FAQ

For a quotation, please share the product or application, expected quantity, target timeline, and any available project files such as BOM, Gerber, CPL (pick-and-place), assembly drawings, and testing requirements.

If your files are ready, you can Request a Quote and upload them for review. If not, send what you have and STHL can advise what is still needed.

Yes. A complete file set is helpful, but it is not required for the first discussion.

Share the product or application, current project stage, expected quantity, target timeline, key technical requirements, and any drawings, schematics, specifications, BOM, Gerber files, or reference materials already available.

If the project needs technical clarification before a formal RFQ, you can email info@pcba-china.com with the information you have.

Useful files may include the BOM, Gerber files, CPL or pick-and-place data, assembly drawings, schematics, mechanical drawings, firmware or programming requirements, and test specifications.

The exact set varies by project. You do not need to wait until every document is complete before starting the discussion.

Yes. STHL can review B2B electronics projects from early product development through prototype and production.

For a concept, proof-of-concept (PoC), or early prototype, start with the intended application, core functions, development status, expected quantity, target timeline, and whatever technical information is available. If design work is needed, the PCB Design and Layout scope can be reviewed before manufacturing begins.

Yes. STHL supports prototype builds, pilot production, low-volume manufacturing, and repeat production for B2B electronics projects.

The right manufacturing approach depends on the project stage, quantity, material readiness, engineering revision status, and testing requirements.

STHL does not use a fixed MOQ for PCB assembly and EMS projects.

One-piece prototype builds can be considered. That said, they are still manufacturing orders rather than free samples, so engineering, setup, materials, testing, and shipping may still apply.

Yes. A one-piece prototype can be reviewed when it makes technical and commercial sense.

Even one board may require engineering review, machine setup, material preparation, assembly, inspection, and testing. That is why one-piece pricing is normally different from repeat-production pricing.

No. Prototype and low-volume builds usually have a higher unit cost because engineering, setup, material preparation, programming, testing, and production changeover costs are spread across fewer units.

As quantities increase, those fixed costs are distributed across more boards.

STHL supports turnkey, partial-turnkey, and consigned PCB assembly models.

A turnkey project can cover PCB fabrication, Components Sourcing, PCB assembly, programming, and testing. If the project goes beyond board-level manufacturing, final assembly or box build can also be included.

Yes. Component sourcing can be included as part of a PCB assembly or EMS project.

STHL can coordinate component procurement against the approved BOM, approved supply channels, component availability, material preparation, incoming inspection, and other sourcing requirements.

Yes. Customer-designated suppliers, consigned materials, and hybrid sourcing arrangements can all be reviewed.

Before production, both sides should agree on material ownership, approved sources, incoming inspection, shortages, substitutions, handling responsibilities, and how customer-supplied parts fit into the production schedule.

Yes. If a component is unavailable, obsolete, approaching end-of-life (EOL), or has a lead time that does not fit the project schedule, STHL can review the BOM and discuss sourcing options or possible alternatives.

Any substitute that changes the approved BOM or product requirements should be confirmed before production.

STHL supports SMT and THT assembly for a broad range of B2B electronics projects. Current published SMT capability includes passive components down to 01005 and fine-pitch BGA/QFN assembly.

Exact package pitch, PCB complexity, special processes, and manufacturability are reviewed against the actual design.

Yes. STHL supports SMT, THT, mixed-technology assembly, selective soldering, and conformal coating.

The process used for a project will depend on the PCB design, component mix, heat sensitivity, assembly density, coating specification, and workmanship requirements.

The inspection and testing plan depends on the PCB design, component packages, application, quality requirements, and agreed acceptance criteria.

Depending on the project, Testing and Inspection may include SPI, AOI, X-ray inspection, first article inspection (FAI), and final inspection. ICT, FCT, and device programming can also be included where required.

Not every project needs every process. The test plan should match the actual risks of the board and application.

Yes. Programming and functional testing can be included when the required firmware, interfaces, test methods, fixtures, procedures, and pass/fail criteria are available or can be defined for the project.

The test scope is built around the product, not a fixed checklist.

Available records depend on the agreed inspection and testing plan.

These may include AOI records, X-ray results, functional test records, first article information, final inspection records, traceability data, and other project-specific quality documentation.

If a specific report is needed for supplier qualification or product release, it should be identified before production.

STHL is certified to ISO 9001, ISO 13485, ISO 14001, and IATF 16949. Supporting certification information is available through Certificates.

These certifications apply to their stated scopes and do not by themselves certify a customer's finished product. RoHS/REACH material and documentation requirements, customer standards, and other project-specific compliance requirements are reviewed according to the product, materials, destination market, and manufacturing scope.

Quality control can include incoming material inspection, process controls, manufacturing records, inspection and test results, final inspection, and traceability.

The control plan is set according to the product, industry, production stage, component risk, testing scope, and customer requirements.

Yes. NDA arrangements are available upon request.

If an NDA needs to be in place before BOM, Gerber files, schematics, firmware, or other technical information is shared, let the STHL team know before the project review starts.

Yes. Project-specific requirements can include inspection criteria, material restrictions, traceability, documentation, packaging, customer standards, and other quality controls.

What can be applied will depend on the product, manufacturing scope, destination market, and agreed project requirements.

PCB assembly lead time is affected by file readiness, PCB specifications, BOM completeness, component availability, order quantity, assembly complexity, testing requirements, and project stage.

Final timing is confirmed after engineering review and material readiness are checked. If you already have a target delivery date, you can Request a Quote with the available BOM, Gerber files, quantity, and testing requirements for a project-specific schedule review.

Urgent and expedited projects can be reviewed.

Material availability, engineering readiness, current production capacity, PCB fabrication requirements, testing scope, and the requested delivery date all matter. Rush schedules are confirmed case by case after those points are checked.

Pricing is influenced by PCB specifications, component and material costs, approved brands and availability, order quantity, assembly complexity, programming, testing, tooling, box build requirements, requested lead time, and logistics.

Pricing is based on the actual manufacturing scope, not a fixed per-board rate.

STHL can arrange international courier, air freight, sea freight, or work with a customer-appointed forwarder.

The best option depends on shipment size, destination, urgency, cost, customs requirements, and customer instructions.

STHL has experience with electronics projects in industrial automation, automotive electronics, medical devices, telecommunications, renewable energy, consumer electronics, and related embedded hardware applications.

Not every project in an industry has the same manufacturing needs, so suitability still comes down to the design, process, testing, certification, and commercial requirements.

STHL has supported customers in more than 60 countries, including markets across Europe and North America.

Project acceptance is reviewed case by case based on destination, end use, and applicable trade or compliance requirements.

STHL's Shenzhen office and manufacturing site are in Bao'an District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.

B4, Anle Ind. Park, 172 Hangcheng Blvd, Bao'an, Shenzhen 518126, Guangdong, China.

Customers planning a factory visit or supplier audit can arrange it with the STHL team in advance.

If a manufacturing quality issue is reported, STHL first reviews the available evidence and identifies the affected scope.

From there, the response may include containment, root-cause analysis, corrective action, verification, and follow-up using an 8D or other appropriate quality method. The final resolution depends on the confirmed cause, responsibility, and affected products.