ORINEWPCB · ONE-STOP PCBA
Manual PCB Assembly Services
Discuss component insertion, selected hand soldering and special handling as part of your complete PCBA build. Request PCB fabrication, component sourcing and assembly together, with the manual tasks and test requirements defined in your quote.
Tell us which parts or assembly steps need individual attention.
WHERE MANUAL TASKS FIT
Choose the process for the parts and requirements.
Manual PCB assembly uses human placement, insertion or soldering for selected components and tasks. It can support prototype work or form part of a production build that also uses automated SMT assembly. It does not mean the bare circuit board itself is manufactured by hand.
Insertion and orientation
Show leaded parts, connectors and mechanical items in the assembly drawing. Identify polarity, seating, alignment and enclosure constraints that need review.
Selected soldering tasks
Identify the joints or components requiring individual handling. Confirm the access, process instructions and inspection requirements before release.
Mixed assembly builds
Combine agreed manual tasks with the rest of your build. Keep one controlled BOM and drawing revision across the different assembly stages.
Manual assembly is not automatically better, cheaper or suitable for every package. The process is reviewed against the actual design and acceptance criteria.
DEFINE THE SPECIAL HANDLING
Make the instructions visible before work begins.
Drawings and orientation
Include clear reference designators, component side, connector direction and mounting details. Flag unclear markings or exceptions to the standard placement data.
Mechanical constraints
Specify component heights, clearances, permitted handling areas and any fragile parts. Provide a drawing or photograph reference for the required finished arrangement.
Variants and changes
Mark do-not-fit components and version differences. For proposed changes or rework, identify the current board condition and required result so feasibility can be reviewed.
Agree how questions, substitutions and drawing changes will be approved. A clearly released revision helps prevent different instructions being applied to the same batch.
Prepare a controlled build handover · Review the SMT portion of a mixed build
START YOUR ONE-STOP PCBA REQUEST
Request the whole build, including the manual tasks.
For full turnkey support, ask for board fabrication, agreed component sourcing and assembly together. If you supply boards or parts, list them and their expected arrival dates.
- Quantity and board/BOM revision
- Parts requiring insertion, hand soldering or special handling
- PCB files, BOM, assembly drawings and placement data
- Inspection, programming and functional tests
- Target date, destination and supplied materials
A useful opening message: “Full turnkey PCBA; [quantity]; manual tasks for [parts/reference designators]; drawings available; [test scope]; target date [date] and destination [location].”
Start with the details available. Final price, task feasibility and schedule require a build review.
Tell us about your assembly needs.
Email is required. Project details and files are optional for an initial discussion.
QUOTE FILE CHECKLIST
Show what is standard and what needs individual handling.
| Package | What to include |
|---|---|
| PCB and revision | Fabrication files and notes for a new build, or details of the boards you will supply; clearly identify the approved revision. |
| BOM and materials | Manufacturer part numbers, reference designators, quantities, do-not-fit parts and which materials you will supply. |
| Assembly drawings | Component side, orientation, insertion or mounting details, placement data and variant instructions. |
| Manual task list | The affected reference designators, required handling or soldering tasks, mechanical constraints and any customer work instructions. |
| Checks and tests | Inspection criteria, programming instructions, functional test procedure, fixtures and pass/fail requirements. |
| Quantity and delivery | First and repeat quantities, target date, destination, packaging and documentation needs. |
Prepare a complete turnkey RFQ · Compare full and partial turnkey responsibilities
COMPARE SCOPE, NOT JUST LABOR
Include preparation, sourcing and acceptance in the quote.
The number of manual operations, component access, handling requirements, build quantity and tests affect cost. For a mixed build, review the complete route rather than comparing one hand soldering task with the price of full automated assembly.
Specify the required inspection and any functional testing. Visual checks, programming and functional tests serve different purposes. Confirm which checks and reports are included, and which require additional preparation.
Review PCB assembly cost drivers · Explore the quality workflow · Discuss a time-sensitive build
MANUAL PCBA QUESTIONS
Before you request assembly.
Does manual PCB assembly mean all components are hand soldered?
No. Manual tasks can cover selected insertion, placement or soldering operations within a larger build. Identify the parts and required tasks so the complete process can be reviewed.
Can manual tasks be combined with automated SMT assembly?
Yes. A project can combine SMT assembly with agreed manual operations. Provide one consistent BOM, placement package and drawing revision for both.
Is manual assembly always the best choice for prototypes?
No. Package type, access, tooling, quantity and acceptance requirements influence the choice. A prototype may still benefit from automated steps; discuss the actual design.
Can you source components and fabricate the boards too?
Request full turnkey PCBA to include fabrication, agreed BOM sourcing and assembly in one quote. Identify any supplied parts, restrictions and approved alternatives.
Can I request rework or a change to an existing board?
Describe the board condition, affected parts, available drawings and desired change. Feasibility, process and acceptance requirements need review before any work is agreed.
What information helps confirm price and lead time?
Send the quantity, available PCB files, BOM, task list, drawings and test scope. Include supplied material arrival dates and whether your deadline means dispatch or arrival.
