...

PCB Manufacturing Services

PCB manufacturing (also called printed circuit board fabrication, PWB production, or circuit board manufacturing) is the industrial process of producing bare or assembled printed circuit boards from copper-clad laminate through imaging, etching, drilling, plating, and surface finishing.

LZJPCB is a Chinese PCB manufacturer with factories in China and Indonesia, specializing in custom PCB fabrication, small batch production (1–1,000 pcs), high volume mass production (10,000+ pcs), and OEM PCB manufacturing services for global electronics brands. Our facilities are certified to IPC-A-600 Class 3, ISO 9001, IATF 16949, and UL standards, supporting 1–40 layer PCB, HDI, rigid-flex, and heavy copper boards with 24-hour quick-turn capability.

Picture of by Jayden
by Jayden

Senior Electronics Engineer

1–40 Layers

1 Piece MOQ

24h Quick turn

PCB Manufacturing Process: How PCBs Are Made

The PCB manufacturing process involves 8 critical steps that transform a designer’s Gerber files into functional bare circuit boards. Below is the standard printed circuit board manufacturing process followed at LZJPCB’s automated production lines.

Step 1

Design File Submission & Gerber Verification

The PCB manufacturing process begins when customers submit design files in Gerber RS-274X, ODB++, or IPC-2581 format, along with the Bill of Materials (BOM) if assembly is required. Our engineering team verifies file integrity, layer alignment, and design completeness within 2 hours.

Step 1

Step 2

DFM (Design for Manufacturability) Review

Every project undergoes a free DFM review where our engineers check for trace width violations, drill-to-copper clearance, solder mask slivers, and impedance control issues. We provide written feedback within 24 hours, helping clients optimize designs before production.

Step 2

Step 3

Inner Layer Imaging & Etching

For multilayer boards, copper-clad laminate is coated with photoresist, exposed to UV light through a photomask of the circuit pattern, and etched with cupric chloride to remove unwanted copper. Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) verifies the inner layer pattern before lamination.

Step 3

Step 4

Lamination & Drilling

Inner layers are bonded with prepreg sheets under high heat (180°C) and pressure (300 PSI) to form the multilayer stack-up. Mechanical CNC drilling creates through-holes (down to 0.15mm), while laser drilling produces microvias (down to 0.075mm) for HDI designs.

Step 4

Step 5

Plating, Solder Mask & Silkscreen

Drilled holes are plated with copper through electroless copper plating followed by electroplating to achieve 25μm hole wall thickness (IPC Class 3). The board surface receives a solder mask (typically green LPI), then component reference designators are printed via silkscreen (white epoxy ink).

Step 5

Step 6

Surface Finish Application

The exposed copper pads receive a surface finish to prevent oxidation and ensure solderability. Common finishes include:

  • HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling) – cost-effective, RoHS-compliant available
  • ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold) – flat surface, ideal for fine-pitch BGA
  • OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative) – lead-free, environmentally friendly
  • Immersion Silver / Tin – cost-balanced, good shelf life
Step 6

Step 7

Electrical Testing & AOI

Every bare board undergoes 100% electrical testing via flying probe (small batch) or fixture testing (high volume) to verify continuity and isolation. AOI detects surface defects, while X-ray inspection verifies internal layer alignment for HDI boards.

Step 7

Step 8

Final Inspection, Packaging & Shipping

Boards pass final visual inspection per IPC-A-600 Class 2 or Class 3 standards, are vacuum-sealed with desiccant for moisture protection, and shipped via DHL/FedEx/UPS with full tracking.

Step 8

Total Process Time: 24 hours (quick-turn) to 14 days (high-complexity multilayer)

PCB Fabrication Capabilities & Specifications

LZJPCB’s PCB fabrication capabilities cover the full spectrum from simple single-layer boards to advanced 40-layer HDI designs. Below is our complete PCB capability sheet for 2026.

