PCB assembly RFQ guide

Release one consistent design package.

Identify the assembly number, revision, units, and file date. Provide the board fabrication data if board supply is included, using Gerber and drill files or another agreed format. Include fabrication specifications, assembly drawings, and placement data where applicable. Resolve conflicting revisions before suppliers quote.

• Identify stackup, board material, finish, and controlled fabrication requirements.
• Provide component positions, orientation, polarity, and do-not-populate instructions.
• Label preliminary files and explain when the production release will be available.

Make the BOM and sourcing responsibility explicit.

Provide reference designators, quantities, manufacturer part numbers, and the approved vendor list (AVL) or alternatives policy. Turnkey, consigned, and partial-turnkey scopes differ: assign procurement responsibility item by item. Require approval for substitutions and explain how shortages, unused components, and minimum purchase quantities will be handled.

• Identify buyer-supplied boards and components, quantities, and delivery timing.
• Flag long-lead, obsolete, or allocation-sensitive items for clarification.
• Separate component purchase commitments from assembly charges.

Specify assembly, programming, and test coverage.

Define SMT, through-hole, and mixed-technology requirements and any special handling, cleaning, or coating. Supply the released firmware, programming instructions, and configuration controls where needed. Ask candidates to confirm feasible inspection and test methods; AOI, X-ray, ICT, and functional testing serve different purposes and are not interchangeable.

• Identify buyer-specified workmanship criteria and traceability records.
• Define functional acceptance, test access, and responsibility for fixtures and test programs.
• Agree ownership, maintenance, and approval of firmware and test revisions.

Separate prototypes, NPI, and repeat builds.

Request prices at defined quantities and identify expected annual demand and release sizes. Clarify NPI review, first-build approval, engineering questions, and rework disposition. A working prototype does not establish component availability, production capacity, or repeat-build consistency.

• State sample or pilot quantities and required approval evidence.
• Identify the change process between the first build and production.
• Define packaging, moisture-sensitive handling where applicable, and shipment records.

Compare coverage and exceptions before unit prices.

Check that quotations include the same board, components, assembly, programming, test coverage, and documentation. List exclusions, substitutions, fixtures, nonrecurring charges, lead-time assumptions, and quote validity. Arxline can coordinate these questions during a project-driven search for independent Vietnamese EMS or PCBA manufacturers.