Q:What does PCBCart do?
A: We're a globally professional provider integrating PCB fabrication, assembly and components sourcing. You can get turnkey PCB services all under one roof.
PCB successfully added to your shopping cart
General:
Q: Do you offer PCB layout or other engineering service?
A: We're capable of taking PCB layout work. Just send your circuit dirgram / drawing and project requirement to [email protected], we will review your demands and quote for engineering and production.
Q: I only have schematic, can you make PCBs for me?
A:Yes. We can do PCB layout based on your schematic, then schedule the production. Please send your schematic and requirement to [email protected], we'll give the quotation accordingly.
Q: Where are your circuit boards manufactured?
A: As a China-based professional PCB manufacturer, all circuit boards are manufactured in China, then ship out to your office.
Q:Do you ship boards to my country?
We've shipped PCB boards to customers from over 100 countries in the past 12 years and the number keeps rising each year. Surely we can ship boards to your country.
Q: Do you offer free samples?
A: We do not offer free PCBs. If you want to verify our quality prior to volume production, it's optimal to submit a prototype order. Once you've verified our quality, it's easy to repeat the order at any quantity you need.
Q: What are your working hours?
A: Our hours of operation are as follows (China time zone):
8:30 a.m. - 17:30 p.m. (GMT+8) from Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (GMT+8) Saturdays.
We do not work on Sundays and public holidays.
Bare board PCB Ordering:
Q: Is there any limit on minimum order quantity for bare PCB order?
A: Our minimum order quantity of Prototype PCBs starts from 5pcs. However, we can start from any quantity for Standard PCB service. You might be interested:
1)
PCB Prototype & Standard PCB Manufacturing Services Comparison
2)
When to use PCB Prototype Service and when to switch to Standard PCB Service
Q:How can I get PCB fabrication price? / How to order bare board PCBs? / Can I place PCB orders via email?
A: You can purchase bare board PCBs within seconds using our online order system:
Step 1: Login your PCBCart account (If you are a new customer, please register first)
Step 2: Enter
Standard PCB Quote page
if you need mass pcb production or
PCB Prototype Quote page
if you are looking for prototype boards, input your circuit specifications. A rough PCB price will show up in the right column right away. If you feel acceptable to the given price, click Add to cart button to add the item to shipping cart. (Want to purchase multiple PCB items within one order? Please repeat this step for each item.)
Step 3: At the shipping cart, select all items you are certain to order and click Check out button to release payment.
Step 4: Keep an eye for any email from pcbcart.com. Questions (if there's any on the PCB files or order) and order status will be sent to you through emails.
Step-by-step online PCB Fabrication order instruction
Q: I have all circuit specs filled, but PCB price didn't show up. What's wrong?
A: Have you entered Part Number? It is used to distinguish different pcbs. You may use project's name as your PCB's Part Number.
If all necessary circuit spec are filled in but the price still wouldn't show up, please capture a screenshot of the quote page, send it along with your PCB design file and quantity demand to [email protected]. We'll fix the issue and quote for you asap.
Q: How can I get quotation of Aluminum PCB, Metal Core PCB, LED PCB, Flex PCB, Flex-rigid PCB, Rogers PCB, etc.?
A: Send your PCB design file, substrate and quantity requirements to [email protected], and we'll quote for you very quickly.
Q: I only have single PCB file, can I have my boards manufactured in panels?
A: Yes, we can work with single PCB files and manufacture boards in panels. To receive pcbs in panels, please select panel type and input panel quantity and size when submitting the order. Detailed instruction for ordering PCB in panels
Q:Can I still increase PCB quantity even though the order has been placed?
A: Once an order has been placed, it's impossible to change quantity. However, you can place a new order to get the additional quantity - no extra tooling cost will be charged( reorder industruction ). We can arrange combined shipping for these two orders.
Q:How to repeat my previous order? How do I reorder PCBs?
A: Reorder bare board pcbs is pretty easy. You even don't need to resend files, and no tooling costs will be charged.
Step 1: Login and enter My Order section, locate the order you want to reorder, click view to enter Order snapshot page.
Step 2: Click Reorder button to enter reordering page. Double check circuit spec, fill in quantity, lead time and other specs, then click Add to Cart button to submit the order and release the payment.
