

Drill hole sizes and pads must match Gerber files. Stackup notes must match each Gerber layer. Accurate pricing comes from instructions included on, or with, PCB documents that clearly reflect the same information. Getting clear instructions from your fabrication and assembly vendors is critical for accurate pricing. Next comes assembly, and the assembler consults the Bill of Materials, and any notes to determine special handling that will drive costs. Materials selected to achieve the stack-up together with tooling drive pricing. The fabricator consults the Gerbers which must include notes specifying the stack-up and other specifications such as drill hole size and associated pads.

The design documents include the Gerber files, drill files, Bill of Materials, and assembly instructions. Knowledge of the design is communicated in the design documents. Each fabrication and assembly house has guidelines for achieving design intent and these requirements drive PCB fabrication and assembly costs. Once fabricated, assembly houses take the blank board and solder components onto them to make the final board. It incorporates stackup management to include impedance control, drill holes, and plating. The design incorporates material selection including copper, plating, and laminates for the fabrication. The design is communicated in the fabrication and assembly documents. Produce low-cost instructions with elegant drill filesĬalculating printed circuit board fabrication and assembly costs requires knowledge of the design. PCB design tools are capable of tracking costs and keeping production expenditures within the budget.
