Get 25% OFF on your first PCB Assembly order!

PCB Assembly
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know

General Information

PCB assembly is the process of soldering and attaching electronic components (such as resistors, capacitors, ICs, and connectors) onto a printed circuit board (PCB) to create a fully functional electronic device.

Fabrication refers to manufacturing the bare PCB from design files, while assembly involves mounting components onto the fabricated board.

Pricing & Quotes

To provide an accurate quote, we need the Gerber files, bill of materials (BOM) in Excel format, as well as the expected quantities and lead times. The BOM must contain the manufacturer part numbers and reference designators.

Costs are based on board complexity, number of components, labor, and testing requirements. Component sourcing may also affect pricing.

Our online quote is calculated based on the information you enter such as the number of line items, SMT, through-hole, QFN, and BGA placements, whether the board is double-sided SMT, and if you require lead-free processing or Class 3. After you place an order, we review your data to confirm everything matches. If there are discrepancies, we will provide you with an updated quote.

Ordering & Paying

Yes, you can quote and order your entire PCB assembly project online, including bare boards, assembly, and electronic components.

Yes, you can. Paying with a credit card is quick and convenient (and you can even earn miles). We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.

Yes, we can accept purchase orders. However, before we can process a PO, we’ll need your credit references first so we can set your company up with NET 30 payment terms.

Design & File Requirements

Typically, we require Gerber files, a Bill of Materials (BOM), and a Pick-and-Place/Centroid file. Additional files like schematics and assembly drawings can also be helpful.

Gerber files should follow standard RS-274X or Gerber X2 format. BOMs are usually accepted in Excel or CSV format.

We use different layers of your Gerber files for specific purposes:
  • Copper layers (top & bottom): to verify pad locations and scaling
  • Paste layers (top & bottom): to create the SMT stencil(s)
  • Silkscreen layers (top & bottom): to check reference designator placement and component orientation

The silkscreen layer provides important information such as polarity and reference designators for components. From diodes and polarized capacitors to QFNs and BGAs where orientation is essential. If the CAD data doesn’t clearly indicate rotation, the silkscreen is our best reference. It’s also an important resource for QA inspectors and repair technicians.

Our software supports a wide range of CAD program outputs, as well as generic .csv and .txt files. The only requirement is that the files are not in binary format. We accept data from a number of CAD tools, including Altium, OrCAD, Protel, Eagle, PowerPCB, PADS, and PCAD.

Components & Sourcing

We can source components, use customer-supplied parts, or a combination of both.

We’ll notify you and suggest equivalent alternatives or work with you to source from approved suppliers.

Yes, but sourcing time may be longer. In such cases, we may recommend substitutes.

For common passives, please provide at least 50 pieces on a 10–12 inch continuous strip or a 5% overage, whichever is greater. For ICs and other high-value components, 1–2 extra parts could be sufficient for prototypes or short runs.

Please package the parts in anti-static carriers or moisture-sensitive packaging.

Assembly Capabilities

We handle Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Thru-Hole, and mixed technology assemblies.

Yes, we support QFN, BGA, micro-BGA, and other advanced packages with X-ray inspection capability.

We support everything from prototypes to full-scale production. There is no strict MOQ.

Quality & Testing

Assemblies are built to IPC-A-610 standards and our facility is ISO 9001 certified. RoHS compliance is also available.

We provide AOI (Automated Optical Inspection), X-ray inspection (for BGAs), in-circuit testing (ICT), and functional testing upon request.

Lead Times & Turnaround

Lead time depends on complexity, component availability, and order size. Prototypes can be completed in as little as 24–48 hours.

Yes, we provide quick-turn PCB assembly for urgent projects.

Logistics & Shipping

All assemblies are packaged in ESD-safe materials with protective wrapping to ensure safe delivery.

Yes, we can ship using your UPS or FedEx account. If you don’t have a shipping account, we can prepay the charges and add them to your invoice.

We only add shipping insurance upon customer request. The customer specifies the coverage amount and is responsible to cover the shipping cost.

All remaining materials are returned along with the completed assemblies.

Yes, we ship worldwide using FedEx or UPS.

After-Sales Support

We provide full support for troubleshooting and will rework or replace defective assemblies covered under warranty.

Yes, we can rework existing boards or repair faulty ones depending on the issue.