Frequently Asked Questions

Getting a quote from GreatPCB is simple and fast. You have three options:

1. Online Quote Form: Visit our website and fill out the instant quote form. Upload your Gerber files, specify quantity, layer count, and any special requirements — we typically respond within 4 hours during business days.
2. Email: Send your design files (Gerber, BOM, assembly drawings if applicable) to our sales team at sales@greatpcb.com.
3. Direct Contact: Reach out via phone or live chat for immediate assistance on urgent projects.

All quotes include a detailed DFM (Design for Manufacturability) review at no additional cost.

We accept the following standard file formats:

• Gerber Files: RS-274X or X2 format (all layers including copper, solder mask, silkscreen, and drill files)
• NC Drill Files: Excellon format
• ODB++: Preferred for complex multilayer designs
• IPC-2581: Single-file standard for complete design data
• BOM (Bill of Materials): Excel (.xlsx) or CSV format with manufacturer part numbers, quantities, and reference designators
• Assembly Drawings: PDF or included in Gerber data
• Pick-and-Place (Centroid) File: CSV or text format with component coordinates and rotation

If you're unsure about your files, our engineering team can assist with a free design review.

No, we do not enforce a strict minimum order quantity. Whether you need a single prototype board or high-volume production, we're happy to support your project.

However, please note that pricing is more cost-effective at higher quantities due to setup and tooling costs being distributed across more units. Our sales team can help you find the optimal order quantity for your budget.

For PCB assembly, we typically recommend a minimum of 5 units for the most competitive pricing, but we do accept smaller orders for evaluation and prototyping.

While we do not offer completely free samples, we provide heavily discounted prototype pricing for first-time customers and for design validation runs. Our standard prototype service includes:

• Small batch quantities (as low as 1-5 pieces)
• Same high-quality standards as production orders
• Free DFM review and engineering feedback
• Competitive lead times (as fast as 24 hours for simple designs)

Contact our sales team to discuss your prototype requirements and receive a tailored quotation.

Once you've reviewed and approved the quotation, the ordering process is straightforward:

1. Confirm the Quote: Reply to the quotation email with your approval. If any adjustments are needed, let us know and we'll revise accordingly.
2. Receive Proforma Invoice: We'll send a formal proforma invoice with payment instructions.
3. Make Payment: Choose from bank transfer (T/T), PayPal, credit card, or other agreed methods.
4. Order Processing: Upon payment confirmation, your order enters our production queue. You'll receive a detailed production schedule.
5. Production Updates: We keep you informed at key milestones — material prep, inner layer completion, lamination, final inspection, and shipping.

We understand that requirements can change. Here's our policy:

• Within 2 Hours of Payment: Full cancellation or modification is possible at no charge, as production has not yet commenced.
• Before Material Preparation: Modifications may be accommodated, but cancellation may incur a small administrative fee.
• After Production Has Started: Unfortunately, we cannot cancel or significantly modify the order, as the boards are already in process. Please contact us immediately if changes are needed — we'll do our best to find a solution.

For assembly orders, once components have been procured, cancellation fees will include the cost of any non-returnable or customer-specific parts.

GreatPCB maintains rigorous quality management systems and holds the following certifications:

• ISO 9001:2015 — Certified quality management system for PCB fabrication and assembly
• IPC-6012 Class 2 & Class 3 — Qualified manufacturer for high-reliability PCB fabrication
• IPC-A-610 Class 2 & Class 3 — Acceptability standards for electronic assemblies
• J-STD-001 — Soldering requirements for electrical and electronic assemblies
• UL Recognized (ZLPW2) — Safety certification for printed circuit boards
• RoHS & REACH — Full compliance with environmental regulations
• ITAR Registered — For defense and military projects requiring export control

Copies of our certifications are available upon request for customer audits.

