Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs

Our Policies

  • What does the quote include?

    The purchase of a solder stencil is included in the quote.
    Also included are the machine placements of SMT componentsand the hand insertion of thru-hole components.
    Not included in the online quote is:
    • The creation of a special oven profile
    • Any conformal coating
    • Required modifications
    • Special gluing
    • Masking of components
    • Special tooling process — press-fit connectors, crimp connectors and pins, etc.
    Please call or email if you have special requirements.

  • What are your work hours and "start" times?

    For consideration of turn-around time, work hours are regular business days. Holidays and weekends are excluded.
    Your completed files have to arrive at RushPcb Inc the day before your kit arrives, and your turn-time starts on the day your kit arrives by noon.

  • What if I have a problem with my boards? How do you handle rework?

    Within 90 days, if you find an issue with our workmanship, we would be happy to evaluate and repair your assemblies, at no charge.
    Normally, we require an RMA. Prior to any return shipping, please contact us for an RMA number.

  • Do you offer any discounts?

    3 pcs 5 days 2 Layers, $10.00 ea / 4 Layer $20.00 ea – See New customer special page for more details.

    $1500.00 Off to new customer for PCB/PCBA order. Max credit $500.00 per order.

  • How should I ship packages to RushPcb Inc?

    Please be sure Please be sure Please be sure the outside of each package is marked with the RushPcb Inc order number to:
    Rush PCB Inc
    ATTN: Procurement Department
    2149-20 O’Toole Ave
    San Jose, CA 95131
    U.S.A

  • What do you do with extra components after the build is finished

    Extra components, purchased to meet the supplier’s minimum order, are turned over to the customer after assembly, along with the finished PCBs.

  • How do you handle shortages?

    When we notice a shortage, we have two options based on what you tell us. We can:
    A. Notify you and wait until you ship us the part to complete the order
    B. Complete the order without that part and allow you to hand place it yourself when you receive the boards

    In order to maintain the most flexibility and keep costs down as much as possible, we do not inventory your parts prior to processing the job. We’re an assembly house; we depend on you to supply the right quantity of the right parts. Please make sure you supply the correct parts. Even on a ten-day order, we may not notice a shortage until the day before the shipping date.

  • Capabilities

  • What kind of quantities do you handle?

    Typically, we process prototype quantities to large production quantities. Give us a call at 1-408-496-6013 or email us at [email protected].
    If you need regular production in quantities that will total more than 5000 in 1 year, please contact us at 1-408-496-6013 or email us at [email protected].

  • What is the optimum panel size?

    Generally, RushPcb Inc can handle board size up to 20in x 24in, however our optimum working panel size is roughly 12in x 18in for sample runs & 18in x 24in for medium to large PCB production.
    In small quantities (Less than 25 units or so) panelization is not a critical item, but it is helpful with very small board sizes and with higher volumes.
    In certain instances, our Short-Run Production service does require panelization.

  • Do you X-ray BGAs?

    As part of our standard assembly and testing process, we X-ray BGAs, Leadless ICs and other parts having leads that can’t be examined with a microscope are also X-rayed.

  • Do my boards need to have silkscreen for assembly?

    Silkscreen is not required, but it is preferred.
    In order to verify component placement and rotation, board submissions without silkscreen require some other form of documentation. Board orders without silkscreen have to be reviewed.

  • How should I supply special instructions?

    Any Special instructions should be included at the time an order is submitted. Often you will provide these instructions in the Assembly Instructions document. Depending on the need for visual aids, this is usually in PDF or Notepad format.

  • File & Kit Requirements

  • What is Centroid data?

    Centroid data is also known as Insertion or Pick-and-place or XY data. This is the machine placement file and should include:
    • X, Y, Theta
    • Side of Board (Top or Bottom)
    • Reference Designator

    If we generate the Centroid file for you, based on the number of SMT placements per board, we will add the additional charges.

  • What are the requirements for the Bill of materials formatting?

    The BOM should include:
    • Supplier and Part #
    • Reference Designator
    • Description
    • Package Type (footprint)
    The Microsoft Excel format (.xls, .xlsx, .csv, or tab-delimited) is required for the Bill of Materials (BOM).

  • Can I use Digi-Key part numbers in my BOM?

    Yes, designers use the Digi-Key part numbers quite frequently.
    • Digi-Key Part #
    • Reference Designator
    • Description
    • Package Type (footprint)

  • Which Gerber layers do you need for assembly?

    We need the files in the Gerber RS-274X format.
    For assembly, we need at a minimum:
    • Silkscreen
    • Copper (trace layers)
    • Solder paste layers
    Preferably, as if you were sending them in for fabrication, you should send us all Gerber files generated by your CAD program.

