FAQs - Frequently Asked PCB Assembly Questions on Printed Circuit Boards

1.  What do you specialize in?

We specialize in Quickturn PCB Assembly.

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2.  Do you assemble boards fabricated by another board shop? 

No. We have high quality standards and will only assemble boards ordered thru One-Stop Assembly.  Part of what makes us unique is that we fabricate and assembly in one continuous operation with consistent quality and expedited turn-time.

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3.  What documentation and electronic data do you need for PCB assembly? 

Click here to view the Checklist. 

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4.  What is Centroid data? 

This is the machine file which should include X, Y, Theta (Rotation), Side of Board (top or bottom), and Reference Designator. This is sometimes called XYRS data (X,Y, Rotation, Side) or simply XY data. .XLS or .CSV formats are preferred.

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5.  For kitted/consigned orders, how do you want to receive the parts?

• Parts individually packaged and labeled with BOM line item number and either Customer part number or Manufacturer's part number.
• An inventory list of components in the kit indicating Manufacturer's part number, Quantity in kit, Quantity required, and expected Quantity to be returned.
• If SMT parts are not on reel, parts preferably should be on continuous tape with a leader of no less than 6" to account for machine attrition and potential scrap.
• Call us for shipping instructions. Your Assembly Quote # must be clearly identified on the outside of the shipping carton for correct identification.

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6.  What data do you need for a turnkey PCB Assembly order? 

We need your Bill of Materials (BOM) and Component Placement List (CPL).  We are also able to accept many forms of CAD data, and ODB++ data upon data review.  Click here for details.

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7.  Can you do a partial PCB assembly? 

Yes we can do partial PCB assembly for both kitted/consigned orders or for turnkey.

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8..  Do you have any special requirements for BGA type components?

Component footprint should be made per manufacture recommendations for pad size and mask clearance.  All BGA type devices are required to have all vias under component tented with soldermask

9.  What do you do with unused parts? 

We return all unused parts to the customer whether kitted/consigned or turnkey.

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10.  What does your quoted price include?

We will provide you pricing for PCB assembly. The PCB assembly pricing includes tooling, solder stencil and assembly labor for loading the components.  Our turn-key quotes also show component pricing as indicated.  We do not charge setup fees or NRE's for assembly.


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11. How do you determine turn-time? 

For PCB fabrication orders, the day that the order is processed and confirmed to the customer is counted as Day-Zero. One-Day turn orders, for example, ship the next business day. Five-day orders ship on the 5th business day following Day-Zero.  Assembly turn-time begins immediately after the PCB turn-time.  If consigned kits and documentation is incomplete, assembly turn-time begins when all necessary assembly information is complete and on hand.  Any delays due to CAM Hold and/or technical issues will impact turn-times.

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12. Do you provide lead-free PCB assembly? 

Yes.

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13. What are your requirements for arrays or panelized formats? 

If either of your PCB dimensions are less than 2", or if you PCB is of an odd shape, we may need to have your boards in an array or panelized format for assembly.  Please contact us for review.

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14. What if I have problems with my loaded boards? 

If after receiving your loaded boards you run into problems of any kind, contact us at once.  We will evaluate the issue and repair/rework or remake as may be appropriate after determining the root cause of the problem.  For any returns, we will issue you a RMA number.

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15. What are your PCB Assembly Quality standards? 

We manufacture PCBs to meet IPC-6012 Class 2 specifications as the default, supported by inspection and test criteria established by IPC as well as internal requirements to meet or exceed those specifications. For Assembly, we build to IPC-A-610 Rev E Class 2.

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16. What are your credit terms? 

We would like to have your credit card for your first order. If you would like to apply for credit terms, please download our credit application and fax back to 303-418-2327.  We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. 

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