Layer Count & Board Types

Board Type Layer Range Min Trace/Space Min Drill
Single-Sided PCB 1 6/6 mil 0.3 mm
Double-Sided PCB 2 4/4 mil 0.2 mm
Multilayer PCB 4–40 3/3 mil 0.15 mm
HDI PCB 4–20 2.5/2.5 mil 0.075 mm (laser)
Rigid-Flex PCB 2–20 3/3 mil 0.15 mm
Heavy Copper PCB 1–8 8/8 mil 0.3 mm
Aluminum/MCPCB 1–4 6/6 mil 0.3 mm

Material Options

We support all major PCB substrates:

Special Process Capabilities

  • Impedance Control – ±5% tolerance (single-ended & differential)
  • HDI – up to 3+N+3 stacked microvias
  • Heavy Copper – up to 12 oz outer / 6 oz inner
  • Castellated Holes – for module integration
  • Edge Plating – for shielding & connectors
  • Buried & Blind Vias – mechanical & laser drilled
  • Via-in-Pad with Resin Fill – for fine-pitch BGA

Surface Finish & Solder Mask Options

Surface Finish RoHS Shelf Life Best For
HASL (Lead-Free) Yes 12 months Cost-sensitive designs
ENIG Yes 12+ months Fine-pitch BGA, gold wire bonding
OSP Yes 6 months Single-reflow, lead-free assembly
Immersion Silver Yes 6–12 months High-frequency RF
Immersion Tin Yes 6 months Press-fit connectors
Hard Gold Yes 24+ months Edge connectors, contacts

Solder mask colors available: Green, Black, White, Blue, Red, Yellow, Purple, Matte Black.

Complete PCB Capability Comparison Table

Specification LZJPCB Capability
Max Layer Count 40 layers
Min Trace Width 2.5 mil (0.0635 mm)
Min Drill Diameter 0.075 mm (laser) / 0.15 mm (mechanical)
Max Board Size 610 × 1100 mm
Min Board Thickness 0.2 mm
Max Board Thickness 6.0 mm
Max Copper Weight 12 oz (outer)
Aspect Ratio 12:1 (mechanical) / 1:1 (laser)
Impedance Tolerance ±5%
Quality Standard IPC-A-600 Class 2 / Class 3

Custom PCB Manufacturing Services

Custom PCB manufacturing is LZJPCB’s core service, transforming your unique circuit designs into precision-engineered printed circuit boards. As a leading custom PCB manufacturer with 12+ years of experience, we serve electronics companies, hardware startups, and industrial OEMs across 40+ countries.

What Is Custom PCB Manufacturing?

Custom PCB manufacturing (also called bespoke PCB in UK and EU markets, or PCB made to order) is the production of printed circuit boards built to a customer’s specific Gerber design files, rather than from standard catalog templates. Unlike off-the-shelf boards, custom printed circuit boards are tailored to your exact electrical, mechanical, and thermal requirements.

Custom PCB Capabilities

Our custom PCB fabrication service supports:

  • Layers: 1–40
  • Materials: FR4, Rogers, Aluminum, Polyimide, PTFE
  • Board Sizes: 5mm × 5mm to 610mm × 1100mm
  • Quantity: 1 piece prototype to 100,000+ pcs production
  • Special Features: HDI, rigid-flex, heavy copper, impedance control, castellated edges

Files Required for Custom PCB Production

To start your custom PCB order, please submit:

File Type Format Required
Gerber Files RS-274X Yes
Drill File Excellon Yes
Stack-up Specification PDF/Excel For multilayer
IPC Netlist IPC-D-356 Recommended
Fabrication Drawing PDF Recommended
Impedance Requirements PDF For controlled impedance

We also accept ODB++, IPC-2581, Altium Designer (.PcbDoc), and KiCad native files.

Free DFM Review & Engineering Feedback

Every custom PCB project receives a free Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review within 24 hours. Our engineers check 50+ parameters including:

  • Minimum trace/space violations
  • Drill-to-copper clearance
  • Solder mask sliver risks
  • Impedance discontinuities
  • Annular ring sufficiency
  • Silkscreen-on-pad conflicts

Bespoke PCB Service for UK & EU Markets

For UK and EU customers, our bespoke PCB service provides region-specific support including:

  • VAT-compliant invoicing
  • REACH & RoHS certification
  • EU-based logistics partners
  • GBP/EUR pricing
  • English-speaking project managers

Custom PCB Cost & Pricing Factors

The cost of custom PCB fabrication depends on:

