PCB fabrication produces the bare board from a controlled construction and data package. A clear RFQ describes the layer structure, materials, dimensions, holes, finish and verification requirements so that engineering assumptions are resolved before the board becomes the foundation for assembly.
Define the work and deliverable
Separate the desired finished-board requirements from preliminary design preferences. Identify mandatory construction features and the changes that require approval. If a proposed material or stackup differs from the drawing, record the technical review and the released decision. Do not allow conflicting notes in separate files to become undocumented shop-floor choices.
Files and requirements to send
- Released fabrication data, drill information, board outline and a construction drawing with units and revision.
- Layer sequence, material requirements, finished dimensions, finish, tolerances and controlled electrical requirements where applicable.
- Quantity, panel or delivery format, required verification records and any restrictions on construction changes.
Decisions to close before release
| Decision | What to confirm |
|---|---|
| Data completeness | Check that copper, mask, legend, outline and hole data describe the same revision. |
| Construction agreement | Resolve material, stackup, tolerance and finish assumptions before fabrication release. |
| Acceptance evidence | Specify the inspections, tests and construction records needed for the purchased board. |
A practical planning example
A layer image file does not by itself communicate every material or finished-thickness requirement. Pair the manufacturing data with a controlled construction definition. Ucamco describes the Gerber Job File as a way to transfer fabrication documentation with Gerber data; confirm the formats accepted for the project.
Format reference: Ucamco: Gerber Job File.
Can the fabricator change the stackup to meet the design?
A proposed adjustment should be reviewed against electrical, mechanical and product requirements and approved by the responsible design authority. Record the final stackup in the release package; do not rely on an informal assumption.
Compare the complete proposal
Ask for the included work, exclusions, setup charges, material responsibilities and schedule dependencies in writing. Use the quote comparison checklist to keep the same configuration and acceptance scope across offers.
Confirm project fit
[NEEDS CLIENT INPUT]: verified manufacturing site, relevant process limits, available equipment, certificates, MOQ and committed lead times for this service. The requirements above are a project-planning guide; availability must be confirmed against your actual files.
Related work in your build
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