Define who supplies and approves each item
List the component procurement boundary, approved alternatives, customer-supplied parts and any programming requirements. Include a controlled BOM, placement data and assembly drawing using the assembly file checklist. Document polarity and special orientation with reference designators rather than a general note.
Assembly scope matrix
| Stage | Input needed | Decision to agree |
|---|---|---|
| Procurement | BOM and approved alternatives | Who authorizes substitutions? |
| Placement and joining | Positions, polarity and support | How is the flex held? |
| Acceptance | Test procedure and access | What defines a completed unit? |
Support the populated regions through the process
Identify which areas need permanent reinforcement and which require temporary process support. Review component placement against the eventual bends and installation sequence. Keep connector mating loads and cable handling away from unsupported solder joints through an explicit load path.
Provide component height and underside information when discussing fixtures. Ask how the circuit will be located and released without damaging narrow sections or contacts. Material preparation and the thermal process should follow the selected materials, components and agreed assembly procedure; a generic bake or reflow setting is not a complete instruction.
Specify what an assembled unit must demonstrate
Distinguish visual inspection, connectivity, programming and functional test. Define test access before enclosure integration removes it. If connectors mate after forming, include that sequence in the assembly trial. Record acceptance evidence against the exact board and BOM revisions so that a later substitution can be assessed against the right baseline.
Before you release the design
- Match BOM, placement data and drawing revisions.
- Identify temporary fixtures and permanent stiffeners separately.
- Mark protected contacts and allowed handling regions.
- Define test coverage, programming and packing requirements.
Watch points
- Bare-board electrical testing does not verify component orientation, solder joints, firmware or assembled functionality.
Practical questions
Can components be placed on the flexible portion?
The answer depends on support and motion. Mark the actual component region and load path; do not place an unsupported soldered area into a moving bend by assumption.
Are fixtures included automatically in an assembly price?
Do not assume so. Ask whether fixture design, fabrication, maintenance and revisions are included or quoted separately.
Technical references
References support the material or design context. Check the exact grade, part number, document revision and project conditions before release.Updated 27 September 2026 · Technical content policy · Engineering guidance supports project review; the agreed drawing defines the build.