Step 3: Keep an eye for any email from pcbcart.com. Questions (if there's any) and order status will be sent to you through emails.
Note: NO PCB design modification is accepted except for design updates on silkscreen layer & wiring layer. Otherwise, you have to place it as a new order.
Detailed reorder instruction
Q:I'm going to place a large order, but I need to test your quality first. Is this possible?
A:Absolutely. You can place a prototype order first. Use either option to check the quality, then inform us whether if you want to move forward to mass production.
Option 1: We can send board images for your basic check and inspection. Once confirmed, you may repeat this order and purchase large quantity. We will ship all circuit boards to you at one time.
Option 2: We can ship boards to your office for comprehensive inspection. Once confirmed, you may order the rest boards.
Q:Can I order boards that my friends have ordered from you in the past?
A:Yes. If you already have the pcb design file, please submit an order online and skip the payment step. Then send an email to [email protected] (cc your friend on this email) for payment link. Pleasse include your order number and your friend's previous order number. We'll deduct the tooling cost and send over payment link.
If you don't have the file, please let our salesman know by sending email to [email protected] (cc your friend on this email, please include your friend's previous order number) for reorder. We'll guide you through.
Q:Under which circumstances will you charge additional costs?
A:If there's price difference between the online quoted price and the production cost, we'll refund for any overpayment or request a supplemental payment for any deficciency.
If your board production requires special / advanced technique, additional costs will occur. Those advanced technique include: Laser drill, back drill, countersunk, counter bore, edges plated, skip V-scoring, half-cutted via, vias filled with epoxy, via in pad / vias filled with copper, requirement for 100% failure free in panel, special press-fit connectors, multi-type surface finish, multi-color silkscreen or solder mask, surface finish (ENIG) area in the boards exceed standard (15 %), gold thickness exceeds standard of 1-3 micro inches, over-sized board (width size / height size 600mm or more than 600 mm), ultra small board (width size and height size are both less than 25 mm), special packing requirements, etc.
Q:I just placed an bare board order, can I have this order assembled too?
A:Of course. We can assemble those boards. But the PCB production won't start until both your BOM and circuit design files are confirmed. If this is acceptable, please submit a quote request on Assembly quote page . The assembly cost will be given within 1-2 working days. With your approval, we'll guide you to place the assembly order.
Q:I placed an order days ago but haven't received any emails.What should I do?
A:If your files are all good for manfuacturing and there's no need to do any confirmation, you should get a notification email about estimated shipping date in 2 working days since you placed the order.
Sometimes our emails will be transferred into your emailbox's junk folder, please have a check and add us on your safe sender lists. If you have not heard from us within 2 working days, please reach us at [email protected] for order status.
Q:What if I have a problem with my boards? Do you offer rework?
A:Please send high res images of your boards to [email protected] for evaulation. Once confirmed the issue is caused by our side, we'll accept responsibility and repair your boards.
Stencil Ordering:
Q:Which is better, a laser cut stencil or a chemical etch stencil? Which is cheaper?
A:The laser cut stencil is more accurate than the chemical etched stencil, but its price is a little higher. It is cut in a trapezium shape while the chemical etched stencil is cut in a blade or sandglass shape. Its aspect ratio is 1:1 while the aspect ratio of the chemical etched stencil is 1.5:1.
Q:How much does stencil cost? Where can I find your stencil prices?
A:You can order stencils online:
Step 1: Quote for a random circuit on PCB quote page, check the Laser Stencil option to enter stencil parameters, then mark ""I only need the stencil"" at Special Requirements Note section. Submit the order and skip the payment step.
Step 2: Email to [email protected] for stencil price, make sure you include the order number.
Step 3: Release the payment.
Step 4: We'll send over production file of stencil for your confirmation before production. Please keep an eye for any emails sent from us.
PCB Assembly Ordering:
Q:Is there any limit on minimum order quantity for PCB Assembly order?
A:If you're looking for Prototype service, the min order quantity of PCBs is 5pcs but it's ok to have only 1pc of assembled board. If you use our Standard PCB service, there is no min order quantity limit.
Q:How much does PCB Assembly cost? / How to order PCB assembly service? / Can I place an PCB Assembly order via email?