Our quality assurance process is multi-layered and continuous throughout production:

• DFM Review: Every order undergoes a detailed design-for-manufacturability check before production begins. We identify and flag any potential issues and work with you to resolve them.
• In-Process Inspection: Key production stages — including inner layer imaging, lamination, drilling, plating, and final finish — are inspected against IPC standards.
• Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): 100% of boards are scanned for trace defects, shorts, opens, and solder mask alignment.
• Microsection Analysis: For Class 3 and high-reliability orders, we perform cross-sectional verification of plating thickness and via integrity.
• 100% Electrical Testing: Every board is tested using flying probe or bed-of-nails equipment to verify continuity and isolation.
• Final Visual Inspection: A trained inspector examines each board before packaging and shipment.

For assembly orders, we add AOI, X-ray inspection (for BGA and QFN packages), and functional testing as required.

IPC Class 3 is the highest reliability category defined by the IPC-6012 standard for printed circuit boards. It is required for products where continuous high performance is critical and downtime cannot be tolerated, such as:

• Aerospace and avionics systems
• Medical life-support and implantable devices
• Military and defense equipment
• Automotive safety systems
• Critical infrastructure and power generation

Compared to Class 2, Class 3 imposes stricter requirements for:

• Plated through-hole copper thickness (≥25μm)
• Minimum annular ring (≥50μm)
• Dielectric spacing and solder mask registration
• Zero-defect tolerance for critical vias

If you're unsure which class your project requires, our engineering team can advise based on your application. View our dedicated IPC Class 3 Capability page for more details.

Yes, we provide comprehensive documentation with every order:

• Certificate of Conformance (CoC): Confirms that the boards meet all specified requirements and IPC standards.
• Electrical Test Report: Detailed results of 100% continuity and isolation testing.
• Microsection Analysis Report: For Class 3 orders, including photomicrographs of plated through-holes and via cross-sections.
• Impedance Test Report: TDR measurements for controlled-impedance designs.
• First Article Inspection (FAI) Report: Available upon request for production runs.
• RoHS / REACH Compliance Certificates: Included with all orders as standard.

Additional customer-specific documentation can be arranged — just let us know your requirements when placing the order.

We take quality seriously. If you believe you have received defective boards, please follow this process:

1. Notify Us Immediately: Contact your sales representative or email our quality team within 7 days of delivery. Provide photos, a description of the issue, and any relevant test data.
2. Return Authorization: We'll issue an RMA (Return Material Authorization) number and provide return shipping instructions.
3. Root Cause Analysis: Upon receiving the boards, our quality team performs a thorough investigation and provides a detailed failure analysis report within 5-7 business days.
4. Resolution: If the defect is confirmed to be our responsibility, we will either:
   • Remanufacture the boards at no cost, or
   • Issue a full refund or credit toward a future order

All decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in accordance with our warranty terms. See our Returns & Warranty section for full details.

Yes, all standard materials used in our PCB fabrication and assembly processes are fully RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) compliant.

This includes:

• All laminate materials (FR-4, high-Tg, halogen-free options)
• Surface finishes (lead-free HASL, ENIG, ENEPIG, Immersion Silver, Immersion Tin)
• Solder mask and silkscreen inks
• Solder paste used in assembly (lead-free SAC305 alloy)

If your project requires specific material declarations or compliance documentation beyond our standard certificates, please let us know and we'll provide them.

Absolutely. We welcome customer audits — both on-site and virtual. Many of our aerospace, medical, and automotive clients conduct regular audits of our facility.

To arrange a factory visit or virtual tour:

• Contact your account manager or email us to schedule a date
• We require at least 2 weeks' notice for on-site visits
• Virtual audits can be arranged more flexibly via video conference
• NDA agreements are available if required

During the audit, you'll have full access to our production floor, quality lab, and documentation systems.

GreatPCB can manufacture PCBs with up to 40+ layers. Our high-layer-count capabilities include:

• Precise layer-to-layer registration using advanced lamination presses
• Sequential lamination for complex HDI stackups
• Multiple lamination cycles for blind and buried via structures
• Comprehensive microsection verification for each new design

For designs exceeding 40 layers, please contact our engineering team for a feasibility review. Our most common high-layer-count projects are in the 12-28 layer range for telecommunications, aerospace, and high-speed computing applications.

