NCAB Group: Powering Innovation in Our Electric and Autonomous Race Car
At the core of every innovative project are several core partners that make progress possible. For KTH Formula Student, one of those core partners is NCAB Group, a global leader in high-mix, low-volume printed circuit board manufacturing. Their support has been a cornerstone in our journey to develop DeV19, our upcoming electric and autonomous race car which is the latest iteration in a long line of cars developed by KTH Formula Student. Their dedication to quality, sustainability, and innovation has enabled us to build a vehicle that competes at the forefront of technology within Formula Student.
PCBs That Power Performance
From power management to communication and critical electronic systems, NCAB’s custom PCBs are essential and at the core of nearly every part of our car. With decades of experience, their reputation for delivering accurate products with high quality and total cost efficiency means we can trust that every board will perform under the demanding conditions expected of DeV19. Their ability to manufacture custom and complicated PCB solutions is a key reason we rely on them for our designs. One example is our ongoing project where we are looking to integrate a copper coin for giving equal pressure surface at high voltage current path, something that only a few companies, including NCAB, are capable of producing.
NCAB’s high-quality products are the result of thorough testing of each PCB type they offer. This is complemented by their practice of providing physical samples with cutouts that reveal the internal layer stack-up and showcase the overall build quality. As a customer, this gives us a clearer understanding of the structure and precision behind each board. Since we place our orders through a direct contact at NCAB, we receive much more detailed and constructive feedback on our designs than we would from other companies offering similar services. This allows us to identify and correct potential errors before the boards move into manufacturing, ultimately improving both reliability and efficiency.
Another thing that sets NCAB apart from their competitors is their approach to the PCB as a strategic product throughout its entire life cycle. Their specialists support the process from initial design and prototyping through to volume production. This hands-on involvement ensures that every board we receive is optimized for performance, reliability, and sustainability, all of which are essential to us at KTH Formula Student.
A Decentralized Organization Built Around the Customer
In addition to their technical expertise, NCAB’s decentralized structure allows their local companies to take full responsibility for customer relationships. Local companies within the NCAB Group operate autonomously and are directly responsible for customer relationships, offering quick, tailored support and direct access to decision-makers. This means faster turnaround, greater understanding of our needs, and seamless communication throughout the production process. Their global-local synergy allows them to serve the world’s most demanding industries, and in turn, support our team as we take on the challenge of building an autonomous electric race car from scratch.
With offices in 18 countries, NCAB Group combines global reach with local expertise which allows them to offer competitive terms, quality, and delivery assurance, broadening our production possibilities. Their model ensures that we benefit from both the scale of a global organization and the dedicated service of a local team that truly understands our goals.
From Prototyping to Performance – A Seamless Partnership
NCAB’s involvement spans the entire PCB lifecycle, from design and prototyping to full-scale production, providing consistent quality at every stage. They ensure that their specialists oversee production from design to prototyping and up to volume, guaranteeing that the PCBs are not only reliable but also delivered on time.
Moreover, Group Functions specialists support both the factories and local NCAB units by optimizing systems, processes, and sustainability efforts across the board. This structure enables NCAB to remain agile, efficient, and constantly evolving, values that align perfectly with the demands of motorsport innovation.
Accelerating Swedish Innovation on the Global Stage
As a Swedish team competing globally, we are proud to collaborate at such a deep level with a fellow Swedish company that champions innovation and sustainability. NCAB Group’s continued support empowers us to develop cutting-edge technologies and showcase the strength of Swedish engineering in the fast-paced world of electric and autonomous racing on a global stage.
As we continue developing the DeV19 and beyond, NCAB Group remains an essential and longstanding partner in our journey. Their unwavering support gives us confidence in the reliability of our car’s critical components as well as the confidence to innovate without compromise. Together, we’re not just building a race car but a legacy of forward-thinking engineering and collaboration.
To learn more about NCAB Group, visit hhttps://www.ncabgroup.com/.