  • How do I need to supply components?

    The same part number listed on your bill of materials should be clearly marked on each bag, tray, etc.
    Depending on the assembly service you choose, we can work with:
    1. Tape cut to 6” min length
    2. Tubes
    3. Reels
    4. Trays
    We assume care has been taken to protect the integrity of the components.
    If components are moisture or static sensitive, please package accordingly sealed and/or static controlled packaging.

    Call before quoting a job with loose SMT components because:
    • SMT components provided in loose or in bulk fashion should be considered as thru-hole placements
    • Sending them to us loose may cause damage and will likely cost you extra in handling
    • It is almost always less expensive to buy anew strip of components than to have us install them when they are loose
    NOTE: Please adhere to the parts requirements for the assembly service you are using. Visit our Services Overview for more information.

  • Do you have any existing inventory I can use?

    Mostly, we do not carry any inventory. Only for a few customers, who we work with closely, do we carry any inventory items.

  • If I am submitting more than 1 order at the same time, can I kit the components together? How should I kit parts if I’m submitting multiple orders?

    Each order requires its own kit.

    Multiple kits may be sent in a single package, but please be sure each kit is clearly marked.

    Parts mutually used on two or more jobs should be clearly marked with a sticker or other marking to denote that the parts are shared, and indicate which projects they are used on. When using mutual parts, remember to provide an extra 5% for each project. Forgetting to include the extra 5% for each separate build is the biggest “gotcha”.

  • General Q&A

  • What services do you offer?

    Three basic Printed Circuit Board assembly services are offered by RushPcb Inc:
    • PCB Fabrication
    • Consigned PCB Assembly
    • Full Turnkey Service.

    At RushPcb Inc, we can run just a few boards, built up quickly, with flexibility in kitting the components.

    At RushPcb Inc, we optimized for runs of up to 5,000 boards, this is our Production Assembly Service. Priced right, this is perfect for taking your finished design to market. When you have completed testing of your design, and are ready to start building your product in quantity, choose this product.

    To see detailed benefits & requirements for each of our assembly services, please visit our Services Overview, or call RushPcb Inc at 408-496-6013 or email at [email protected] for more information.

  • What are the requirements for service?

    The requirements of RushPcb Inc assembly services,

    We are most flexible on any services required by customer – little to no restrictions on PCBs, Parts, or Placements.

    • PCBs:
      • 500in X .500in (min)
      • X 23in. (max)
    • Parts:
      • Cut & Continuous tape – Min 6” Cut tape required.
      • Full or Partial Reels
      • Tubes
      • Trays
      • Thru-Hole parts on tape or in bulk
      • Placements: N/A
    • Data:
      • Gerber CAD Data with NC Excellon Drill file (ASCII format)
      • Bill of Materials (.xls, .xlsx, .csv, or tab-delimited text)
      • RS-274X Gerber files
      • Centroid (aka Pick-and-Place) file
  • What data (files) do you require for assembly orders?

    Depending on the assembly service you are using, RushPcb Inc requires some or all of the following information:
    • Gerber CAD Data with NC Excellon Drill file (ASCII format)
    • Bill of Materials (.xls, .xlsx, .csv, or tab-delimited text)
    • RS-274X Gerber files
    • Centroid (aka Pick-and-Place) file

  • What are your technical capabilities? / What can you assemble?

    You will find many of our standard capabilities here, but RushPcb Inc takes pride on being able to handle almost any job.
    If you can’t find what you need here, call us at 1-408-496-6013 or email [email protected] with your job specs, and we’ll see what we can do to help.

  • Can RushPcb Inc order my parts?

    Absolutely. If needed, RushPcb Inc provides Turn-Key service. We can order your parts, manufacturer Printed Circuit Boards, assemble the PCBs, test them, and provide the completed PCBs to you.
    To see detailed benefits & requirements for each of our assembly services, please visit our Services Overview, or call RushPcb Inc at 1-866-784-5887 for more information.

  • Other Services

  • I want to get PCB Layout also. Do you offer PCB Layout or other engineering services?

    Yes, you may obtain a quote for by sending Schematic to [email protected]
    Through years of working with our in-house electrical and manufacturing engineers, we’ve accumulated the know-how to create the custom designs that succeed.
    We design to IPC standards and have done layout work meeting all major certification standards (UL, CE, TUV, etc.).

  • Can you do a partial assembly?