A:You have to submit RFQ to get assembly price. Once quote and BOM are confirmed, we'll guide you to place the order.
Step 1: Enter
PCB Assembly Quote page
, input your circuit specification, assembly requirements, upload Gerber file, drilling file and BOM, then click Submit quote button.
Step 2: Assembly quote will be sent to your email inbox within 1-2 working days. Please give feedback on the quote.
Step 3: Once the offer is agreed, you will be guided to place the order and release the payment.
Step 4: BOM confirmation and DFM Check will be carried out once order is received. Production begins only after everything is confirmed.
Step-by-step online PCB Assembly order instruction
Q:Can I still change circuit spec once the quote request has been submitted?
A:Unfortunately it's impossible to change. Please submit a new request on PCB Assembly Quote page , we'll quote based on the updated spec.
Q:I request PCB Assembly quote days ago but haven't received any email. What should I do?
A:Generally it takes 1-2 working days for us to quote assembly projects. Extra time will be required if you ask for large quantity. We'll send the quote to your email inbox once it's ready. First of all, please check your email inbox and junk folder for any email sent from us. If no email was found, please reach us at [email protected] for assistance.
Q: How to reorder previous assembled boards?
A:It's pretty easy to reorder assembled boards on PCBCart.com and you don't need to resend files, and no tooling cost will be charged.
Step 1: Login and enter My Quote section, locate the assembly project you want to reorder this time, click Requote to enter assembly quote page. Double check previous circuit spec, fill in quantity and other updated requirements, then click Submit Quote button.
Step 2: The updated quote will be sent to your email inbox within 1-2 working days. If the offer is accepted, please place the order and release the payment.
Step 3: BOM confirmation and DFM Check will be carried out once order is received.
Note: NO PCB design modification is accepted except for design updates on silkscreen layer & wiring layer. Otherwise, you have to place it as a new order and there will be PCB tooling cost.
Detailed reorder instruction
Q: Do you offer first article inspection for PCB Assembly purchase?
A: Absolutely. We offer two first article inspection options:
Option 1: We send board images for your basic check and inspection. Once confirmed, we'll continue assembling your boards. All circuit boards will be shipped to you once completed.
Option 2: We ship boards to your office for comprehensive inspection. Once confirmed, we'll continue the rest production.
Generally speaking, Option 2 is more expensive and takes longer lead time than Option 1.
Q: Do you purchase components? / Can you ensure the quality of the parts?
A: With years' experience in this industry, we have built a reliable components sourcing channel. All components will be purchased from reputable agents like DigiKey and Mouser. Additionally, we have a quality control department which verifies high quality of parts. You have our words on the quality of the parts we use.
Capabilities And Technical Requirements:
Q: Do you have a UL code? ?
A: Yes, our UL code is E336755, you can verify this code here .
Q: What standards does PCBCart follow?
A: We're fully ISO9001:2008, UL and RoHS certificated. Our assembled circuit boards meet IPC Class 3 standards. Check our certificate copies .
Q: What is the Dielectric Constant of your standard FR4 material?
A: The typical value of our FR4 Tg140 substrate dielectric constant is 4.6, FR4 Tg170 substrate dielectric constant is 4.2.
Q: What is the largest PCB you can make?
A: Prototype PCB: Min 6*6mm | Max 500*500mm
Standard FR4 PCB: Min 6*6mm | Max 600*700mm
Alunimun PCB: Min 6*6mm | Max 610*610mm
Flex PCB: Min 6*6mm, Max 406*610mm
HDI PCB / Flex-rigid pcb / High Frequency PCB / Thick Copper PCB / Halogen-Free PCB: Min 6*6mm | Max 457*610mm
High Tg PCB: Min 6*6mm | Max 500*900mm
Q: What is the largest PCB you can make?
A: Single-sided PCB & Double-sided PCB: Min 150*200 | Max 400*450mm
4-10 layer PCB: Min 203*229 | Max 406*457mm
12-24 layer PCB: Min 305*305 | Max 305*457mm
Q: What is the largest panel you can assemble?
A: Min 50*50 | Max 310*410mm
Q: Do you offer custom layer stack up?