We offer a full range of surface finishes to suit different applications and budgets:

• ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold): Excellent for fine-pitch components, BGA, and long shelf life. Our standard offering for high-reliability applications.
• ENEPIG (Electroless Nickel Electroless Palladium Immersion Gold): Superior wire-bonding capability and excellent solderability. Ideal for military and medical applications.
• Lead-Free HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling): Cost-effective, widely used for general-purpose applications.
• Immersion Silver: Good for high-frequency designs, smooth surface, RoHS compliant.
• Immersion Tin: Flat surface, suitable for fine-pitch components, good solderability.
• Hard Gold (Electrolytic): For edge connectors, keypads, and high-wear applications.
• OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative): Low-cost, environmentally friendly, good for immediate assembly.

Our engineers can recommend the best finish based on your design requirements and intended application.

Yes, controlled impedance is one of our core capabilities. We provide:

• Precision impedance control within ±5% tolerance (standard is ±10%)
• TDR (Time Domain Reflectometry) testing with full reports for every impedance-controlled order
• Impedance modeling using Polar Instruments software during the DFM stage
• Support for single-ended, differential pairs, and coplanar waveguide structures
• Experience with common target impedances: 50Ω, 75Ω, 90Ω, 100Ω, 120Ω differential

We work with a wide range of high-frequency laminates including Rogers, Taconic, Isola, and Panasonic Megtron series.

Our standard manufacturing capabilities achieve:

• Trace Width / Spacing: 3 mil / 3 mil (0.076mm / 0.076mm) as standard
• Advanced Capability: 2.5 mil / 2.5 mil available for high-density designs (please consult with our engineering team)
• Minimum Drill Hole: 0.2mm mechanical, 0.1mm laser
• Minimum Annular Ring: 2 mil (50μm) for Class 3

For designs pushing these limits, we recommend sending your files for a free DFM review so our engineers can confirm feasibility and suggest any optimizations.

Yes, GreatPCB provides full turnkey PCB assembly services. This includes:

• Component Procurement: We source all components from authorized distributors (Digi-Key, Mouser, Arrow, Avnet, etc.) with full traceability.
• SMT Assembly: High-speed pick-and-place machines supporting 0201 components, fine-pitch QFP, BGA (down to 0.3mm pitch), and QFN packages.
• Through-Hole Assembly: Manual and wave soldering for mixed-technology boards.
• Inspection: AOI, X-ray (for BGA/QFN), and functional testing as required.
• Conformal Coating: Available for harsh-environment applications.
• Box Build / Final Assembly: We can also handle complete product assembly including wiring, enclosures, and testing.

We also offer consigned assembly where you supply the components and we handle the assembly and testing.

We maintain an extensive inventory of laminates to support a wide range of applications:

• Standard FR-4: Shengyi, Kingboard — for general-purpose applications
• High-Tg FR-4: Tg150, Tg170, Tg180 — for lead-free assembly and elevated-temperature environments
• Halogen-Free: Shengyi S1155, ITEQ IT-150GS — for environmentally conscious projects
• High-Frequency / RF: Rogers (RO4003C, RO4350B, RO3003, RT/duroid series), Taconic (TLY, RF series), Isola (IS680, Astra MT77)
• High-Speed Digital: Panasonic Megtron 4, Megtron 6, Isola I-Speed, I-Tera MT40
• PTFE-Based: For microwave and millimeter-wave applications
• Aluminum / Metal-Core: For LED and power electronics requiring thermal management

If your design requires a specific material not listed here, please contact us — we can typically source it with a slightly extended lead time.

Our lead times vary based on complexity and quantity. Here are our typical timelines:

• Standard Prototype (2-4 layers): 4-5 working days
• Complex Prototype (6-16 layers): 6-8 working days
• High-Layer-Count (20+ layers): 10-14 working days
• Standard Production (any layer count): 8-12 working days
• Expedited Service: Available for most orders — 24-72 hours for simple designs (additional fees apply)

Lead times are calculated from the date of order confirmation and receipt of complete, approved design files. Our team will provide a specific delivery date with every quotation.

