Guides written by engineers,
not marketers.
Practical articles covering everything from your first Gerber file submission to managing volume production. New guides added regularly based on what customers ask us most.
What files are required for a PCBA quote?
A complete guide to Gerber files, BOM format, pick-and-place data, drill files, and assembly notes — what to prepare, what to skip, and how to send them.
What is turnkey PCBA manufacturing?
How turnkey works vs. consignment assembly, what happens at each stage from file review to shipping, and why most hardware startups choose the turnkey model.
Full turnkey vs partial turnkey — how to decide
When to ship your own components vs having the CM source everything. Cost breakdown, lead time tradeoffs, and component risk comparison for both approaches.
DFM checklist before submitting your Gerber files
The 12 most common manufacturability issues we flag — trace widths, drill sizes, silkscreen overlap, copper-to-edge distance, missing courtyard data, and more.
BOM best practices for fast sourcing and quoting
Required columns, manufacturer part numbers vs. generic specs, lifecycle status flags, alternate part suggestions, and how to handle components you already own.
Shipping PCBAs internationally — what to expect
Anti-static packaging requirements, lithium battery rules, customs documentation, DDP vs DAP explained, typical lead times by destination, and how to track your shipment.