During the quoting and Contract review of the PCB manufacturing stages, all information for the fabrication of a board is received and verified. Accuracy in a design depends on accuracy of information and data. More detailed information is always better than a lack of information. (i.e. blow-up diagrams in a print detailing special area that require attention, critical circuit widths, etc.)

• Preferred Gerber formats: 274x, or odb++
• If referenced specifications are not provided, our CAM engineer will use the “Rockymountain Default Manufacturing Specifications” (ENDOC006.doc).
• The original customer print is kept in the sales file /or customer data file – corrections to the prints or notes for manufacturing are redlined on the pdf print and filed on the server.
• The engineer performing the Gerber data editing will provide a .hol file for Electrical Test.
• Original customer data is also stored on the Engineering Server for future verification.
• Netlist verification is performed.
• A complete DRC check assures manufacturability.
• Data is prepared for manufacturing (date codes, logos, array panelization, etc.)
• Drill, routing, and scoring files are output for production.
• Entire Package goes to First Article Verification before release to production.

Best panel sizes

We can array your boards in any configuration you need, but a drawing of your preferred array size or configuration is preferable. To get the most out of our production panel’s real estate, there are ideal sizes for the subpanel (your panel). Using a size that optimizes production real estate keeps your price affordable. Increasing your panel size beyond this suggested size could cause a loss in panel real estate and can increase price.

• For Double Sided boards: 8.2” X 11.2” Maximum
• For Multilayers: 8” X 11” Maximum

Tips to avoid cam hold –

• Gerber 274X format is preferable. If you are sending files using Gerber 274D, please include aperture lists.
• An NC Drill File in Excellon format is required. English units are preferable.
• Missing tool list. This list can be included in the NCDrill file or separate.
• Missing Gerbers. Please assure all layers are included.
• Insufficient circuit width, spacing, or clearances: Please review the Standard Production Capability Matrix below for Guidelines. We run a DFM (Design for Manufacturability) check on all incoming data.
• Missing Rout Outline. Please assure that the routing outline is included in the Gerber data.
• Exposed Copper may that be Viewable On-Board Edge or Inside Cutouts or Non-Plated Drilled Holes: Please review our Standard Production Capability Matrix below. Minimum clearance of copper from board edge should ideally be 0.010” for routed boards, 0.015” for scored boards.
• Layer Order Stackup Information is required for multilayers.
• Hard Gold-plated connectors: If your design includes edge connectors, please specify if you need them hard gold plated.
• It is best to give us detailed information on all Cutouts, Non-Plated Slots, Plated Through Slots, Internal Routing, or Controlled Depth Milling.