  1. Layer count (largest cost driver)
  2. Board size & quantity
  3. Material grade (standard FR4 vs Rogers)
  4. Surface finish (HASL cheapest, ENIG +20%)
  5. Special processes (impedance control, blind/buried vias)
  6. Lead time (quick-turn 24h costs 2-3x standard)

Sample Custom PCB Pricing (10 pcs, 100×100mm, 2-layer, HASL):

  • Standard 7-day: From $25 total
  • Quick-turn 48h: From $60 total

How to Order Custom PCB Online

  1. Upload Gerber files via our online portal
  2. Receive instant quote + DFM report (within 2 hours)
  3. Confirm specs & make payment (PayPal/Wire/Credit Card)
  4. Production starts → Shipping → Delivery in 5-14 days

Bare PCB Manufacturing (Bare Board Fabrication)

Bare PCB manufacturing refers to the production of unassembled printed circuit boards — the physical board only, without any electronic components soldered on. Also called bare board fabrication, blank PCB, or PCB without components, bare boards are the foundation for all electronic assemblies.

What Is a Bare PCB? (vs Assembled PCB)

Feature Bare PCB Assembled PCB (PCBA)
Components None Soldered
Testing Continuity & isolation Functional testing
Use Case Customer self-assembles Ready to use
Lead Time 5–14 days 10–25 days
Cost Lower Higher

Bare Copper PCB & Surface Finish Options

A bare copper PCB has exposed copper pads protected by a surface finish (HASL, ENIG, OSP, etc.) to prevent oxidation. We offer all 6 industry-standard surface finishes for bare board applications.

Bare Board Testing (100% Electrical Test)

Every bare PCB at LZJPCB undergoes:

  • Flying Probe Testing (small batch, no fixture cost)
  • Bed-of-Nails Fixture Testing (high volume, faster)
  • AOI Inspection (surface defects)
  • Visual Inspection per IPC-A-600

Bare PCB Packaging & Shipping

Bare boards are vacuum-sealed in anti-static bags with desiccant, packed in shock-resistant cartons, and shipped globally via DHL/FedEx with full tracking. Special MBB (Moisture Barrier Bag) packaging available for ENIG and ENEPIG finishes.

Small Batch, Short Run & High Volume PCB Manufacturing

LZJPCB supports the full production volume spectrum — from single-piece prototypes to 100,000+ unit mass production runs. This flexibility makes us a preferred partner for hardware startups, R&D teams, and established OEMs alike.

Small Batch PCB Manufacturing (1–100 pcs)

Small batch PCB manufacturing (also called small quantity PCB, small run PCB, or single PCB fabrication) is ideal for prototype validation, low-volume production, and engineering samples. Our small batch PCB service offers:

  • MOQ: 1 piece (yes, even a single PCB)
  • No setup fees
  • Pooled production for cost savings
  • 24-hour quick-turn available

Use cases: prototype validation, engineering samples, R&D, university projects, hobbyist production.

Short Run PCB Production (100–1,000 pcs)

Short run PCB manufacturing bridges prototype and mass production. Ideal for:

  • Pilot production
  • Limited-edition products
  • Early market launches
  • Replacement boards

Our short run PCB service combines small-batch flexibility with mid-volume pricing, typically 30–50% cheaper per unit than prototype runs.

Medium Volume PCB Production (1,000–10,000 pcs)

For products entering steady production, our medium volume PCB manufacturing offers dedicated production scheduling, locked component sourcing (if PCBA), and consistent quality across batches.

High Volume PCB Mass Production (10,000+ pcs)

High volume PCB manufacturing (also called PCB mass production) leverages our automated PCB manufacturing lines for maximum efficiency and consistency. Capabilities:

  • Annual capacity: 500,000+ m²
  • Automated production lines with MES tracking
  • Dedicated production scheduling
  • JIT (Just-in-Time) delivery
  • VMI (Vendor-Managed Inventory) programs

Industries served: automotive, consumer electronics, IoT devices, industrial controls, medical devices.

