Mail-in instructions
Five minutes of good packing protects a four-figure unit. Here's exactly how to send it — and where.
Before you remove the unit
- ▸Get an RMA first — start a repair or quote online so your unit is expected and trackable.
- ▸Power down and lock out the machine per your facility's LOTO procedure.
- ▸Photograph the wiring and connector positions before unplugging anything — future-you will thank you at reinstall.
- ▸For CNC boards: back up machine parameters and programs first. That's best practice for any board removal, repair or not.
- ▸Note the exact part number and serial from the unit's label on your order if you haven't already.
What to send (and what to keep)
- ▸Send the failed unit only — no cables, mounting brackets, doors, or bezels unless we ask.
- ▸Keypads/covers that are part of the fault (worn membrane) should stay on the unit.
- ▸CF/SD cards: keep them if you prefer — we test with our own media. If the application only lives on the card, note it on the intake so we image it first.
- ▸Indramat/Ecodrive: leave the firmware module installed — it stays with your unit through the whole process.
- ▸Include a note inside the box with your RMA, name, and a one-line failure description.
Packing that survives the truck
- ▸Bare boards: anti-static bag first, always. No foam peanuts directly against electronics.
- ▸Two inches of firm padding on every side — foam, bubble wrap, or crumpled kraft. The unit should not move when you shake the box.
- ▸Double-box heavy units (drives over ~15 lb): padded box inside a padded box.
- ▸Screens face-down on a foam sheet, never against a bare box wall.
- ▸Tape all seams. Write the RMA large on two sides of the box.
Shipping
- ▸Any carrier works — USPS to the PO Box, UPS/FedEx to the street-address form of the same box (both below).
- ▸Insure the shipment for the unit's replacement value; carriers only honor claims on insured, well-packed boxes.
- ▸Machine down? Overnight it and choose rush/emergency service so it hits the bench first.
- ▸Units over 50 lb (large VFDs, spindle drives, industrial PCs in enclosures) ship by freight — contact us before ordering and we will arrange dock-to-dock shipping.
- ▸Reply to your confirmation email with the tracking number and we'll watch for arrival.
Ship your unit to
USPS
Control Board Lab
PO Box 120241
Arlington, TX 76012
UPS / FedEx
Control Board Lab
1009 Oakwood Ln # 120241
Arlington, TX 76012
Write your RMA number on the outside of the box and include it on a note inside. Units over 50 lb (large VFDs, spindle drives, industrial PCs in enclosures) ship by freight — contact us before ordering and we will arrange dock-to-dock shipping.
No RMA yet? Start a repair or request a free quote first — units that arrive with an RMA check in the same day.
Machine down? Let's get it back up.
Start a repair online in two minutes, or send us the part number for a free technician review.
The Fixed-or-Free Guarantee: if we can't repair it, you don't pay for the repair.
Call (817) 799-7332 · 📱 Text us a photo of your unit · Email repairs@controlboardlab.com