Direct Answer
A turnkey PCB assembly quote needs Gerber or ODB++, drill files, released stackup, BOM, centroid or pick-and-place data, assembly drawing, quantity, revision, side information, approved sourcing rules, inspection scope, programming needs, and test criteria.
Decision Model
Decision rule: an SMT or turnkey PCB assembly quote is reliable only when the supplier can review fabrication data, placement data, BOM sourcing responsibility, inspection scope, programming needs, and acceptance criteria together. Treat the answer as release-ready only when the affected files, assumptions, and approval rules are visible before quote.
Why It Matters
Define the minimum quote handoff for SMT and turnkey PCB assembly. Late discovery changes cost, schedule, yield, sourcing responsibility, or acceptance evidence after engineering and procurement have already compared quotes.
Engineering Principles
- Start from the engineering risk the question is trying to remove, not from a preferred keyword or default process.
- Define the minimum quote handoff for SMT and turnkey PCB assembly. The answer should change at least one released input, sourcing rule, review step, supplier responsibility, inspection scope, or acceptance expectation.
- If the same design files, stackup notes, BOM, inspection scope, and test plan would be sent either way, keep the answer as an FAQ on the closest entity page instead of publishing a standalone question.
Example
A BOM without centroid and assembly notes can price parts but cannot reliably quote placement, polarity review, inspection effort, programming, or turnkey procurement risk.
Quote File Checklist
| Input | Why it matters | Common failure if missing |
|---|---|---|
| Gerber or ODB++ and drill files | Defines fabrication layers, holes, outline, solder mask, and copper data. | Bare-board quote assumptions may not match assembly needs. |
| Released stackup and fabrication drawing | Defines thickness, material, copper, finish, impedance, tolerances, and notes. | Supplier guesses material, finish, or impedance requirements. |
| BOM with manufacturer part numbers | Defines the actual components to source and place. | Generic descriptions create wrong-part or unavailable-part risk. |
| Centroid or pick-and-place file | Defines XY placement, rotation, side, and reference designators. | Placement, polarity, and first-article checks become unreliable. |
| Assembly drawing and polarity notes | Defines orientation, side, mechanical constraints, labels, and special handling. | Correct parts can still be placed incorrectly. |
| Sourcing and alternate rules | Defines who buys parts and who can approve substitutions. | Turnkey suppliers may quote unavailable parts or unapproved replacements. |
| Inspection and test scope | Defines AOI, X-ray, ICT, programming, FCT, and pass/fail evidence. | Quotes omit the work needed to prove the assembly is acceptable. |
Comparison
Use a comparison page when the decision is really between two named materials, finishes, packages, inspection methods, or sourcing models. Keep this page focused on the single question above.
RFQ Inputs
- released fabrication and assembly files
- revision, quantity, lead time, and allowed alternates
- sourcing owner, approved suppliers, blocked substitutions, and buyer approval rules
- materials, surface finish, stackup, inspection, programming, and test requirements affected by this decision
- packaging, label, shipment, and repeat-build assumptions when the job is moving beyond prototypes
FAQ
What files are needed for a turnkey PCB assembly quote?
Send Gerber or ODB++, drill files, released stackup, BOM with manufacturer part numbers, centroid or pick-and-place file, assembly drawing, revision, quantity, side information, sourcing rules, inspection scope, programming needs, and test criteria.
What extra information is needed for component sourcing?
Add approved manufacturer part numbers, acceptable alternates, blocked substitutions, lifecycle status if known, preferred suppliers, consigned parts, MOQ constraints, target lead time, and buyer approval rules for any replacement part.
Can a BOM alone quote SMT assembly?
No. A BOM can identify parts, but it cannot define placement, polarity, side, stencil, inspection, programming, or functional test effort. The centroid and assembly drawing are needed for reliable SMT review.
When should this become part of the RFQ?
Add these files before price comparison. Missing sourcing, assembly, inspection, or test inputs make quotes look cheaper than the actual production scope.
Source Notes
- IPC checklist for producing rigid printed board assemblies frames fabrication, assembly, BOM, inspection, and test inputs as a build-package completeness problem.
- IPC-2581 is a design-to-manufacturing data-transfer source boundary for fabrication and assembly product data.
- IPC J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 provide soldered-assembly and acceptability context; do not copy paid criteria or imply compliance without project evidence.
- Existing OminiPCB repository content (internal): May seed structure and internal links; engineering claims still need external verification when specifications are involved.
Related Resources
- SMT assembly process
- Turnkey vs consignment PCB assembly
- BOM alternates before PCBA
- BOM Attrition Calculator
- EMS Services
- RFQ
CTA
Request a PCB quote when the design files and acceptance requirements are ready for engineering review.