    Yes, we do partial assemblies. Please provide instructions in BOM *.xls file for the components you do not want placed. (Mostly term used are DNI (Do not Install) or DNL (Do not Load)

  • What other services can you do besides Assembly? Building Cables? Box Build?

    RushPcb Inc does prototype box build and other mechanical assembly, as well as general electronics work.
    We also can do some solder-based cable work & crimp-based cable work.
    For mechanical assembly, we do require a sample, or specific assembly instructions.
    Please submit an RFQ or give us a call to discuss you needs.

  • Technical

  • Can you handle lead-free builds?

    Yes, we can handle Lead-Free PCB Assembly.

  • What about moisture sensitive components?

    Over time, many SMT component packages absorb small amounts of moisture. When these components go through the reflow oven, this moisture may expand, damaging or destroying the component. Sometimes the damage can be seen visually; sometimes it can’t be seen at all.

    Baking will dry this damaging moisture out of the components. If we need to bake your components, your job may be delayed up to 48 hours. The bake time will not count toward your turn-time.
    • We follow the JDEC J-STD-033B.1 standard.

    What that means is if the component is labeled as moisture sensitive, or is opened and unlabeled, we will either determine if it needs to be baked or call you for this determination.

    On 5 and 10 day turn-times, this probably will not cause delays. On 24 and 48 hour jobs, the need to bake components will cause a delay of up to 48 hours. The extra time for baking will be added to your turn-time.

    If possible, always send us your components sealed in the original packaging, as you received them.

  • What about panelized boards (sometimes called an array)?

    If you want us to assemble a full panel of boards, you should still quote the individual board.

    Unless instructed otherwise, we will de-panelize the boards after assembly.

    In the “Special Requirements / Comments for Assembly” box, tell us that the boards are panelized ten-per-panel and whether your Gerber files are for panelized or single boards.

    Also, in the “Special Requirements / Comments for Assembly” box, tell us if you want the boards to stay in the panel after assembly. If you don’t tell us differently, we will de-panelize them.

  • What standards and certifications does RushPcb Inc follow?

    • RUSH PCB Inc is certified ISO 2001:9000, ITAR, UL & Cage Code
    • By default, we inspect to IPC-A-610, Class II (Class III inspection available upon request)
    • For RoHS, we adhere to IPC-1066, finish category E1
    • JDEC J-STD-033B.1 standard for moisture

  • Turn-Key Orders

  • On turn-key jobs, what does RushPcb Inc do about part crossing or substitutions?

    RushPcb Inc does not substitute parts or cross the part numbers without customer’s approval. Because we do not carry any inventory, we don’t have any parts for substitution or crossing. If parts aren’t available for purchase on your assembly, we first discuss the situation with you. Then, before we order, you decide what changes are made to the bill of materials.

  • How does RushPcb Inc order components for Turn-Key orders?

    For most component orders, we order your exact bill of material, plus overage.
    Occasionally, because of supplier minimum/multiple order requirements, extra parts must be purchased than are needed for assembly. Prior to ordering, we discuss these purchase overruns with you, our customer.

  • What is the lead time on a turn-key order?

    Assembly order lead times, quoted on our website, only include the time between our receiving your parts and the time your completed order is ready to ship. To determine Turn-Key order lead times, the extra time we need to obtain the parts has to be added to the assembly lead time.

    Keep in mind that RushPcb Inc can produce boards from 24 hours to 5 days for prototypes to small production and 7-10 days for medium to large production Depending on your needs, lead time can be adjusted between PCB manufacturing & Assembly labor.

    Prior to assembling the order, all components have to be received at RushPcb Inc.

  • Can RushPcb Inc order just components, or just manufacturer circuit board or just assembly labor service?

    Yes, we do Partial Turn-Key assemblies. We can order just the parts that you don’t want to, or can’t, supply yourself. We can also provide circuit board Mfg or Assembly Labor service depending on your requirement.

  • Is there a minimum order size for turn-key orders?

    No. We can even do 1 pc.

  • What happens to the leftover components on Turn-Key orders?

    Extra components, purchased to meet the supplier’s minimum order, are turned over to the customer after assembly along with the finished PCBs. Any extra components needed for normal assembly are not returned to the customer.

  • What do I need to send for a turn-key order?

    • Bill of material, complete with information in excel format.
    ⁨ Complete info includes – manufacturer’s name, part number, ref designators, component description, quantity
    • Complete Gerber files
    • Centroid data – this file can be created by RushPcb Inc., if needed

  • How do you process payment for a turn-key job?

    An up-front payment is required. This must be the cost of components or 50% of the order, whichever is greater. The balance is due at the time of shipment unless your company is approved for Net terms.