Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about working with VR Industries? You’re in the right place. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our customers ask about our manufacturing capabilities, quality systems, processes, and partnership approach. If you don’t see your specific question addressed here, our experienced team is ready to provide the detailed guidance you need.
Company Information
How long has VR Industries been in business?
VR Industries was founded in 1985 and has been providing electronics contract manufacturing services for nearly 40 years. We have a rich history of growth, innovation, and dedication to quality, serving customers across medical, defense, industrial, and emerging technology markets.
Where is VR Industries located?
VR Industries operates from a 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility in Rhode Island. We became the first ISO-certified contract manufacturer in Rhode Island in 1996, demonstrating our commitment to quality management and continuous improvement.
What industries do you serve?
We serve diverse industries including medical devices, defense and aerospace, industrial automation, renewable energy, marine and oceanography, homeland security, and emerging technologies. Our specialized expertise and certifications enable us to meet the unique requirements of regulated industries.
What makes VR Industries different from other contract manufacturers?
VR Industries stands out through our partnership-oriented approach, Customer Innovation Center for collaborative development, dedicated Program Managers for each customer, comprehensive certifications, and focus on complex, low- to mid-volume manufacturing where precision and customization are essential.
Manufacturing Capabilities and Services
What manufacturing services do you offer?
Our comprehensive services include Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA), electromechanical assembly and box builds, cable and wire harness assembly, system integration, New Product Introduction (NPI), engineering services, supply chain management, warehousing and fulfillment, and comprehensive testing services.
What types of PCB assemblies can you manufacture?
We provide complete PCBA services including Surface Mount Technology (SMT), through-hole assembly, and mixed technology assemblies. Our capabilities support components from 0201 to large connectors, multi-layer PCBs, flexible and rigid-flex assemblies, and high-density interconnect (HDI) assemblies.
Do you offer prototype services?
Yes, we provide comprehensive New Product Introduction (NPI) services that support prototyping, design validation, process development, and pilot production. Our Customer Innovation Center offers a collaborative space where customers can work directly with our team to optimize designs and validate processes.
What is your Customer Innovation Center?
Our Customer Innovation Center (CIC) is a dedicated collaboration space where customers can work on-site with our production experts to finalize product manufacturing processes, develop supply chains, and transition products to production. The CIC guides products through ideation, design, and validation phases.
What volume ranges do you handle?
We are optimized for high-mix, low-to-mid volume manufacturing. We support everything from engineering prototypes and NPI lots to steady production. Typical patterns are prototypes in the low-double-digit units, pilot runs in the low to mid hundreds, and ongoing production in the thousands to several thousand units per year per P/N. We do not enforce a rigid MOQ; we quote to the needs of your program. For higher volumes, we scale through forecast-driven material programs, kanban, and parallel workcells, and we will align capacity and ramp plans with your schedule.
Do you provide engineering support?
Yes, we offer comprehensive engineering services including Design for Manufacturing (DFM) optimization, component selection recommendations, cost reduction analysis, manufacturing process development, and ongoing technical support throughout the product lifecycle.
Quality and Certifications
What quality certifications do you hold?
VR Industries maintains comprehensive certifications including ISO 9001 Quality Management System, ISO 13485 Medical Device Quality Management System, J-STD-001 certified workforce with in-house trainers, ITAR registration, FDA registration as a medical device manufacturer, UL 508A certification, and RoHS compliance.
What quality standards do you follow?
We adhere to J-STD-001 and IPC-A-610 standards, with all products certified to comply with these standards or as contractually agreed. For defense applications, we maintain J-STD-001ES (Space Addendum) Class 3 capabilities with certified personnel and trainers.
How do you ensure product quality?
Our quality system incorporates multiple verification stages including X-ray inspection, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), in-circuit testing, functional testing, burn-in services, and comprehensive documentation. We maintain statistical process control, component traceability through our ERP system, and continuous improvement processes.
Are you ITAR registered?
Yes, VR Industries is ITAR registered, enabling us to support defense and aerospace applications with appropriate security measures, documentation controls, and compliance protocols for sensitive defense programs.
Do you provide material traceability?
Yes, our ERP system provides comprehensive material traceability, serialization, and inventory control. We maintain complete component traceability from incoming inspection through final assembly, supporting regulatory compliance and quality requirements.
Testing and Inspection
What testing capabilities do you offer?
Our testing capabilities include high-resolution X-ray inspection, Automated Optical Inspection (AOI), in-circuit testing, functional testing, burn-in services, environmental testing, cleanliness testing, and contamination analysis. We also provide comprehensive validation and documentation services.
Do you offer environmental testing?
Yes. As part of NPI and production qualification, we can coordinate environmental and reliability testing with accredited labs, and manage the test logistics and documentation. Typical methods include temperature cycling and temperature-humidity, vibration and shock, and salt-fog, executed to your specified standards. Specific ranges and profiles are set by your test plan and application. Our program and supply chain teams integrate these activities with your build schedule.
Can you perform counterfeit component detection?
Yes, our quality system includes counterfeit component verification through visual examination, electrical testing, and high-resolution X-ray inspection. We supplement these methods with supply chain expertise to identify trustworthy vendors and sources.