Volume vs Pricing & Lead Time Comparison

Volume Tier Quantity Unit Price* Lead Time Best For
Prototype 1–10 pcs $$$$ 24–72 hrs Validation
Small Batch 10–100 pcs $$$ 3–7 days Pilot/R&D
Short Run 100–1,000 pcs $$ 5–10 days Limited launch
Medium Volume 1,000–10,000 pcs $$ 7–14 days Steady production
High Volume 10,000+ pcs $ 14–25 days Mass market

*Relative pricing — actual cost depends on board specs.

Scaling from Prototype to Mass Production

A key advantage of working with LZJPCB: seamless scaling. Your prototype design files, DFM corrections, and approved test points are preserved across production tiers, eliminating re-validation costs when you scale up.

OEM PCB Manufacturing Services

OEM PCB manufacturing (Original Equipment Manufacturer PCB) is the production of circuit boards branded and sold under the customer’s brand name. As a trusted OEM PCB manufacturer, LZJPCB serves global brands across consumer electronics, industrial automation, medical devices, and automotive sectors.

What Is OEM PCB Manufacturing?

In OEM PCB manufacturing, the customer provides the design (Gerber files + specifications), and we manufacture under their brand. The customer owns the IP; we provide manufacturing capacity, quality assurance, and confidentiality.

OEM PCB vs ODM PCB — Key Differences

Aspect OEM ODM
Design Origin Customer Manufacturer
IP Ownership Customer Manufacturer (licensed)
Customization High Limited
Time to Market Longer Faster
Best For Brands with R&D Brands without R&D

LZJPCB is OEM-focused — we don’t compete with our clients by designing competing products.

NDA & IP Protection for OEM Clients

Every OEM client signs a mutual NDA before file submission. Our IP protection includes:

  • Encrypted file storage
  • Need-to-know access control
  • No subcontracting without written approval
  • File destruction after project closure (upon request)
  • ISO 27001 information security practices

White-Label OEM PCB Service

For brands selling white-label OEM circuit boards, we offer:

  • Custom silkscreen logos & part numbers
  • Custom packaging with your branding
  • Drop-shipping to your end customers
  • Custom CoC (Certificate of Conformity) documents

High Quality PCB Manufacturing & Quality Standards

High quality PCB manufacturing at LZJPCB is built on three pillars: internationally recognized standards, automated inspection systems, and rigorous reliability testing. As a quality PCB manufacturer, we operate to IPC Class 3 standards by default — the highest level used for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications.

IPC-A-600 Class 2 vs Class 3 Standards

Criteria Class 2 (Industrial) Class 3 (High Reliability)
Annular Ring (min) 0.05 mm 0.075 mm
Plated Hole Wall 20 μm 25 μm
Solder Mask Coverage Standard Stricter
Acceptable Defects Limited Minimal
Industries Consumer Medical, Aerospace, Automotive

LZJPCB defaults to IPC Class 3 for all medical, aerospace, and automotive clients.

Quality Control Process

Every board passes through 5 inspection stages:

  1. Incoming Material Inspection (CCL, prepreg, copper foil)
  2. In-Process AOI (after inner layer & outer layer imaging)
  3. Electrical Testing (100% flying probe or fixture)
  4. X-Ray Inspection (HDI, multilayer alignment)
  5. Final Visual Inspection (per IPC-A-600 Class 3)

Reliability Testing Capabilities

Our in-house lab performs:

  • Thermal Shock Testing (-55°C to +125°C, 1000 cycles)
  • Solderability Testing (per IPC-J-STD-003)
  • IST (Interconnect Stress Test) — via reliability
  • CAF (Conductive Anodic Filament) Testing
  • Microsection Analysis (cross-section under microscope)
  • Peel Strength Testing (copper-to-laminate adhesion)

Certifications & Compliance

Certification Status Scope
ISO 9001:2015 Certified Quality Management
IATF 16949 Certified Automotive
ISO 13485 Certified Medical Devices
ISO 14001 Certified Environmental
UL Listed (E-File E502309) Safety
RoHS Compliant EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances
REACH Compliant EU Chemicals Regulation

Advanced & Automated Manufacturing Equipment

Our advanced PCB manufacturing facility features:

  • Automated Inner Layer Imaging Lines (LDI laser direct imaging)
  • Automated Drilling Centers (Hitachi & Schmoll)
  • Automated Plating Lines (with real-time current monitoring)
  • MES System (full traceability from CCL lot to finished board)
  • AI-Powered AOI (defect classification accuracy >99.5%)

PCB Manufacturing Cost & Pricing

Understanding PCB manufacturing cost helps you make informed sourcing decisions. Below we break down the key cost drivers and provide transparent pricing guidance.

