The short answer
What this setting controls
Standard assembly is the general placement path. Economic assembly can suit eligible, simpler builds when the required files and limits are met.
Compare component mix, package density, side count, rails, fiducials, placement evidence, process controls and target volume before selecting a path.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Complex components, broader process options or both-side assembly | Use when the assembly needs the full manufacturing path. |
| Economic | Eligible simple, low-volume builds | Material, side, quantity and service limits are narrower. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- The interface may keep an ineligible path visible but disabled so the reason is discoverable.
- Assembly quantity can be different from bare-board quantity.
- Assembly type filters side count, service options, board dimensions and permitted quantities.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Use the eligible standard path when the assembly includes complex parts or both sides.
- Use an economic path only when the board and files meet its constraints.
- Provide a complete BOM and placement file for a meaningful assembly estimate.
Before release
Check these points before adding the quote to cart
- Confirm the selected value matches the released Gerber, drawing, stack-up, BOM or assembly plan.
- Review any fields that changed automatically after this selection.
- Check the board preview and server-calculated estimate before adding the quote to cart.
- Use the eligible standard path when the assembly includes complex parts or both sides.
- Use an economic path only when the board and files meet its constraints.
- Provide a complete BOM and placement file for a meaningful assembly estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
Why is an assembly path disabled?
The current board geometry, material, side, files or process data does not meet that path’s supported limits.
What files are required for automatic PCBA review?
Provide the Gerber fabrication package, a BOM with designators and exact part identities, and a placement file containing reference, X, Y, rotation and side. A self-contained GLB model is optional.
Why is an option disabled?
The current material, geometry, layer count, quantity or another selected process makes that combination unavailable. Change the controlling selection or revise the design package rather than trying to bypass the disabled state.
Can I rely on the online choice as final manufacturing approval?
No. The interface screens known combinations and requests pricing, while final manufacturability remains subject to the released files and technical review.
What should I record outside the order form?
Put controlled requirements in the fabrication drawing, assembly drawing, stack-up, BOM or acceptance plan. Use Special instructions only for a concise pointer to that controlled requirement.
Will changing this update other selections?
It can. The order form re-evaluates compatibility and may replace a now-invalid dependent choice before requesting a fresh server-side estimate. Review every highlighted or automatically changed field.
What if the design requires an option that is not offered?
Do not approximate it with a different label. Recheck the controlling material and geometry, document the actual requirement, and request technical review before placing the order.
Further reading
Standards and technical references
Use the latest applicable revision and your organisation’s controlled requirements when a standard forms part of product acceptance.
- IPC J-STD-001J and IPC-A-610J overviewIPC — Assembly process control and post-assembly acceptance context.
- KiCad component placement filesKiCad — Reference, position, rotation and side data for pick-and-place.
- IPC document revision tableIPC — Current revisions for assembly, solder paste, stencil and acceptance standards.