Prototype PCB assembly that is built to become production.
Micron helps OEMs move from first articles to pilot runs with quick-turn SMT and Through Hole builds, DFM/DFX review, BOM scrubs, test planning, and production-ready documentation from Norwood, Massachusetts.
A prototype should do more than prove the circuit works. It should expose manufacturability risks, stabilize the BOM, identify test needs, and create a practical path to repeatable production. Micron’s Prototypes & NPI service is built around that transition.
Overview
Early builds with production discipline.
Micron supports prototype PCB assembly and NPI programs for customers who need speed, but still care about process control. The goal is to help engineering, purchasing, and manufacturing teams learn what matters before a design reaches a production release.
For clean data packages, Micron can move quickly through quote review, BOM scrub, material confirmation, SMT and Through Hole assembly, first article review, test planning, and pilot build preparation. For incomplete data packages, Micron can help identify what is missing and clarify the fastest path forward.
Risk found earlier
Land patterns, fiducials, panelization, polarity, component availability, and test access can be reviewed before they become production delays.
Cleaner sourcing path
BOM scrubs, alternates, AVL alignment, lifecycle review, and material lead-time checks help keep the build realistic.
Better handoff to production
First article findings, traveler notes, inspection criteria, reflow profiles, ECOs, and test plans can carry forward into repeat builds.
Capabilities
What Micron supports during prototype and NPI builds.
The NPI process connects engineering files, sourcing, assembly, inspection, test, and documentation. Micron can support a focused prototype build or help develop the package needed for pilot and production readiness.
Quick-turn SMT builds
Surface mount prototypes, fine-pitch parts, QFN/BGA, 01005 capability, stencil planning, placement programming, and reflow profile support.
Through Hole and mixed technology
Manual insertion, connectors, power parts, selective or wave considerations, solder method planning, and mixed-technology routing.
DFM / DFX feedback
Practical review of design data, orientation, fiducials, panel strategy, component risk, rework access, test access, and documentation gaps.
BOM scrub and alternates
Manufacturer part numbers, alternates, AVL rules, lifecycle, lead times, risk parts, supply constraints, and turnkey or consigned strategies.
First articles and pilot runs
Build findings, first article review, inspection records, ECO intake, traveler notes, and pilot run planning for repeatability.
Test and programming support
Power-up intent, functional test, ICT or fixture planning, firmware programming, serialization, and production test documentation.
Materials and build details
Prototype parts, board types, and special processes.
Prototype and NPI builds often include a mix of new designs, evolving documentation, sourcing constraints, and special handling needs. Micron can review the requirements early so the build path is clear.
Board and component types
FR-4, high-Tg, metal core, rigid-flex, fine-pitch ICs, BGAs, QFNs, 01005 to 1206 passives, connectors, high-mass parts, and mixed-technology assemblies.
Process requirements
Lead-free or leaded processes, no-clean or cleaned builds, selective solder, conformal coating on select projects, and customer-specific workmanship requirements.
Clean data helps speed: CAD or Gerbers, BOM with MPNs, pick-and-place, assembly notes, fab notes, polarity drawings, and test intent give Micron a stronger starting point for quote review and build planning.
NPI process
From design data to production readiness.
A disciplined NPI process creates a repeatable record of what was reviewed, built, learned, changed, and approved. That matters when the same assembly needs to move from one or two units to pilot or recurring production.
Intake
Review CAD/Gerbers, BOM, pick-place, fab notes, assembly notes, quantities, test intent, sourcing model, and schedule needs.
DFM / DFX
Flag risks around land patterns, fiducials, panelization, component orientation, design clearances, test access, and manufacturing assumptions.
BOM scrub
Confirm MPNs, alternates, AVL rules, lifecycle, lead times, shortages, risk parts, and buying strategy for turnkey, consigned, or hybrid builds.
Program
Prepare stencil strategy, placement programming, feeder setup, inspection planning, reflow profiles, traveler notes, and test expectations.
Build & FAI
Assemble first articles, review build findings, document issues, coordinate ECOs, and capture inspection or test results as scoped.
Pilot readiness
Lock repeatable process details, refine documentation, clarify test coverage, and prepare the assembly for pilot or production handoff.
Turnaround options
Speed depends on readiness, materials, and complexity.
Micron can support expedited prototype needs when the data package is clean and materials are confirmed. More complex NPI and pilot builds usually benefit from additional review, documentation, and test planning.
Expedite
Best for small quantities, readily available materials, and clean build packages that are ready for fast review and execution.
Standard prototype
Best for typical prototype builds where DFM feedback, BOM review, and first article observations are part of the process.
Pilot / NPI
Best for process lock, traveler development, inspection plans, test planning, documentation packs, and preparation for repeat builds.
Actual lead times depend on materials, stencil or fabrication readiness, component availability, engineering change activity, test needs, and assembly complexity.
Quality and documentation
Prototype speed with the records production will need later.