Factors Affecting PCB Manufacturing Price

The cost of PCB fabrication is determined by 6 primary factors:

  1. Layer Count — Each additional layer adds roughly 30–50% cost
  2. Board Size — Larger boards equal more material equals higher cost
  3. Quantity — Higher volume equals lower per-unit cost (economies of scale)
  4. Material Type — Rogers 4350B costs 5–8x standard FR4
  5. Surface Finish — ENIG approximately 20% over HASL; Hard Gold approximately 50%
  6. Special Processes — Blind/buried vias, impedance control, heavy copper add 20–50%

PCB Cost by Layer Count (Reference Table)

Sample pricing for 10 pcs, 100×100mm, HASL finish, 7-day standard lead time:

Layers Estimated Total Cost
2-Layer $25–40
4-Layer $60–90
6-Layer $120–180
8-Layer $200–300
10-Layer $320–480
12-Layer+ Custom quote

Actual price depends on specifications. Get exact pricing via our [instant quote].

How to Reduce PCB Manufacturing Cost (DFM Tips)

Save 10–40% on PCB fabrication cost with these design optimizations:

  • Use standard board thickness (1.6mm) — non-standard adds 10%
  • Choose HASL over ENIG when fine-pitch isn’t needed
  • Avoid blind/buried vias unless necessary
  • Panelize multiple small boards to reduce material waste
  • Use standard surface finishes & solder mask colors
  • Allow 5–7 day lead time instead of 24h quick-turn
  • Consolidate orders to hit volume price breaks

Get Instant PCB Quote

For complex designs (>12 layers, HDI, rigid-flex), our engineers prepare a custom quote within 4–8 business hours.

How to Choose a PCB Manufacturer (Buyer's Guide)

Choosing the right PCB manufacturer can save you weeks of delays, thousands in scrap costs, and prevent field failures. Here are 7 critical criteria for selecting a reliable PCB partner.

7 Criteria for Choosing a Reliable PCB Manufacturer

  • Quality Certifications — Verify ISO 9001, IPC Class 3 capability, UL listing
  • Manufacturing Capabilities — Confirm they support your layer count, materials, and special processes
  • DFM Engineering Support — Top manufacturers offer free DFM review (a major red flag if missing)
  • Test Capabilities — 100% electrical test, AOI, X-ray for HDI must be standard
  • Communication Quality — English-speaking project managers, response within 4 hours
  • Lead Time Reliability — Ask for on-time delivery rate (target over 95%)
  • References & Reviews — Check Trustpilot, Google Reviews, LinkedIn case studies

Red Flags to Avoid

  • Unwilling to share certifications
  • No physical factory address (only office address)
  • Refuses to provide DFM feedback
  • Quote much lower than market average (likely subcontracting)
  • No QC inspection reports provided
  • Communication only via WeChat/WhatsApp, no email trail

How to Verify PCB Manufacturer Certifications

  • Request original certification PDFs
  • Verify certificates on issuing body websites (e.g., UL Online Certifications Directory)
  • Request a factory video tour or virtual audit
  • Order a sample run before placing large orders
  • Check for IPC member status on IPC.org

Questions to Ask Before Placing an Order

  1. What’s your DFM turnaround time?
  2. Do you sub-contract any production steps?
  3. What’s your on-time delivery rate?
  4. Can you provide microsection reports for multilayer boards?
  5. What’s your defect rate (PPM)?
  6. Do you have ITAR / medical / automotive experience?
  7. What’s your IP protection process?
  8. Can I visit the factory or do a virtual audit?

Why Choose a Chinese PCB Manufacturer?

Choosing a Chinese PCB manufacturer offers significant cost, capacity, and capability advantages — but only if you select the right partner. Here’s an honest assessment of why top Chinese PCB manufacturers dominate global supply chains.

