FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to Acorn Assembly’s Frequently Asked Questions page. Here, you’ll find clear, concise answers to the most common questions about our assembly projects, services, and processes.

Hand installing a circuit board

General Assembly FAQS

To provide an accurate quote, we require the following:

  • Gerber files detailing the PCB design
  • Bill of Materials (BOM) with component specifications including Manufacturer Part Number – Example of a BOM (Excel Download)
  • Assembly drawings if available
  • Pick-and-place (Centroid) files
  • Any special instructions or requirements, such as such as testing, conformal coating, potting, cabling, harnesses, etc.

Yes, we are fully equipped to handle RoHS-compliant PCB assembly, ensuring all components and processes adhere to the Restriction of Hazardous Substances directives.

We are proud to maintain the following certifications:

  • ISO 9001:2015 certified for quality management systems
  • ITAR registered for handling defense-related projects
  • UL registered, verifying product safety and compliance
  • IPC member, adhering to industry standards for PCB assembly
  • RoHS-compliant, underscoring our commitment to environmental responsibility and the reduction of hazardous substances when our customers require that compliance.

Our quality control process includes:

  • Visual inspection
  • Automated Optical Inspection (AOI)
  • X-ray inspection for complex components
  • Additional testing such as Flying Probe Testing, In-Circuit Test (ICT), or Functional Circuit Test (FCT) as per project requirements

Yes, we offer comprehensive turnkey services, managing the entire process from PCB fabrication and component procurement to assembly, quality control, and testing.

We also handle consigned kits/ parts: Consigned Kit Policy (PDF Download)

Absolutely, we can accommodate customer-supplied components or PCBs. Please provide detailed information during the project initiation to ensure seamless integration.

Review Consigned Kit Policy: Consigned Kit Policy (PDF Download)

We can assemble fully functional PCB prototypes in as little as 10 business days after receiving your approved files.

Generally, there is no minimum order quantity (MOQ) requirement for PCB assembly orders.

We perform various tests, including:

  • Visual Inspection for all assemblies
  • Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for all SMT assemblies
  • X-Ray inspection (for BGAs and fine-pitch part
  • Functional testing () Upon Request
  • Flying Probe and ICT Testing


We recommend Flying Probe/ICT testing and/or Functional Testing for all larger quantities of production, as those tests will increase the manufacturing yield on your project. 

We provide PCB assembly services for industries including:

  • Aerospace
  • Automotive
  • Consumer Electronics
  • Defense
  • Industrial Automation
  • Medical Devices
  • Telecommunications

If your industry is not included in the list above, we can still help you. Give us a call to discuss!

While we do not provide full PCB design services, we offer DFM analysis to optimize your design for manufacturability, reducing costs and improving production efficiency.  And we also have partnered with several design companies to assist our customers with their design questions. Contact us to discuss your project.

Yes, we offer conformal coating and potting services to protect PCBs from moisture, dust, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

Yes, we offer box build assembly, including cable assembly, enclosure installation, and final product integration.

Manufacturing & Capabilities FAQS

We specialize in Surface Mount Technology (SMT), Through-Hole Technology (THT), and mixed technology assemblies.

Yes, we are capable of assembling fine-pitch components down to 01005s, BGAs , micro-BGAs, and other high-density PCB designs.

We utilize automated reflow soldering for SMT, wave soldering for through-hole components, and hand soldering when necessary.

Logistics & Ordering FAQS

We accept major credit cards, wire transfers, and purchase orders from approved customers.

Yes, we can manage your inventory through consignment or full turnkey solutions, reducing lead times for repeat orders.

We stand by our quality. If you encounter any issues, please contact us immediately, and we will work to resolve them through rework, replacement, or refund options as necessary.

Technical & Engineering Support FAQS

Yes, we work with a network of suppliers to locate hard-to-find, obsolete, or end-of-life components. If sourcing is not possible, we can recommend alternative parts.

We have experience assembling RF and microwave PCBs, including impedance-controlled designs, but we recommend discussing your specific requirements with our sales team.

Yes, we can assemble ultra-thin PCBs (under 0.4mm) and thick PCBs (up to 6mm), depending on design complexity.

Yes, we offer both leaded (SnPb) and lead-free (RoHS-compliant) soldering processes based on customer requirements.

Our standard capabilities support PCB sizes up to 18″ x 20″, but we can discuss custom solutions for larger boards.

Yes, we can assemble controlled impedance PCBs and work with customers to ensure proper stack-up and material selection.

Compliance & Documentation FAQS

Yes, we can perform First Article Inspection (FAI) and provide detailed reports upon request.

Yes, we can provide CoCs, test reports, and other quality documentation as needed.

Yes, we are ITAR-registered and follow all applicable export control regulations.

Yes, we support PPAP (Production Part Approval Process) documentation for automotive and other regulated industries.

Customer Support & Services FAQS

Yes, we welcome customer audits and facility visits. Please schedule in advance with our team. You can also take a virtual tour here.

Yes, we stand behind our work and offer warranties based on the type of service provided.  Our warranty is spelled out here: Terms & Conditions

Customers can track order status by contacting our customer support and sales team.

Yes, we support NPI and can help transition your design from prototype to full production.

Yes we can use boards that you have fabricated elsewhere. We can also use components that you have procured elsewhere. 

Here is a link to our consigned kit policy for details around consigned components: Consigned Kit Policy (PDF Download)

Yes, we can do partial PCB assembly for both kitted/consigned orders or for turnkey.

Assembly turn times begin once all parts and boards are received at Acorn.

We work very hard to make sure all your PCB orders get shipped on time. There are occasions, however, when the freight carriers have delays and/or make shipment errors. We regret when this happens but we cannot be responsible for delays by these carriers.

This is the machine file which should include X, Y, Theta (Rotation), Side of Board (top or bottom), and Reference Designator. This is sometimes called XYRS data (X,Y, Rotation, Side), pick and place data, or simply XY data. .XLS or .CSV formats are preferred.

A BOM is a key aspect of both design and assembly. If there are any issues in your BOM, the assembly house will place the project on-hold until the issues have been resolved with an engineer. One way to make sure your BOM is updated is to review your BOM any time there is a change in your design. When you add new components to your schematic while the layout is in process, make sure you’ve also updated the BOM with the correct part number, description, and component values.

Testing, specifically the Flying Probe Test, is recommended for small batch prototypes as it confirms the quality of workmanship on the board. While it does increase costs, the increase is not that significant.

Get A Quote

To receive a quote, please include # of assemblies, requested turn time, and upload project files.