Prototype builds often become the source of production decisions. Micron can help capture the right details early so later builds do not depend on memory, assumptions, or undocumented workarounds.
Documentation can include:
- Workmanship expectations aligned to the appropriate IPC class.
- First article observations and inspection records as scoped.
- AOI/SPI and X-ray review plans where appropriate.
- Traveler, revision control, ECO notes, and customer-specific records.
- Lot-level material traceability, serialization, labeling, or test records when required.
- Build feedback that helps engineering teams close the loop before pilot release.
Industries
Built for teams developing products that need to work reliably.
Micron supports startups and established OEMs across commercial, industrial, and specialty markets where prototype speed, local communication, and production discipline matter.
Industrial controls & IoT
Controllers, instrumentation, connected devices, monitoring systems, and ruggedized assemblies.
Medical & wellness
Non-sterile electronics, device subassemblies, test equipment, and controlled documentation needs.
Energy, HVAC & clean air
Power, sensing, control, and environmental systems that often require mixed technology and repeatable builds.
Robotics & automation
Motion control, sensors, interfaces, cable-connected boards, and system-level integration requirements.
Test & measurement
Instrumentation, calibration systems, fixtures, and boards that need inspection and test planning from the start.
Consumer and specialty products
Early builds, product updates, transfer projects, and pilot runs for teams preparing to scale.
Equipment highlights
Prototype builds supported by production-capable equipment.
Micron’s equipment set helps prototype and NPI work move through the same core manufacturing disciplines used for production: paste printing, placement, reflow, inspection, and documentation.
SpeedPrint SP710
Stencil alignment, paste process control, and print consistency for prototype and NPI SMT assemblies.
Mycronic MY300 / MY200
High-accuracy placement support for fine-pitch, QFN, BGA, and small passive component packages.
Mirtec MV-6 Omni
3D AOI support for prototype and pilot builds where inspection findings need to inform production readiness.
DFM quick checklist
What to send for a faster prototype or NPI quote.
Do not let missing files stop the conversation. Send what you have, and Micron can follow up on the gaps. The most complete packages usually include the items below.
Core build data
CAD/Gerber set, ODB++ when available, readme or fab notes, panelization notes, fiducials, board finish, solder type, and quantity breaks.
BOM and placement
BOM with MPNs, alternates, AVL rules, DNP notes, lifecycle concerns, pick-and-place / centroid data, and polarity or orientation drawings.
Assembly and process notes
Solder paste stencil spec if known, special processes, underfill, conformal coating, torque, staking, cleaning, labeling, packaging, or handling requirements.
Test and production intent
Power-up plan, ICT or functional test intent, fixture details, firmware image notes, serialization needs, documentation requirements, and future production targets.
FAQ
Prototype & NPI questions.
What files do you need to quote and build?
Gerbers or CAD data, a BOM with manufacturer part numbers and alternates, pick-and-place data, assembly notes, fab notes, and any test intent are the best starting point. Polarity and orientation drawings help reduce NPI cycles.
Can Micron source components?
Yes. Micron can scrub the BOM, review alternates, source materials per customer AVL rules, and discuss turnkey, consigned, or hybrid sourcing based on the project.
Can you support conformal coating or potting?
Conformal coating and potting can be reviewed for select projects. The right process, masking, cure windows, documentation, and acceptance criteria should be aligned during NPI.
Can Micron support pilot runs and ramp?
Yes. Prototype and NPI work can lead into pilot runs by locking process parameters, traveler details, inspection criteria, test coverage, and documentation needed for repeatable production.
Can we submit an incomplete package?
Yes. A complete package helps quote faster, but customers can submit what they have. Micron can follow up by email, phone, or in person to clarify missing files, sourcing assumptions, test needs, or schedule requirements.
Quote
Request a prototype or NPI quote.
Upload your files or tell us what is available today. You do not need every detail finalized to start the conversation. If anything is missing, Micron will follow up with questions or set up a time to review the project by phone or in person.
- BOM with MPNs and alternates
- Gerbers, CAD, or ODB++ package
- Pick-and-place / centroid data
- Assembly notes and polarity drawings
- Quantity breaks and desired timing
- Test, programming, or documentation needs
Issues submitting or problems uploading your files email sales@microncorp.com or call (781) 949-3500
Related capabilities
Connect prototype work to the rest of the build.
Prototype and NPI programs often touch SMT, Through Hole, testing, programming, and box-build support. Use these related pages to plan the larger manufacturing path.
EMS Overview
High-mix, low-volume electronics manufacturing services from quote through production support.
SMT Assembly
Surface mount PCB assembly for prototypes, NPI, and production builds.
Through Hole
Through Hole assembly, hand soldering, wave solder, and mixed-technology support.
Testing & Programming
Functional test, ICT, firmware programming, fixtures, serialization, and production records.
Ready to start your build?
Move from first article to pilot with fewer surprises.
Send the quote package, upload what you have, or start with a conversation. Micron can help identify the missing details and map the next step toward a reliable prototype or NPI build.