PCB Assembly FAQs | PCBasic

The customer base of PCBasic is very extensive. Every day, users from all over the world consult us about issues related to PCB manufacturing, SMT assembly, component procurement, testing, and one-stop PCB assembly solutions. To enable both new and existing customers to understand our services more quickly, clearly, and comprehensively, we have compiled this list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about PCB assembly. If you have any other questions, you can also learn more about it from here.

1. Who is PCBasic?

PCBasic is a service provider specializing in PCB manufacturing and electronic assembly (PCBA, SMT / THT / mixed methods). We offer integrated services ranging from prototypes to mass production, including PCB manufacturing, component sourcing, mounting, testing, and complete assembly. PCBasic aims to be a globally trusted leader in PCBA manufacturing, delivering speed, quality, technology, and service to customers worldwide. Place an order now! 

2. Why choose PCBasic to assemble your PCBs?

PCBasic offers:

    a. One-stop service: From component procurement to assembly, testing, packaging, and shipping, all can be completed at the same factory, simplifying the supply chain.

    b. Quality assurance: Adopt strict quality control processes and equipment (such as AOI, X-ray, flying probe testing, ICT, etc.).

    c. No minimum order quantity (No MOQ.): Supports sample, small batch, and large-scale production.

    d. Fast response / delivery time: Standard orders usually take 2-3 weeks (if all components are available).

    e. Online quotation and automatic DFM check: You can fill in parameters, upload files, get an instant quotation, and the system will also do a basic review.

    f. Procurement capability: Has a stable supply chain, can be fully covered or commissioned.

    g. Customer support and after-sales: 1-year warranty (for process or material issues).

3. Which files should I submit for a PCB assembly order?

In order to make a successful quotation and production, you usually need to submit the following documents:

You can directly upload the file here to obtain the quotation. If there are any other files related to assembly, you can contact us via email (JS@pcbasic.com) and send them to us. We will only start the processing once all the files are complete during the order review stage.

4. How do you request for the shipping and marking of the parts for a consigned or kitted order?

For consigned or kitted orders, we would like the customers to:   

    a. Mark on each individual package or container the corresponding BOM line number, the customer part number or the manufacturer part number, and the quantity.

    b. Provide a detailed packing list / packaging list.

    c. The components are provided in a form acceptable to the surface mount equipment (usually in reel / spool form is preferred).

    d. When multiple work orders are shipped together, each work order should be separately bundled / identified, and the corresponding work order number / quotation number / order number should be attached.

    e. These can help us count and inspect your parts more quickly upon receipt.

5. What is your requirement on the parts overages for consigned/kitted PCBA?

For orders that are self-prepared or assembled using supplied materials, PCBasic will require the customer to provide a certain amount of additional materials (Overage). This ensures a smooth soldering process and avoids delays in delivery due to errors in the machine's material suction, machine adjustment losses, etc. Unless you specify otherwise, we will not return unused and excess components by default. If you wish to have these parts sent back along with the assembled circuit board, please indicate this on the order or contact your service representative.

Requirements:

6. Can you source some parts for my assembly?

Yes, PCBasic supports the partial turnkey. That means you provide some components, and the remaining components provided by us. Here you can learn more about component procurement. 

7. Is there any limit on minimum order quantity for PCB Assembly order?

We have no minimum order quantity. However, when the quantity is small, the cost per board may be relatively high, or the costs of certain tests / fixtures may need to be separately allocated.

8. Do you assemble BGA?

Yes, PCBasic supports BGA assembly. For through-holes that connect to the pads through short traces close to the pads, we will cover and fill them with solder mask to prevent solder loss and ensure a secure solder joint. For through-holes directly on the pads themselves, we will use resin filling and copper plating to avoid welding voids and short-circuit problems.

All BGA solder joints in PCBasic will undergo X-ray inspection to ensure welding quality and reliability. We recommend specifically marking the BGA area, design, mask coverage/shielding rules, and any special requirements for testing when submitting the documents.

9. How do you handle the excessive and unused parts?

For the handling of overage components, there are typically several approaches:

    Return to the customer: The excess parts are packaged together with the assembled board and returned to the customer.

    Keep at the PCBasic factory: It can be directly used for the next batch of orders.

When placing an order, the customer can specify how they wish to handle the overage parts (return / retention, etc.).

10. How do you quote the total price of PCBA service?

The real-time quotation system of PCBasic can initially provide an estimated price (including steel mesh, labor, craftsmanship, etc.). If it is a turn-key project or partial procurement, the component costs will be added on top of this. Of course, when you receive our manual quotation, there will be detailed breakdowns of each component (processing fees, soldering fees, component fees, testing fees, etc.). You need to carefully check it. If you have any questions, you can contact us.

11. When does the turn-time begin?

The delivery date is usually calculated from the moment all the following conditions are met:

    a. The blank PCB is ready.

    b. All components / materials are ready, inspected and stored in the warehouse.

    c. All design documents / production files (Gerber, BOM, pick & place, assembly instructions, test instructions, etc.) have been fully confirmed.

If there are processes such as prototype verification, process review, DFM inspection, and pre-sampling, they must all be completed or confirmed before entering the formal production stage. Any shortages, missing documents, or failed technical reviews will delay the turn-time.

12. Is your assembly RoHS Compliant?

Yes, PCBasic supports RoHS assembly. If you has specific environmental protection or lead-free certification requirements (such as REACH, RoHS 2.0, lead-free certification report), you can specify these requirements during the order placement.

13. Why do I need to panelize my boards?

In the following situations, you must or we recommend that you panelize boards:

    PCB size is less than 50×100 mm

    The shape is irregular or circular

    The board is thin or flexible

    Double-sided surface mount or hybrid assembly

14. Why do I need to design Break-away Rails?

This is because the distance from the edge of your circuit board to the copper foil is less than 3.5 mm, or if your circuit board needs to be assembled due to size or shape reasons, then there must add detachable rails on the two longer parallel sides of the circuit board. In this way, the circuit board can smoothly pass through equipment such as SMT soldering lines, reflow soldering and conveyor belts.

15. What if I find any defects or problems after I received your assembled boards?

If you find any defects or abnormalities after receiving the assembled board, please contact us immediately (JS@pcbasic.com). We attach great importance to product quality and customer satisfaction, and will communicate with you promptly to handle the issue.

16. What are your PCB Assembly standards?

IPC-A-610 Class 2.

17. What is your turn time on a Turnkey order?

The delivery date of the turnkey order depends on the procurement time of all components. Once the components are ready and confirmed by you, we will start the assembly process. However, if there are long delivery time components, custom circuit boards, strict testing requirements, etc., the delivery may be delayed.

18. I requested a PCB Assembly quote days ago but haven’t received any email. What should I do?

If you submitted an assembly quotation request a few days ago but did not receive a response, you can:

    a. Check your spam folder / trash bin / blocked emails (sometimes system emails are mistakenly marked as spam).

    b. Log in to the PCBasic platform / quotation system / order system and check if it is in the "Pending Review" status.

    c. Confirm that your email address is correct.

    d. Contact the sales representative.

We always attach great importance to the needs of every customer. If you encounter such a problem, thank you for your patience. Our team will definitely follow up and handle it as soon as possible.