- Prototype, NPI and pre-production PCB assembly in San Jose, CA.
- DFM, DFT and BOM-scrub review on every package, before parts are placed.
- Clarifying questions and stated assumptions come before the quote, so it matches what you need to build.
- AOI on every build; X-ray for BGAs and hidden joints; flying probe for low-volume test.
- Full turnkey, partial turnkey or consigned parts.
- We carry programs into production when the volume fits.
What an NPI build includes
"Quick turn" only helps if the boards work. Our NPI process aims for a first build that's right, not just a fast one:
- Design analysis. Footprint, package and thermal review (DFM), test-point coverage (DFT), and a BOM scrub for sourcing, lifecycle and cost.
- Datasheet review. We pull the datasheet for every part on the BOM for process review: moisture sensitivity, reflow limits and handling.
- First article. The first boards are checked against the drawing, BOM and centroid data before the rest of the build continues.
- Inspection. AOI on every build, plus X-ray for BGA, QFN and other hidden joints.
That review is a big part of how we hold a 99%+ first-pass yield and keep internal rework under 1%.
How fast is quick turn?
Turn time on a prototype build depends on two things: whether the parts are available, and whether the data package is complete. Long-lead components and missing files slow builds far more than assembly time does. We'll tell you what's realistic for your build when we review the package, and we don't promise a turnaround we can't keep.
The most common causes of delay, and how to avoid them, are in our NPI checklist.
Process capability
| Capability | Surface Art, San Jose |
|---|---|
| Assembly | SMT, through-hole and mixed technology; hand, wave and selective solder; press-fit |
| Smallest parts | 01005 passives · 0.4 mm-pitch BGA · 0.25 mm CSP · fine-pitch QFN |
| Board size | Up to 18" × 24"; single, double and high-layer-count boards |
| Line | 4 Juki SMT work cells, nitrogen reflow, up to ~171,000 placements per hour |
| Solder | Sn63/Pb37 (leaded) and SAC 305 (lead-free) |
| Inspection & test | AOI on every build · X-ray · flying probe · thermal · functional and in-circuit test fixtures |
| Quality system | ISO 9001:2015 · ISO 13485 · IPC-A-610 · UL Registered Firm |
| Registration | ITAR-registered · woman- and minority-owned small business |
| Facility | 40,000 sq ft in San Jose, CA, in operation since 1995 |
From prototype to production
Moving a design from one manufacturer to another between prototype and production means re-qualifying the process and re-learning the board. When your volumes fit our line, the team that built your prototypes can build your production run. When they don't, we'll tell you plainly.
More on how we approach this work: why Surface Art is built for NPI and high-mix, low-volume assembly.
Getting a quote
Send the BOM as an Excel file with manufacturer part numbers, your Gerber, ODB++ or IPC-2581 data, and a PDF assembly drawing that states your workmanship standard and any special notes. We pull datasheets for every part for process review.
Before we quote, we send a short list of clarifying questions and state our assumptions, and we quote the quantity breaks you need (plus annual volume, if the build continues through the year). Email quotes@surfaceart.com.
Frequently asked questions
How fast can Surface Art turn a prototype PCB assembly?
It depends on parts availability and how complete the data package is. We give a realistic date for your build after reviewing the package, rather than quoting a fixed turnaround.
Do you offer turnkey and consigned prototype builds?
Yes. We build full turnkey (we source boards and parts), partial turnkey, and consigned or kitted jobs.
What files do you need for an NPI build?
Gerber, ODB++ or IPC-2581 data; a centroid (pick-and-place) file; a BOM in Excel with manufacturer part numbers; and a PDF assembly drawing with your workmanship standard.
Can the same shop build my production run?
Yes, when the volume fits our line. If it doesn't, we'll tell you early.