Cost Advantages of Chinese PCB Manufacturing

China produces over 50% of the world’s PCBs (Prismark, 2024), driven by:

  • Mature supply chain — copper-clad laminate, prepreg, and chemicals all sourced domestically
  • Scale economies — top factories run 24/7 with annual outputs over 1M m²
  • Skilled labor — 30+ years of PCB industry experience
  • Cost savings — typically 30–60% lower than US/EU manufacturing

Quality Standards of Top Chinese PCB Factories

The notion that “Chinese = low quality” is outdated. Tier-1 Chinese PCB factories now serve:

  • Tesla, BYD, NIO (automotive)
  • Apple, Samsung, Huawei (consumer)
  • Medtronic, Philips Healthcare (medical)
  • Major aerospace primes (under ITAR-compliant arrangements)

These factories operate to IPC Class 3, IATF 16949, ISO 13485 — identical standards to Western counterparts.

How to Verify a Reliable Chinese PCB Manufacturer

  • Verify business license via China’s National Enterprise Credit Information system
  • Request a factory video walkthrough or virtual audit via Zoom
  • Check certification authenticity on UL, TÜV, SGS official sites
  • Request references from existing clients in your region
  • Order a 10-piece pilot run before committing to volume

Shipping & Lead Time from China

DHL/FedEx Express — 3–5 business days to US/EU
Air Freight — 5–7 days, 50% cheaper for over 50kg shipments
Sea Freight — 25–35 days, lowest cost for over 500kg
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) — we handle customs, you receive boards directly

LZJPCB vs Other Top Chinese PCB Manufacturers

Feature LZJPCB JLCPCB PCBWay Other
Min MOQ 1 pc 5 pcs 5 pcs Varies
Layer Count 1–40 1–32 1–32 Varies
IPC Class 3 Default Optional Optional Varies
Free Free Free Free Varies
Quick-Turn 24 hours 24 hours 24 hours Varies
Indonesia Factory Yes No No No
Dedicated PM (English) Yes Limited Limited Varies
OEM Focus Yes Mixed Mixed Varies

Our differentiation: LZJPCB combines China-mainland cost efficiency with dual-country production (China + Indonesia) — providing tariff flexibility for US customers and EU proximity benefits.

PCB Production Lead Time, MOQ & Online Ordering

PCB Manufacturing Lead Time

Service Type Lead Time
Quick-Turn Prototype (2-layer) 24–48 hours
Standard Prototype (2-layer) 3–5 days
Multilayer (4–8 layer) 5–10 days
HDI / Complex Boards 10–14 days
High Volume Production 14–25 days
Rigid-Flex / Special Process 15–20 days

MOQ for Different PCB Types

  • Prototype: 1 piece minimum
  • Small Batch: No minimum
  • High Volume: Volume pricing kicks in at 100+ pcs
  • OEM Production: Custom MOQ based on agreement

How to Order PCB Online (4-Step Process)

Upload Gerber Files → www.lzjpcb.com/contact
Receive Instant Quote and DFM Report (within 2 hours)
Confirm Specs and Pay (PayPal/Wire/Credit Card/Alipay)
Production → Shipping → Delivery (with tracking)

File Upload & Quote Workflow

Our online portal accepts:

  • ZIP/RAR archives of Gerber files
  • Native CAD files (Altium, KiCad, Eagle, Cadence)
  • ODB++ and IPC-2581 formats
  • Maximum file size: 100MB per upload

PCB Factory & Manufacturing Facility

LZJPCB operates two production facilities — our China headquarters and our Indonesia factory — together delivering 500,000+ m² annual capacity.

China Headquarters PCB Factory

Location: Shenzhen city, China
Established: 2006
Facility Size: 24,000 m²
Annual Capacity: 696,000 m²
Employees: 200+
Specializes In: Multilayer (4–40 layer), HDI, rigid-flex, high-volume production

Indonesia PCB Factory

Location: Karawang city, Indonesia
Established: 2025
Facility Size: 4,000 m²
Specializes In: PCB Assembly

Production Equipment & Capacity

Major equipment list:

  • LDI (Laser Direct Imaging) — Orbotech Diamond series
  • CNC Drilling — Hitachi ND-6N, Schmoll MX series
  • Laser Drilling — Mitsubishi ML605GTX (CO2 + UV)
  • Plating Lines — Fully automated with real-time current control
  • AOI — Camtek Falcon, Orbotech Ultra Dimension
  • X-Ray — Nordson Dage Quadra 7
  • Electrical Test — atg A8a flying probe, Microcraft fixture testers

What Is a PCB Board House or PCB Fab House?

