Prototype build
Prototype builds. Schematic to working board.
Send Gerbers, BOM, and a schematic. We source the parts, fab the boards (or you supply), assemble, do a basic power-on test, and ship working prototypes back to your bench.
// What this is
Hand off the bring-up logistics.
You designed it. You don't want to source 47 BOM lines on a Friday afternoon, paste-stencil it Saturday, and stay up Sunday hand-soldering QFNs. We do the build. Bring up the firmware yourself, or have us write it.
Squidtronic builds prototypes at its shop in Austin, Texas. Engineers in the Austin area can visit by appointment; everyone else sends files and gets working boards shipped anywhere in the US.
This service combines SMT assembly + sourcing + light test into a single quote. If you'd rather supply parts and just get the build, that's fine too. We'll quote either way.
Past the prototype stage? Once the design is frozen, SMT assembly runs the same boards from 1 up to 1000 at production pricing.
See SMT Assembly// Capabilities
Specs we work to.
| Quantity | 1–25 prototypes per build run |
|---|---|
| Sourcing | Authorized: Digikey, Mouser, Arrow, Avnet, Newark |
| PCB fab | JLCPCB / OSH Park / your fab; we manage handoff |
| Min pitch | 0.3 mm BGA, 0201 passives |
| Layers | 2–12 |
| Test | Power-on continuity / current draw / a customer-supplied bring-up script |
| Documentation | BOM versioned, photo log, build sheet shipped with boards |
| Typical turnaround | 10–15 business days end-to-end (faster if parts are in-stock) |
// Process
From files to boots-on-the-bench.
Files in — Gerbers, BOM, schematic
We DFM-check footprints, run BOM availability, and flag anything questionable before quoting.
Quote with sourced + assembled split out
You see PCB cost, parts cost, and assembly cost separately. You can pull any of them out.
We fab + source in parallel
PCBs go to fab while parts ship in. Total elapsed time depends on which is the long pole.
Build + power-on
Standard SMT line, AOI on every board, X-ray on BGAs, then a basic power-on (no smoke, expected current).
Ship with the build sheet
BOM rev, build photos, assembly notes, any deviations. ESD packaged.
// Pricing
Quote-only.
Every project is priced individually. Send the details and we’ll come back same business day with a fixed-price quote, a lead time, and any DFM red flags.
// FAQ
Common questions.
Do I need a finalized BOM?
Can you fab the PCB too?
What does "power-on test" mean exactly?
Can you do firmware bring-up?
Got files, want boards?
Drop your Gerbers and BOM into the quote form. We'll come back with a price, lead time, and any DFM red flags — usually same business day.
Request a Quote →