A: We manfuacture prototype boards based on default layer stack up. If you need custom layer stack up, please switch to our Standard PCB service. Feel free to request our standard layer stackup at [email protected] - don't forget to tell us your pcb thickness and layer count.
Q: Can you handle controlled impedance requirements?
A: Yes. Our Standard PCB service offers impedance control option. You may submit the order on PCB Quote page , make a note ""please control impedance within **"" at the Special Requirement Note section. Then submit the order, upload files and release the payment. Your requirement will be known as manufacturing starts.
Q:Can you perform an X-ray inspection after assembly?
A: After assembly, we can launch X-ray test on QFN, LGA, BGA and other components which have bottom pads. Extra cost will be charged for X-ray test.
Q: Can you program my chip?
A: Yes. We require Progrmmer, detailed programming files and steps to proceed.
File Requirements:
Q: Which software you propose to create a pcb? / What files do you need?
A: There is no specific requirement on PCB design software. We can precisely manufacture your boards as long as you provide us with PCB design files in Gerber RS-274X format (most preferred, 274D format is not accepted), files in *.PCB/DDB (Protel, please inform your Protel program version) or *.BRD (Eagle) formats.
Q: How can I send PCB files to you?
A: On your order confirmation page, please click Upload Gerber File button right under Deliver method box, then select file in the pop up window.
Q: I need to change the PCB file of my order, how can I do that?
A: You may change the file without cost if the order has't been confirmed. Once the order is confirmed and scheduled for production, there will be some scrap fee:
1. If it's a prototype order, the whole order value will be scrapped;
2. If it's a standard PCB order, the scrap fee will be charged based on the production process.
To change your file, please send the updated PCB file along with the order number and PCB part number to [email protected]. We'll react very quickly.
Q: I need to change BOM of my assemby order. What should I do?
A: Please send the final BOM to [email protected]. We'll handle the rest.
Q: Can you review my PCB files first? I need to know that you have the capabilities to make my boards before order.
A: We have capabilities to manufacture almost all kinds of circuit boards. Please check our PCB manufacturing capabilities first, then submit the order online. Once payment received, we'll carry out DFM check. We'll be in touch if there's any question on your file.
Q: I only have single PCB file, can you panelize the file and manufacture boards in panels?
A: Yes, we offer free PCB file panelization service. When submitting the order, please select panel Board Type, fill in panel number at Quantity section and panel size at Board Size section. Then follow our online guide to upload single pcb file and release the payment. Our engineers will panelize the file based on your circuit spec and send you the final panelized file for confirmation. Order production starts only with your permission. Order PCBs in Panels instruction
Q: What is BOM? / What info do you need to purchase my components?
A: "BOM, short for bill of materials, is a comprehensive list of raw materials, items, assemblies and sub-assemblies, components etc. for product manufacturing. We require Manufacturer Part Number, Designator, Quantity and Description of compoennts to quote for the assembly price.
BOM template
Lead time:
Q: Can you finish PCBs in a shorter time, 2-3 days for example?
A: We can speed up PCB manufacturing and finish the job within 2-3 working days. But there will be rush fees. For expedited PCB production quote, please send your pcb design file and requirements on quantity & lead time to [email protected].
Q: How do you calculate lead time for an order?
A: Lead time is counted from the next working day following payment receipt and confirmation of files. It does not include weekends, national holidays and shipping time. Thus, orders placed on Sundays and public holidays will be processed on the next working day.
Q: What is the expected lead time for a PCB?
A: Our lead time for standard circuit boards production is 7-12 working days, and 5-7 working days prototype PCBs. PCB price will be different when selecting different lead time.
Q: What is the expected lead time for a PCBA order?
A: Our standard lead time for PCB assembly orders is around 3-4 weeks, PCB manufatcuring, component sourcing, and assembly will be finished within the lead time.
Q: What is the lead time for stencils?
A: Our standard lead time for stencils is 1-2 working days after we have confirmed the stencil production file.
Payment and Invoice:
Q: What payment methods are available? / Can I pay via PayPal/Western Union/MoneyGram?
A: Currently we only accept PayPal and Wire Transfer. Western Union, MoneyGram and Credit card are unaccepted. But you can release the payment using credit card via PayPal.