We ship worldwide using all major carriers. You can choose the method that best balances speed and cost:

• Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS): 3-5 business days to most destinations. Includes full tracking and insurance.
• Air Freight: 5-7 business days. More economical for heavier shipments.
• Ocean Freight: 25-35 days. Most cost-effective for high-volume orders.
• Rail Freight (Europe/Asia): 15-20 days. A good balance between speed and cost for land routes.

We can also use your preferred freight forwarder or shipping account if desired. All shipments include professional ESD-safe and moisture-proof packaging.

Yes, we understand that sometimes you need boards urgently. Our expedited service options include:

• 24-Hour Turn: For simple 2-layer prototype boards (subject to capacity and design review)
• 48-72 Hour Turn: For 4-8 layer prototypes
• 5-Day Turn: For standard production orders that need priority scheduling

Expedited services incur additional fees (typically 25-100% surcharge depending on complexity and turnaround time). Availability depends on current production capacity. Please contact us for a specific quotation — we'll always give you an honest assessment of what's possible.

We have extensive experience shipping to customers worldwide. Here's what you need to know:

• Commercial Invoice: All shipments include detailed commercial invoices with accurate HS codes, country of origin, and declared values for smooth customs clearance.
• Duties & Taxes: Import duties, VAT/GST, and any customs fees are typically the responsibility of the buyer (DAP Incoterms). However, we can arrange DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping upon request.
• Documentation: We provide any additional documentation you may need — certificates of origin, free trade agreement certificates, or special customs declarations.
• Experience: We ship regularly to the USA, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, Japan, and many other destinations with a smooth customs track record.

If you have specific import requirements or concerns, please discuss them with our logistics team before your order ships.

Yes. All shipments from GreatPCB are fully insured against loss or damage during transit. Our policy includes:

• Standard insurance covering the full invoice value is included with all courier and freight shipments at no additional charge.
• In the rare event of damage or loss, we work directly with the carrier to resolve the claim and will remanufacture your order as quickly as possible.
• We document the condition of every shipment before dispatch with photographs, which can be provided if a claim needs to be filed.

For extremely high-value shipments, additional insurance coverage can be arranged — please let us know during the quoting process.

We believe clear communication is essential for successful projects. You can reach us through multiple channels:

• Dedicated Account Manager: Every customer is assigned a personal account manager who serves as your single point of contact throughout the project lifecycle.
• Email: For technical discussions, file transfers, and formal correspondence. Typical response time: within 2-4 hours during business hours.
• Phone: Direct line to your account manager for urgent matters.
• Live Chat: Real-time support on our website for quick questions.
• Video Conference: We regularly use Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet for detailed DFM reviews and project kickoff meetings.
• WhatsApp / WeChat: For customers who prefer instant messaging, we're available on both platforms.

Our business hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM China Standard Time (UTC+8). We also provide after-hours support for critical issues.

Yes, a comprehensive DFM review is included free of charge with every quotation. Before we begin production, our engineering team analyzes your design files and provides detailed feedback on:

• Trace width/spacing violations
• Annular ring and drill-to-copper clearances
• Solder mask slivers and clearance issues
• Silkscreen overlapping pads
• Via-in-pad requirements
• Impedance structure verification
• Component-to-component spacing (for assembly)
• Polarity and rotation confirmation
• BOM verification and part availability

We will not proceed to production until all questions are resolved and you have approved the final design. This process helps prevent costly errors and ensures a smooth manufacturing experience.

Our customer-facing team communicates fluently in:

• English — All account managers and engineers are proficient in business and technical English. This is our primary language for international communication.
• Chinese (Mandarin & Cantonese) — Native proficiency for our domestic and Chinese-speaking clients.
• Additional Languages: We have team members who speak Japanese, Korean, and German. If you have a specific language requirement, please let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate.

