4PCB
Advanced Circuits, Inc. (ACI)

Printed Circuit Board Assembly FAQs

PCB Assembly Services, Fabrication / Manufacturing Processes

Get answers to your questions about Advanced Circuits' assembly services and fabrication capabilities.  If you haven’t checked out our “Engineering Resources Page” - you can do so here www.4pcb.com/engineering-cam-resources.html.

On this page you will find many answers to your Printed Circuit Board and Assembly questions from CAM Hold Issues to plating finishes and PCB tolerances.  In addition our PCB FAQ’s are comprehensive and should answer all of your questions.  In addition to this page, you can find more information on our PCB assembly services here.

We’ve collected below many of the most common PCB questions we have received. Please click the FAQ category below to view answers on PCB fabrication and circuit board manufacturing questions.

 

General Category

+-What do you specialize in?

We specialize in Quickturn PCB Assembly.

+-Do you assemble boards fabricated by another board shop?

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

+-Do you provide prototype assembly (low quantity)?

Yes.  Advanced Circuits has no minimum order quantity requirements and can assemble even one board.  For more information please check our Prototype Assembly page.

+-What documentation and electronic data do you need for PCB assembly?

Click Here to view the check list.

+-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), pick and place data, or simply XY data. .XLS or .CSV formats are preferred.

+-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 and Quantity in kit
  • 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.
  • Ship to: Advanced Circuits Attn: Assembly Receiving (Quote #______) 21101 E 32nd Pkwy Aurora, CO 80011

+-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.

+-Can you do a partial PCB Assembly?

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

+-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

+-What do you do with unused parts?

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

+-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.

+-How do you determine turn-time?

 Assembly turn-time begins immediately after the PCB turn-time and when all parts and information received complete.  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.

+-Do you provide lead-free PCB Assembly?

Yes.

+-What are your requirements for arrays or panelized formats?

PCB’s are required to have a format with breakaway rails of 0.5” on at least 2 opposing sides. If rails are not present we can build individual boards provided the following criteria is met: 1-up PCB size is 2”x2” (51mmx51mm) or greater, each 1-up PCB must have fiducials, fiducials must be a minimum of 0.118” (3.0 mm) from the edge of the PCB, no component can be closer than 0.196” (5.0mm) from the edge of the PCB.

+-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.

+-What are your PCB Assembly quality standards?

Assembly builds to IPC-A-610 current rev Class 2. Class 3 and J-Std-001 are available with prior review.

+-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.