What files do you need for PCBA manufacturing?
For PCBA manufacturing you need Gerber files (copper layers, silkscreen, soldermask, drill), a CPL centroid file with X/Y coordinates and rotation for each component, and a BOM with manufacturer part numbers and approved alternates. A schematic is strongly recommended for DFM review and rework reference. Without all three, a supplier cannot build your board reliably.
Why this becomes hard
Gerber output from different EDA tools—Altium, KiCad, Eagle, OrCAD—uses slightly different layer naming conventions, and not all PCBA suppliers accept all formats without manual cleanup. CPL files frequently have rotation errors for non-standard footprints, which cause mis-placement on the first article. These errors only show up after soldering, which means you discover them during first-article inspection.
What teams usually miss
BOM-to-CPL alignment is the most common first-article failure: the BOM has the correct part, but the CPL has the wrong rotation or the wrong reference designator. Always cross-check your BOM against the CPL before sending. Fabrication notes are also frequently missing—controlled impedance requirements, surface finish (HASL, ENIG, hard gold), via fill, laminate specification, and board finish copper weight. If these are not specified, the supplier picks defaults that may not match your application. IPC class requirement (Class 2 vs Class 3) is another gap that affects inspection scope.
What KnowYi does
KnowYi runs a DFM check across your Gerbers, CPL, and BOM before routing to a PCBA supplier, flagging alignment gaps, rotation issues, component clearance problems, missing fabrication specs, and BOM completeness. We require AOI results and X-ray images for BGAs before releasing each lot—not just a pass/fail claim from the supplier.
What to send us
Send Gerbers, CPL (centroid file), BOM with manufacturer part numbers and quantities, schematic, and your surface finish and IPC class requirements if known. Include any fabrication notes or impedance control requirements.
If you already have CAD, drawings, BOM, Gerbers, or even an incomplete file package, send it to KnowYi. We can turn it into a clear manufacturing path with missing inputs identified, quote blockers flagged, supplier routing handled, production records maintained, and delivery evidence returned.
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