All documentation — including quotes, invoices, reports, and certificates — is provided in English as standard. Other languages are available upon request.

Yes, we believe in transparency throughout the manufacturing process. You can expect:

• Order Confirmation: Immediate confirmation with scheduled production dates
• DFM Report: Within 24 hours of order confirmation (if not already completed during quoting)
• Production Milestones: Updates at key stages — inner layer completion, lamination, drilling, final inspection, and shipping
• Photos: We can provide photos of your boards during production or before shipping upon request
• Shipping Notification: With tracking numbers and expected delivery date

For critical or high-value orders, we offer enhanced tracking with daily status updates. Just let your account manager know your preference.

We take intellectual property protection extremely seriously. Our confidentiality measures include:

• NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement): We are happy to sign your NDA before any files are shared. We also have our standard mutual NDA available.
• Secure File Storage: All design files are stored on encrypted servers with restricted access. Only authorized engineering personnel have access to your data.
• Data Retention Policy: Design files are retained for 2 years after project completion to support reorders, after which they are securely deleted unless you request otherwise.
• No Third-Party Sharing: We never share, sell, or use your design files for any purpose other than manufacturing your order.
• ITAR Compliance: For defense and military projects, we follow strict ITAR data handling protocols, including access restrictions to US persons only where required.

Our factory also has physical security measures including visitor registration, camera surveillance, and restricted access to production areas.

GreatPCB provides a comprehensive warranty on all manufactured products:

• PCB Fabrication: 12-month warranty against manufacturing defects from the date of delivery. This covers plating voids, delamination, opens/shorts caused by manufacturing errors, and non-conformance to agreed specifications.
• PCB Assembly (PCBA): 12-month warranty covering workmanship defects including solder joint integrity, component placement accuracy, and assembly-related failures.
• Shelf Life: PCBs stored under proper conditions (temperature-controlled, dry environment) typically maintain solderability for 12 months with immersion finishes and 6 months with OSP.

The warranty does not cover damage caused by improper handling, incorrect assembly by third parties, design errors, or use outside specified operating conditions. Full warranty terms are available upon request.

If you encounter any issues with your order, here's how we handle returns and rework:

1. Report the Issue: Contact us within 7 days of delivery with a detailed description, photos, and any test data.
2. Evaluation: Our quality team evaluates the issue. For clear manufacturing defects, we proceed directly to resolution. For ambiguous cases, we may request return of samples for analysis.
3. RMA Issuance: We provide a Return Material Authorization number and prepaid return shipping label (for confirmed defects).
4. Resolution Options:
   • Remanufacture: We produce a replacement order on priority scheduling at no cost.
   • Rework: If rework is feasible and you agree, we repair the boards.
   • Credit/Refund: Full or partial refund based on the extent of the issue.

Our goal is to resolve all quality issues within 5-10 business days from initial notification. We prioritize customer satisfaction and will work with you to find the best solution.

If boards fail during your assembly process, follow these steps:

1. Stop Assembly Immediately: Isolate the affected boards and document the failure mode (e.g., delamination during reflow, solderability issues, opens/shorts).
2. Contact Us: Provide photos, reflow profile data, and a description of the issue. Our engineers will work with you to determine the root cause.
3. Joint Investigation: We may request return of both failed and unprocessed boards from the same batch for analysis. Our lab will perform microsection, solderability testing, and other diagnostics.
4. Resolution: If the root cause is a manufacturing defect, we will remanufacture the boards at no cost. If it's related to the assembly process (e.g., incorrect reflow profile), we'll provide recommendations to prevent recurrence.

To minimize this risk, we always recommend sharing your intended assembly process details with us during the quoting stage so we can ensure material and finish compatibility.

