What to Expect When Starting a Project with Southrock Engineering
At Southrock Engineering, we specialize in custom PCBA, cable and wire assemblies, box builds, and prototyping — all designed and assembled locally in Mesa, Arizona. This page walks you through exactly what to expect when you bring a project to us, from your first inquiry through delivery.
If you’re weighing whether Southrock is the right fit for your project vs. one of the overseas/big box vendors, you might want to start with – Why Choose a Local US-Based PCB Assembly Service Over an Overseas PCB Vendor?
Step 1 – Reach Out & Get a Quote
Send us your project details and we’ll review them and prepare a custom quote. Here’s what happens during this stage:
What We Review
- Part numbers — validated for availability and current sourcing
- Bare PCB design — checked against our assembly parameters (automation compatibility, component sizes, BGA suitability, through-hole requirements)
- Design for Manufacturability (DFM) — we’ll suggest improvements that can reduce cost and improve quality
Note: BGA components: we are not currently set up to place BGA components. In many cases, BGA components have a traditional counterpart that works just as well — and can be more desirable from an assembly and serviceability standpoint. If your design includes BGAs, let’s discuss alternatives early.
What We’ll Need From You (PCBA Projects)
- PCB design files, such as Gerber files, with the board layouts — ideally arranged as a pallet so our machines can populate multiple boards at once (if you don’t have this, our engineers can help design this for you)
- Gerber files of the pallet, used to create your solder paste stencil
- A complete, clearly labeled BOM (Bill of Materials) — including manufacturers’ part numbers, quantities, and placement locations
- Surface mount components on reels; 0402 is the smallest size our equipment handles
- Reels or Digireels with at least 20% overage for small resistors and capacitors
- Tubes are acceptable for larger ICs
- Through-hole components (components with leads) will be placed by hand
Note: Not ready to supply components? You can also provide just the design files and we’ll source parts. We’ll review part availability during quoting and flag anything hard to source or obsolete.
Step 2 – Review & Approve the Quote
Once you receive your quote, review it carefully. A few things to keep in mind:
Components & Substitutions
Most components are globally sourced. In some cases, hard-to-find or obsolete parts may require approved substitutions. A final BOM approval will be required before we begin production.
Tariffs & Duties
Southrock does not charge any tariff on our USA-based assembly. However, components are sourced globally, and any import tariffs, duties, or taxes imposed by customs authorities are the buyer’s responsibility. We’ll be transparent about this in your quote.
Solder Stencils
New or revised designs typically require a solder paste stencil. The good news: if your prototype checks out, we can reuse that stencil for production runs.
Step 3 – Place Your Order
Once you’re happy with the quote, a Purchase Order (PO) kicks off the full project review. Here’s what happens:
Note: We encourage prototype runs on all new designs. It saves time, cost, and headaches down the line.
Step 4 – Production
Our Mesa, AZ team handles everything in-house. A few things to know during this stage:
PCB Assembly
- SMT and/or through-hole assembly available
- 0402 is our minimum component size; smaller components cannot currently be placed
- BGA components cannot currently be placed — please flag these early so we can discuss alternatives
Cable & Wire Assembly
- Cut, strip, slit, crimp, and terminate
- Soldered to IPC standards
- Single wires to complex multi-conductor harnesses
- Sub-assembly integration and testing available
Box Builds
- Full turnkey assembly including PCB and enclosure integration
- You receive a complete, functional product — not just individual components
Supplying Your Own Components
You have the option of supplying all components to us and having us handle assembly only. Some of our established customers do this. It’s more work on your end, but it’s a workable arrangement.
Note: Please be aware: Southrock cannot warranty components that are customer-supplied. We warrant our workmanship; the components themselves are your responsibility.
Step 5 – Delivery, Pickup & Blanket Orders
We offer flexible options to get your products to you:
Note: We’re your neighbors! We encourage clients to visit our facility in person. It’s a great way to see how your product is being built.
Equipment & Capabilities
We believe in full transparency about our capabilities so there are no surprises. See our full list of equipment & capabilities here.
Minimum Component Size
Minimum component size: 0402 — anything smaller cannot be placed with our current equipment
BGA Components
BGA components: we are not currently set up to place BGA components; designs containing them will need to be modified or may need to be declined
Small PCBs
Small PCBs should be arranged in a pallet format so our machines can populate multiple boards per run
Double-Sided Boards
Double-sided boards, all-SMT, all-hand-place, or mixed designs are all possible — pricing will vary
Working with Southrock Engineering Long-Term
Southrock was built on long-term customer relationships. Our founder Peter has been designing PCBAs since the 1980s — and our team still supports and assembles those same evolved designs today. That kind of intentional continuity is the result of a team that takes product evolution, design revisions, and component sourcing seriously, including tracking down hard-to-find parts when legacy designs need them. When you work with Southrock, you’re getting more than an assembly firm. You’re getting an engineering partner who will still know your product inside and out years from now.
Whether you’re bringing us a brand-new prototype or a legacy design that needs ongoing production, you’ll have a technical expert — not a call center or chatbot — following your project from concept to completion.
Why Choose Southrock Engineering?
Our USA headquarted team is located in Mesa, AZ. We produce both printed circuit board assemblies and cable assemblies to IPC standards. We’re certified by UL and RoHS compliant.
No Minimum Orders
Our US-based facility allows flexibility in order quantity. Need 10 or 1,000? No problem!
No Long Lead Times
Our engineers are in Mesa, AZ. We offer quick turnaround on PCB assembly & custom cables.
Freight Savings
Working local means quicker answers to all of your questions and freight savings, too!
Local Engineers
We are a team of engineers handling your ideas, orders, every project need, from concept to completion.
Come Visit Our Facility
We are your neighbors! Located in Mesa, AZ, we encourage and invite you to come visit.
Our Services
Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA)
We design, assemble, inspect, program and test your printed circuit boards.
Custom Cable Manufacturing
We build custom cable & wire assemblies that meet your specifications.
Reverse Engineering for PCBA
Our U.S. based team is here to help solve your PCBA design problems.
Box Build Assembly Services
We provide full-service box build assembly, delivering fully integrated electronic systems ready for deployment.
PCB and Cable Assembly Prototyping
Custom PCB and cable assembly prototyping designed to move your product from concept to working hardware.
Need a Quote?
Whether it’s Custom Printed Circuit Boards or Custom Cable & Assembly needs,
Our engineers are ready to assist you.