistics.
The right tier depends on what the buyer wants to own internally.
What full box-build typically includes
- PCBA into housing
- Conformal coating or potting on the PCBA where specified
- Cable harnesses built and routed
- Mechanical fasteners torqued to spec
- Gaskets seated, lid closed
- Sample IP rating verification
- Antenna placement and orientation
- Final functional test
- Label application after final test
- Packaging per buyer spec
- Master carton with batch label
- Optional pallet build and shipment
What buyer typically owns
- Mechanical part design and tooling
- Cable harness specification
- Label artwork and content
- Packaging design
- Customs and international logistics arrangement (sometimes)
Why post-test labeling matters
A unit labeled before test that fails the test is wasted label and possibly mislabeled rework. Discipline: test, then label, then pack. Always in that order.
Why antenna placement matters
For connected devices, antenna position inside the housing decides RF performance. Inconsistent placement gives inconsistent field RF reports. The assembly drawing has to specify antenna position, orientation, and clearance, and production has to enforce it.
Why gasketing matters
IP rating depends on gasket compression. Gasket compression depends on torque on the housing fasteners. Torque-controlled assembly with sample IP testing per batch is what delivers consistent IP performance.
Common scope confusion
- Buyer assumes "box-build" includes packaging design (usually no, design is buyer's)
- Buyer assumes "box-build" includes outbound shipping (sometimes, usually quoted separately)
- Buyer assumes mechanical parts are sourced by the manufacturer (sometimes, depends on engagement)
- Buyer assumes label artwork is provided by the manufacturer (no, buyer provides artwork)
Always confirm scope in writing before pilot.