A PCB and PCBA manufacturer should be selected for the actual project scope. The same supplier may not be the best fit for every rigid PCB, HDI board, rigid-flex board, FPC, or assembled product.
Define the project scope first
The buyer should decide whether the order is for bare PCB fabrication, PCB assembly, or a combined PCB and PCBA service. This affects the files, responsibilities, inspection method, and delivery assumptions.
For combined fabrication and assembly, review PCB fabrication and assembly service checks.
Match capability to board type
HDI, rigid-flex, high-layer PCB, and ordinary multilayer PCB require different process controls. A supplier claim should be checked against the actual stackup, via type, material, copper weight, and surface finish.
Any-layer HDI manufacturing checks are useful when fine-pitch routing is part of the project.
Evaluate engineering support
A useful manufacturer should identify missing files, unclear notes, stackup conflicts, component questions, and inspection risks before production. Early feedback can prevent a small design issue from becoming a production delay.
General circuit board factory selection criteria can support the supplier review.
RFQ checklist
Send Gerbers, drill files, stackup, BOM, placement file, assembly drawing, quantity, test expectation, and any reliability requirement. Ask the supplier to list assumptions rather than hiding them inside the price.