How PCB assembly works with NovaArk
Six stages from your first file to finished boards. Here is what you provide, what we do and what you receive at each one.
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Send your project files
Upload your design data through the quote form or send it by email. If you need a non-disclosure agreement first, we arrange it before any files change hands.
You provide
- Gerber or ODB++ files
- Bill of materials
- Centroid / pick-and-place file
- Quantities and target dates
We do
- Confirm we have received everything
- Check that the file set is complete
- Assign a contact for your project
You receive
- Confirmation of receipt
- A request for anything that’s missing
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Engineering review
Your files are checked for manufacturability and your BOM for availability, before anything is priced or purchased.
You provide
- Answers to any technical questions
- Approved alternates, if needed
We do
- DFM review of your design data
- BOM check for availability and lifecycle status
- Cross-check of BOM, centroid and Gerbers
You receive
- Clear findings, marked as required or recommended
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Quote and approval
You get a written quote that shows what is included and what was assumed, so you can compare it with confidence.
You provide
- Approval or purchase order
- Any final revision of your files
We do
- Price assembly and parts
- Set out the sourcing plan
- Define inspection and test requirements
You receive
- A written quote with assumptions listed
- A proposed schedule
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Sourcing and kitting
Parts are purchased, received, checked against your BOM and kitted by job, whether we source them or you consign them.
You provide
- Consigned parts, if any
- Decisions on any shortages
We do
- Purchase parts to the agreed plan
- Verify parts on receipt
- Kit components for your build
You receive
- Prompt notice of any shortage
- Alternates for approval, never silent substitutions
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Assembly and inspection
Your boards are built to the released revision and inspected to the criteria agreed in your quote.
You provide
- Test procedures or fixtures, if functional test is required
- First-article approval, where agreed
We do
- Assemble to your released revision
- Inspect to agreed acceptance criteria
- Run agreed tests
You receive
- Progress updates
- Early notice of any issue found
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Delivery and follow-up
Boards are packed to protect them in transit and shipped with the documentation you asked for. After delivery, we share anything that would help your next build.
You provide
- Shipping and packaging requirements
- Feedback once boards are in use
We do
- Pack boards in ESD-safe packaging
- Ship to your address
- Keep build records for repeat orders
You receive
- Assembled boards
- Agreed documentation
- Recommendations for the next revision
What to include in your quote request
The more complete your files, the more accurate your quote. If you’re unsure about anything, send what you have and ask.
Upload your files- Gerber files (RS-274X) or ODB++ RequiredAll copper, solder mask, silkscreen and paste layers, plus the drill file and board outline.
- Bill of materials RequiredReference designators, quantity per board, manufacturer name and part number, and any approved alternates.
- Centroid / pick-and-place file Required for SMTX/Y position, rotation and board side for each surface-mount part.
- Quantities and target dates RequiredQuantity per order, and expected annual volume if you know it.
- Assembly drawing RecommendedComponent locations, polarity, special instructions and any do-not-populate parts.
- Special requirements If applicableWorkmanship class, test procedures, conformal coating, labeling or packaging specifications.
Common questions
What file formats do you accept?
Gerber files (RS-274X) or ODB++ for the board, a bill of materials in Excel or CSV format, and a centroid or pick-and-place file as text or CSV. An assembly drawing in PDF is strongly recommended. If your data is in another format, send it and we will let you know whether it can be used.
Can I supply my own components?
Yes. Along with full turnkey sourcing, we work on a partial-turnkey basis, where you supply some parts, and a fully consigned basis, where you supply all of them. Tell us which you prefer in your quote request.
Do you build prototypes as well as production orders?
Yes. We build small prototype and NPI quantities as well as repeat production orders, and carry what we learn from prototype builds forward into production.
How long does assembly take?
It depends on part availability, board complexity, quantity and the inspection and test steps you need. Rather than quote a generic figure, we give you a schedule with your quote, based on your actual project.
Can we sign an NDA before sharing design files?
Yes. Tick the NDA option on the quote form, or contact us, and we will arrange a non-disclosure agreement before you send design data.
Which workmanship standard will my boards be built to?
Tell us the acceptance criteria your product requires, for example IPC-A-610 Class 2 or Class 3, and we will confirm it in your quote. Our current certification status is listed on the Certifications page.
What happens if a component is unavailable?
We flag availability and lifecycle issues during the BOM review and propose alternates for your decision. No part is substituted without your written approval.
Ready for stage one?
Send your files and we’ll start with an engineering review.