Only suppliers that meet the technical, operational, and compliance standards of high-reliability industries make it into my referral network. Here’s a full breakdown of what I look for.
Surface finishes: ENIG, HASL, Immersion Silver, OSP, etc.
Copper thickness and board thickness options
Panel size limitations
Controlled impedance support
Via technology: blind, buried, via-in-pad, filled & capped
🛠️ PCBA Capabilities
Assembly types: SMT, THT, Mixed
Double-sided placement capability
Component pitch range and minimum
Fine-pitch/BGA/QFN/LGA placement
Rework and inspection for BGA/QFN
Conformal coating & potting
Cleanroom usage if applicable
Component sourcing (full turnkey vs. consignment)
⚙️ SMT Line Infrastructure
Number of SMT lines
Brands/models of pick-and-place machines
Year installed/last upgraded
Stencil printing systems (automated/manual)
Reflow oven type and zones
Wave soldering (if supported)
AOI (inline/offline), SPI, X-ray inspection tools
ICT and FCT support
📊 Production Capacity & Flexibility
Monthly volume for:
Bare PCBs
Assembled boards
Minimum order quantities
Batch size flexibility (prototype vs. mass production)
Operating shifts: Single/double/triple
Dedicated prototype lines (if any)
Forecast scalability – how quickly can you ramp?
🧾 Certifications & Regulatory Compliance
Must-have certifications (if targeting specific industries):
ISO 9001 (General)
AS9100 (Aerospace)
ISO 13485 (Medical)
IATF 16949 (Automotive)
IPC Class II / III compliance
RoHS and REACH declarations
ITAR registered or compliant (Defense projects)
UL, CE, or other safety/membership marks
Partner With Me
Ready to Explore a Commission-Based Partnership?
If you are a PCB or PCBA manufacturer ready to expand in the U.S. market—and have the technical strength to support Aerospace, Defense, and high-performance industries—let’s talk.
📄 NDA & Contract Available for Immediate Review
An NDA & Contracgt is available upon request or can be sent with your inquiry to open up deeper project conversations securely.
NORTH STAR Sales
3344 Yorbalinda Blvd, Suite A
Fullerton California, 92831
USA