Ask an Expert
Have additional questions not covered here? Our experienced specialists provide expert guidance and detailed answers for your specific manufacturing requirements and technical challenges.
Business and Process Questions
What is your typical lead time?
Lead times are quoted per program and are driven primarily by material availability, build complexity, and any required qualification. For new builds, timing depends on DFM feedback and parts lead times; for repeat production, we align to your forecasts and can set stocking or kanban programs. Expedite paths are available when materials allow; our goal is to meet your delivery requirements, not force you into ours.
How do you handle supply chain management?
We provide comprehensive supply chain management including strategic supplier relationships, component sourcing and procurement, inventory optimization, supply chain risk assessment and mitigation, and safety stock programs. Our ERP system provides real-time visibility into supply chain processes.
Do you offer warehousing and fulfillment services?
Yes, we provide component warehousing with environmental controls, kitting and sub-assembly services, finished goods storage and distribution, and comprehensive inventory management with full traceability.
What is your approach to program management?
Each customer is assigned a dedicated Program Manager who oversees the entire project lifecycle, ensuring clear communication, alignment with objectives, and efficient production management. Program Managers handle scheduling, resource allocation, quality improvements, and proactive issue resolution.
How do you handle design changes and ECOs?
We run a documented change-control process within our QMS. Changes are initiated via ECR/ECO, reviewed for manufacturability and risk, and released only after customer approval. We maintain revision-controlled BOMs, drawings, and work instructions, and we perform first-article or targeted re-validation when a change warrants it. Program Management coordinates timing for clean cut-in.
What payment terms do you offer?
For first-time customers, payment is 100% upfront. After an initial history is established, we can set up credit terms; please speak with our Finance team for details. We accept ACH, wire, and check, and can discuss card payment on request.
Getting Started
How do I get a quote for my project?
You can request a quote by contacting our team with your project requirements, including PCB files, bill of materials, assembly drawings, quantity requirements, and timeline. Our experienced team will provide a comprehensive assessment and detailed quotation.
What information do you need for a quote?
For accurate quoting, we typically need PCB fabrication files (Gerbers), bill of materials (BOM), assembly drawings, quantity requirements, delivery timeline, and any special requirements or specifications. Additional documentation may be required based on project complexity.
Do you sign NDAs?
Yes. We regularly execute mutual NDAs at project start and handle customer technical data under controlled processes appropriate for regulated work. If your program involves export-controlled content, we will align on any additional safeguards during kickoff.
Can I visit your facility?
Yes, by appointment. We host tours and on-site reviews at our Warwick, Rhode Island facility. Because we support defense, medical, energy, and industrial programs, we ask for advance scheduling and compliance with visitor security and EHS protocols.
How do I become an approved supplier/partner?
Please reach out to our purchasing team with your capability overview and quality certifications. We evaluate suppliers on capability fit, quality system maturity, delivery performance, cost competitiveness, and compliance requirements. Qualified suppliers are onboarded into our QMS and reviewed periodically.
Technical Questions
What file formats do you accept?
We commonly work with standard manufacturing data: Gerber RS-274X or ODB++, BOM in Excel or CSV with manufacturer part numbers and approved alternates, pick-and-place/centroid files, assembly drawings in PDF, and 3D STEP for enclosures or mechanicals. If you prefer native CAD packages such as Altium or OrCAD, we can accommodate, and we will confirm preferred deliverables during NPI.
Do you provide DFM feedback?
Yes, we provide comprehensive Design for Manufacturing (DFM) analysis and recommendations to optimize your designs for manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and quality. Our engineering team reviews designs and provides detailed feedback to enhance manufacturing outcomes.
Can you help with component obsolescence issues?
Yes. Our Supply Chain Management team monitors lifecycle status, recommends form-fit-function alternates, and supports PPV and first-article validation. When redesign is required, we coordinate changes through our NPI process to minimize risk and disruption.
Do you support both leaded and lead-free processes?
Yes, we support both leaded and lead-free soldering processes to meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements. Our processes are RoHS compliant and can accommodate various soldering requirements.
Regulatory and Compliance
Are you FDA registered?
Yes, VR Industries is FDA registered as a medical device manufacturer, enabling us to support medical device assembly projects with appropriate quality systems, documentation, and regulatory compliance procedures.
Do you support medical device manufacturing?
Yes, we are ISO 13485 certified and FDA registered, enabling us to manufacture medical device assemblies with comprehensive process controls, material traceability, and documentation systems that support regulatory compliance and validation requirements.
How do you handle ITAR-controlled items?
As an ITAR-registered facility, we maintain appropriate security measures, personnel clearances, documentation controls, and compliance procedures required for defense and aerospace applications involving ITAR-controlled technology and materials.
Do you participate in government programs?
Yes, we maintain active membership in GIDEP (Government-Industry Data Exchange Program) with a certified on-site representative to stay current with government requirements and component reliability information.
Still have questions? Our experienced team is ready to provide detailed answers and technical guidance for your specific requirements and applications.
VR Industries combines decades of experience with comprehensive capabilities to deliver reliable electronics manufacturing solutions for your most critical applications.
Request for Quote
Ready to move forward with your project? Get a comprehensive quote and technical assessment tailored to your specific requirements and objectives.