Low-Volume PCB Assembly
Low-volume assembly supports pilot production, specialist products and repeat orders that do not justify a high-volume line setup. The right build plan balances setup effort, component purchasing and test coverage across the quantity you actually need.
Separate recurring and one-time costs
Ask for setup, stencil, programming and test-fixture costs to be identified separately from the recurring unit price. This makes a repeat order easier to compare and avoids treating every build as a first-time project.
Decide what to hold between builds
Discuss stencil retention, fixture storage, unused components and material shelf-life. Any stock held for a future order needs an owner, a record and a handling agreement. Forecasts help planning but should not silently become purchase commitments.
Control changes between orders
A small component change can require a new stencil, placement program or test limit. Provide a change summary as well as the complete new file set. Ask the assembler to identify the last approved revision before repeating a build.
What to include in your RFQ
- Order quantity and possible repeat quantities
- Revision and change summary
- Setup and recurring cost breakdown
- Excess inventory agreement
- Test and packaging specification
Confirm the process limits, material availability and acceptance criteria in your project quotation. They depend on the design and the manufacturing facility.