Process

What to prepare before sending your design to a contract manufacturer

Most first-time hardware teams under-prepare their manufacturing package. This checklist covers what a CM actually needs to quote and build your board correctly.

Pogot Studio Engineering · 2025-09-05 · 5 min read

What to prepare before sending your design to a contract manufacturer

When handing over a PCB design to a Contract Manufacturer (CM), missing details cause delays and costly component substitution errors.

The Essential Package

  1. Gerber / ODB++ Files
  2. Bill of Materials (BOM) with MPNs and acceptable alternates
  3. Pick and Place / Centroid File
  4. Fabrication & Assembly Drawings