Yes, we provide rework services for PCBA orders. Our capabilities include:

• Component Replacement: Removal and replacement of defective components using hot air or IR rework stations, including BGA reballing.
• Solder Joint Touch-Up: Manual touch-up of solder joints by IPC-certified technicians.
• Conformal Coating Removal and Reapplication: When rework is needed on coated boards.
• Design Change Modifications: Implementation of minor design changes (e.g., cutting traces, adding jumper wires) — with your approval.

Rework is quoted on a case-by-case basis depending on the scope and complexity. For assemblies we originally manufactured, any rework required due to our error is performed at no charge. For customer-requested modifications or third-party assembly rework, standard service rates apply.

In today's dynamic supply chain environment, component availability can fluctuate. Here's how we manage shortages:

• Proactive Notification: During the BOM review stage, our procurement team checks real-time availability from authorized distributors. If any components have long lead times or are out of stock, we notify you immediately.
• Alternative Sourcing: With your approval, we can suggest pin-compatible, electrically equivalent alternatives from alternate manufacturers.
• Partial Shipment: If you need boards urgently, we can assemble with available components and ship the remainder when backordered parts arrive.
• Consigned Parts: If you have critical components in your own inventory, you can consign them to us for assembly.

We recommend providing your BOM as early as possible for new projects so we can identify and resolve any supply issues before production begins.

We offer flexible payment options to accommodate customers worldwide:

• Bank Transfer (T/T): Our preferred method for production orders. We provide bank details on the proforma invoice.
• PayPal: Convenient for prototype and small orders. A small processing fee may apply.
• Credit Card: We accept major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) through our secure payment portal.
• Wire Transfer: For international payments, we accept USD, EUR, and other major currencies.
• Letter of Credit (L/C): Available for large-volume production contracts (subject to approval).
• Net Terms: For established customers with regular order history, we offer Net 30 payment terms after credit approval.

All prices are quoted in USD unless otherwise agreed. For European customers, EUR pricing is available upon request.

Our pricing is transparent and based on several key factors:

• Board Specifications: Layer count, dimensions, material type, copper weight, surface finish, and minimum trace/space requirements
• Quantity: Higher volumes benefit from economies of scale, reducing the per-unit cost
• Special Requirements: Controlled impedance, blind/buried vias, edge plating, gold fingers, and other special processes
• Lead Time: Standard lead times offer the best pricing; expedited services incur surcharges
• Testing Requirements: Standard electrical test is included; additional testing (microsection, impedance TDR, X-ray) may add cost

For assembly, pricing also includes component costs (procured at competitive rates through our authorized distributor network), labor, and any specialized tooling or stencils.

We recommend requesting a formal quotation — it's free, non-binding, and provides the most accurate pricing for your specific project.

Our standard payment terms are:

• New Customers & Prototype Orders: 100% payment before production begins. This secures your place in the production queue.
• Established Customers (Production Orders): We offer Net 30 terms after a successful credit review and order history.
• Large Projects: For orders exceeding a certain value, we can arrange milestone-based payments — typically 50% upon order confirmation and 50% before shipping.

We're flexible and willing to work with you on payment structures that meet both parties' needs. Discuss your preferences with your account manager during the quoting process.

No. We believe in transparent pricing. Our quotations clearly detail all costs, including:

• Tooling and engineering charges (one-time, clearly listed)
• Per-unit PCB fabrication cost
• Electrical testing (included as standard)
• Shipping and handling (quoted separately based on your chosen method)

There are no hidden setup fees, administration charges, or surprise costs. If any additional charges become necessary during production (for example, if you request a design change after production has started), we will always inform you and obtain your approval before proceeding.

Yes, we offer tiered volume pricing that becomes more competitive at higher quantities. Typical discount structure:

• Prototype (1-10 units): Base pricing optimized for low-volume, quick-turn needs
• Small Batch (11-100 units): Moderate volume discounts apply
• Medium Production (101-1000 units): Significant per-unit cost reduction
• High Volume (1000+ units): Our most competitive pricing with dedicated production scheduling

For ongoing or repeat orders, we can also establish blanket purchase agreements with fixed pricing for a defined period, providing budget predictability for your production planning.