PCB Assembly Services for US Engineering Teams
Network PCB assembles printed circuit boards for companies across the United States, from first prototypes to repeat production. We handle SMT, through-hole and mixed-technology builds, with inspection and testing matched to each project.
PCB Assembly From a San Jose-Based Partner
Network PCB was founded in San Jose, California, in 1994 and has worked with electronics teams through prototype, pilot and production stages. Our assembly services cover board placement and soldering, plus the steps around it: file review, component sourcing, inspection, testing and documentation.
Our customers are throughout the United States. Where a program has specific requirements about where assembly is performed, we confirm them during quoting. We do not assume them. For a broader overview of how we support customers nationwide, see PCB assembly in the USA.
SMT Assembly
Automated placement and reflow for surface-mount parts, from small passives to fine-pitch ICs, QFNs and BGAs, on one or both sides of the board.
Through-Hole Assembly
Insertion and soldering of connectors, transformers, terminal blocks and other parts that need through-hole mechanical strength.
Mixed-Technology Assembly
SMT and through-hole on the same board, with the process sequence planned so heat-sensitive or tall parts are added at the right stage.
BGA & Fine-Pitch Assembly
Ball grid arrays and other area-array packages, with X-ray inspection to verify hidden solder joints.
Prototype & Pilot Builds
Small quantities for design validation and engineering builds. There is no fixed minimum order quantity.
Production Assembly
Repeat builds with the same process settings, inspection plan and documentation once a design is released.
Component Sourcing: Turnkey, Partial or Consigned
Who supplies the components affects price, schedule and risk. Choose the model that fits your supply chain:
Full Turnkey
Network PCB procures the bare boards and all components, then assembles and tests. You manage one purchase order.
Best for teams that want a single supplier responsible for the build.
Partial Consignment
You supply critical, custom or already-stocked parts. We source the rest and assemble.
Best when you hold some inventory or have controlled parts.
Full Consignment
You supply every component. We handle receiving, kitting, assembly and inspection.
Best when you already manage component purchasing.
Learn how a fully managed order works on our turnkey PCB assembly page.
How a PCB Assembly Job Moves Through Production
Most assembly jobs follow these steps. The test and documentation steps scale with the project.
Quote and file review
We review your fabrication data, BOM, centroid file and drawings to confirm what can be built, flag missing information and price the job.
DFM / DFA check
Footprints, polarity marks, component spacing, panelization and test access are checked so problems are found before parts are placed.
Materials and kitting
For turnkey jobs, boards and components are procured. For consigned jobs, your parts are received and checked against the BOM. Moisture-sensitive devices are handled under controlled conditions.
Stencil, paste and placement
A laser-cut stencil applies solder paste, then SMT parts are placed by machine according to the centroid data.
Soldering
SMT parts are reflow soldered. Through-hole parts are then soldered by the method that suits the design.
Inspection and test
AOI, X-ray for BGAs, and in-circuit or functional testing are applied according to the agreed test plan.
Documentation and shipping
Boards are packed for transport and shipped with the inspection records and first-article reports the project calls for.
Quality Control and Testing Options
Network PCB operates an ISO 9001:2015 quality management system. Each project gets an inspection and test plan based on its complexity, volume and end use. Our current certifications and standards are listed on the certifications page.
| Area | What is supported |
|---|---|
| Automated optical inspection (AOI) | Camera-based check of visible solder joints, polarity, missing or shifted parts and bridging. |
| X-ray inspection | Inspection of BGA, QFN and other hidden joints for voids, opens and shorts. |
| In-circuit test (ICT) | Electrical check of individual components and nets. Best suited to stable designs with test points. |
| Functional test | Powers the assembly and checks it against your test procedure or fixture. |
| First article inspection (FAI) | FAI reports are available to confirm that the first built unit matches the documentation. |
Boards We Assemble
Assembly is supported on most board constructions. Boards that are thin, flexible or unusually shaped may need fixtures or carriers, which we review at the quote stage.
- Rigid single-sided and double-sided boards
- Multilayer boards
- HDI boards with microvias and fine-pitch BGAs
- Flex and rigid-flex circuits
- Metal-core boards for thermal applications
- Lead-free (RoHS) or tin-lead solder processes
Need the bare boards too? See PCB manufacturing, HDI boards and flex boards.
What to Send for a PCB Assembly Quote
A complete package gives you a faster and more accurate quote. Include:
- Fabrication data: Gerber RS-274X, ODB++ or IPC-2581
- Bill of materials with manufacturer part numbers, quantities and reference designators
- Centroid / pick-and-place file
- Assembly drawing with polarity and any special notes
- Build quantity and target delivery date
- Lead-free or tin-lead requirement
- Test requirements: AOI, X-ray, ICT, functional, FAI
- Turnkey, partial-consignment or consignment preference
Upload files through the request-for-quote form. Include BOM and pick-and-place files inside a ZIP or RAR archive.
PCB Assembly FAQs
What PCB assembly technologies does Network PCB support?
Are your PCBs assembled in the United States?
How are BGA solder joints inspected?
Which testing options are available for assembled boards?
Do you offer turnkey and consigned assembly?
Can you assemble flex, rigid-flex, HDI or metal-core boards?
Do you support both RoHS (lead-free) and leaded assembly?
Is there a minimum order quantity for PCB assembly?
What files do I need to send for an assembly quote?
Start Your PCB Assembly Project
Send your design files and build requirements. Our team will review them and come back with a quote and any questions.