Want to change payment method to PayPal? You can directly pay money into our PayPal account
[email protected]
, please remark the order number when releasing the payment.
Q: I didn't receive the PayPal link, how can I pay you?
A: You may reach our salesman at [email protected] for PayPal link. Or, you can directly pay money into our PayPal account [email protected] , please remark the order number when releasing the payment.
Q: Can I have a credit account?
A: We offer credit accounts with 30-day payment terms to clients who have ordered on a frequent basis over a period of six months or more. Please reach [email protected] if you want to apply for a credit account. We'll evaluate your order history and get back to you very quickly.
Q: I need invoice of my order. What should I do?
A: Actually you can get order invoice online by yourself. Please login and enter My Order, locate the order you are after, move mouse to the upper right of that order line then click Invoice Print icon to print the invoice.
Q: I need to add billing address on my invoice.
A: Please send your billing address and the order number to [email protected]. We'll update the invoice asap.
Shipping:
Q: What express options are available?
A: We ship circuit boards with FedEX, DHL, UPS, TNT and other express options.
Q: How long does it take for the shipping?
A: Usually it takes 3-5 working days for international shipping.
Q: Do you offer free shipping? / How much does it cost for shipping?
A: "For Freight Prepaid, we charge shipping fee based on your boards' total weight and the Express option you use. You'll get a rough shipping fee on the Order Confirmation Page once the Shipping address & Express method are input.
For Freight Collect, the shipping fee will be collected by your prefferred carrier. "
Q: How much does customs clearance cost? / How much import fee should I pay for importing circuit boards?
A: Customs and duty fees vary per country and are the sole responsibility of customer upon receipt of package at customs. We can declare your products at lower value to reduce the possibilities of you being charged by high duty fees. Reach us at [email protected] to discuss details.
Q: What is the shipping cost of assembly order? Is it included in the quotation?
A: It's impossible to estimate shipping weight of assembled boards at quote stage. We'll inform you the shipping price and send over payment link once producton is completed.
Q: If I want to ship two orders together, how much money can I save?
A: Please send order numbers along with the shipping address to [email protected], we will recalculate the shipping cost according to the final weight and tell the price difference asap.
Q: I ordered 300 PCBs, can I get 150 PCBs first?
A: Sure, we can ship any quantity of PCBs you need. Extra freight fee will be charged for seperate shipping.
Q: Where can I find shipping information and tracking number of my order?
A: Please login at PCBCart.com, enter My Order section, locate the order, and click view button to get the shipping information and package tracking number.
Q: I use the DHL tracking number you offered to check the shipment on DHL's website, but get an error message "No result found for your DHL query", what's wrong?
A: It's very likely your package was just shipped and the shipment info hasn't been uploaded online. Please run a second check later. If you are unable to track the parcel in 48 hours, please contact us at [email protected] for assistance.
Account:
Q. I can't log in my account / I forgot password. What should I do?
A: You may click Forgot password button in the Login window to get a password reset link. Then follow our guide to reset the password and login. If the same issue persisted, please reach us at [email protected] for assistance.
Q: I want to change shipping address for my next order.Is it acceptable?
A: You're allowed to add up to 9 shipping address under the Profile -> Shipping Address section. For your future orders, you can select corresponding shipping address within one click.
If you need to change shipping address of onging orders, please send the correct address along with order number to [email protected]. We'll ship the boards accordingly.
Q: I want to change billing address. What should I do?
A: If you want to change billing information permanently, please login and enter Personal Profile -> Billing Address to change.
If you only need to change billing addres for current order, please send the correct billing address to [email protected], our salesman will get you taken care of.
Website Problems and Email Issues:
Q: I am experiencing a problem with your website, we can't place the order. / Your website is down, what's the problem?
A: We apologize for the inconvenience caused. Please send an email to [email protected] for assistance. Make sure you describe the issue, if possible, please provide us screenshot of the webpages.
Q: I sent you an email days ago but still haven't heard any feedback. What's the matter?
A: Our agents reply all emails within 24 hours during workdays. It's very likely:
1. Our respond directly went into your email junk folder. Please have a check;
2. Your email address doesn't work. Please send us a new email using a different email address for a try.