The Quoting Process — Step by Step
1
Prepare Your Design Files
Before submitting, make sure you have:
- Gerber files RS-274X (all layers: copper, coverlay, stiffener, silkscreen)
- Drill file — Excellon format preferred
- Fab drawing (PDF or DXF) with layer stack, tolerances, finish callouts
- IPC-2581 or ODB++ accepted as alternatives
2
Specify Your Requirements
Include in your submission:
- Circuit type (single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, rigid-flex)
- Base material preference (KAPTON PI, adhesiveless, other)
- Surface finish (ENIG, immersion tin, OSP, HASL)
- Coverlay material and color
- Stiffener type and location if required
- UL, IPC class, or other compliance requirements
3
Tell Us Quantity & Timeline
For an accurate quote, include:
- Prototype quantity (typically 5–25 pieces)
- Expected production volume (pieces per month or year)
- Required delivery date or lead time constraint
- Whether quick-turn is needed
- Whether you need SMT assembly or bare circuit only
4
We Review & Quote
What happens after you submit:
- DFM review of your Gerber files — included at no charge
- We contact you with any design questions before quoting
- Quote returned within 1–3 business days for standard constructions
- Quote includes prototype pricing, production pricing, and lead time
What Helps Us Quote Faster
✅
Complete Gerber Package
Include all layers — missing coverlay or stiffener layers are the most common cause of quoting delays. One complete package = fastest turnaround.
✅
Clear Fab Notes
Specify material, finish, IPC class, and any special requirements in a fabrication drawing. Ambiguous specs require clarification calls that add 24–48 hours to your quote.
✅
Volume & Timeline Upfront
Tell us expected production volume at quoting — even a rough estimate. This allows us to quote prototype and production pricing together so you have the full program cost picture.
Quoting FAQs
Standard constructions (single-sided, double-sided) are typically quoted within 1–2 business days of receiving a complete Gerber package. Complex designs — rigid-flex, multilayer, tight tolerances — may require 2–3 business days. We will contact you immediately if we need clarification on your design.
Can I get a quote without complete Gerbers?
We can provide a budgetary estimate based on a description of your circuit — layer count, approximate dimensions, construction type, finish, and quantity. This is useful for early program budgeting. A firm quote requires complete Gerber data and fabrication notes.
Do you quote NRE (tooling) and unit pricing separately?
Yes. Our quotes include a one-time NRE (tooling and setup) charge and a per-unit price broken out by quantity break. Tooling is owned by the customer and carried in our system — repeat orders do not incur new tooling charges.
Ready to Submit Your Design?
Upload your Gerbers and fill in your requirements — we handle the rest, including a free DFM review before quoting.
For more on this topic, see: flex circuit manufacturing capabilities.
For more on this topic, see: flex circuit vs rigid PCB.
Further reading: what are flex circuits.
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