PCB Assembly FAQ: Files, Sourcing, Cost & Delivery

A turnkey arrangement normally coordinates bare-board fabrication, component sourcing and assembly. The quotation must separately identify inspection, functional test, programming, packaging and shipping. Custom fixtures and product qualification should not be assumed to be included.

In full turnkey, the supplier sources the boards and components. Partial turnkey splits purchasing responsibility between the customer and supplier. In consigned assembly, the customer normally supplies the materials. All three need a controlled file release and an agreed test scope.

Prepare Gerber and drill files, a BOM with manufacturer part numbers and quantities, and a CPL or centroid file with placement coordinates. Add assembly drawings, DNP markings, test instructions, build quantity and delivery requirements. An incomplete package may support an initial discussion but not a firm production commitment.

A partial turnkey request can identify customer-supplied components. Mark the purchasing owner, quantity, packaging and expected arrival date on each relevant BOM line. Kit completeness and handling requirements must be reviewed before the assembly schedule is confirmed.

The total depends on board construction, order quantity, actual component prices, setup, SMT and through-hole work, inspection and test scope. Use the estimator to explore a budget scenario, then submit the real BOM and design files for an exact quotation. A BOM line count alone cannot establish the component cost.

Define the starting milestone in the quotation. It may depend on approved files, payment, bare boards, a complete component kit and resolved engineering questions. Fabrication and sourcing can overlap, but assembly cannot finish before required materials are available. Shipping time should be shown separately.

Yes, turnkey describes purchasing and coordination responsibility rather than a particular order size. A prototype RFQ should state the first-build quantity, desired test coverage and whether first-article approval is needed before completing the remaining boards. Minimum quantities and feasibility need project-specific confirmation.

No. Visual inspection, AOI and X-ray address defined workmanship or connection questions. Functional testing exercises the board against a written procedure with expected results and limits. Identify who supplies firmware, fixtures, test software and troubleshooting criteria.

Ask about file review, component sourcing channels, substitute approvals, inspection coverage, traceability, handling of shortages and first-article feedback. Request evidence for certifications or capability limits relevant to your design, and make sure the quotation names all exclusions.

Use the same files, quantities, material ownership, test scope and delivery basis. Compare the manufacturing location, communications, shipping time and total landed cost. Confirm any origin or sourcing restrictions for your project; a supplier’s location alone does not demonstrate quality or project suitability.