A PCB board house (also called PCB fab house or PCB fabrication house) is a manufacturing facility specialized in producing bare printed circuit boards. The term originated in the 1980s among US engineers and remains common in industry usage. PCB fab houses focus exclusively on board production — distinct from PCBA (PCB assembly) houses that solder components.

LZJPCB serves as both a PCB fab house and PCBA assembly provider, offering integrated turnkey services.

Frequently Asked Questions (PCB Manufacturing FAQ)

What is PCB manufacturing?

PCB manufacturing is the industrial process of producing printed circuit boards from copper-clad laminate through imaging, etching, drilling, plating, and surface finishing. The process transforms a designer’s Gerber files into functional bare circuit boards ready for component assembly.

PCB fabrication produces the bare circuit board (no components). PCB assembly (PCBA) solders electronic components onto the bare board. Fabrication is the first step; assembly is the second.

A bare PCB is the unassembled board with copper traces but no components. A PCBA (PCB Assembly) has components soldered on. Bare PCBs are used when customers want to assemble themselves; PCBAs are ready-to-use.

Custom PCB manufacturing produces circuit boards built to a customer’s unique Gerber design files, rather than from standard catalog templates. It allows full control over layers, materials, dimensions, and special processes.

Bespoke PCB is the British/European term for custom PCB — referring to printed circuit boards manufactured to a customer’s specific design rather than a standard template. The terms “bespoke” and “custom” are interchangeable in PCB industry usage.

OEM PCB manufacturing produces circuit boards under the customer’s brand name, based on the customer’s design files. The customer owns the IP; the manufacturer provides production capacity and quality assurance.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer): Customer designs, manufacturer builds. ODM (Original Design Manufacturer): Manufacturer designs and builds; customer brands and sells. OEM gives customers full IP control; ODM offers faster time-to-market.

Small batch PCB manufacturing is the production of low-quantity orders (typically 1–100 pieces), commonly used for prototypes, R&D, and limited-edition products. LZJPCB offers small batch service with MOQ of 1 piece and no setup fees.

Short run PCB manufacturing refers to production runs between prototype and mass production — typically 100–1,000 pieces. It bridges the cost gap between expensive prototypes and high-volume manufacturing.

LZJPCB’s MOQ for custom PCB is 1 piece. There are no minimum order quantity requirements for prototypes or small batch orders. Volume pricing tiers begin at 100+ pieces.

Can I order a single custom PCB?

Yes. LZJPCB accepts single PCB orders with a 1-piece MOQ. Single custom PCBs are produced via our pooled prototype service for cost efficiency, with typical lead times of 3–5 days.

High volume PCB manufacturing (also called PCB mass production) produces large quantities — typically 10,000+ pieces — using automated production lines. It offers the lowest per-unit cost but requires longer lead times (14–25 days).

Choose small batch for prototypes, R&D, products under 100 pcs/month, or designs still being validated. Choose high volume for mature designs in steady production with monthly demand >1,000 pcs. Short run bridges the two for limited launches.

PCB manufacturing lead time ranges from 24 hours (quick-turn 2-layer prototype) to 25 days (high-volume HDI multilayer). Standard 2-layer prototypes typically deliver in 3–5 days; 4-layer in 5–7 days; 8-layer in 7–10 days.

Custom PCB fabrication cost depends on layer count, board size, quantity, material, and surface finish. As a reference: 10 pcs of 100×100mm 2-layer FR4 with HASL finish costs approximately $25–40 total. Get exact pricing via our [instant quote].

To find a reliable Chinese PCB manufacturer: (1) Verify ISO 9001 + IPC Class 3 certifications, (2) request a factory video tour, (3) check business license via China’s National Enterprise Credit System, (4) order a small pilot run before high-volume commitment, and (5) confirm English-speaking project management.

Required: Gerber files (RS-274X) and drill file (Excellon). Recommended: stack-up specification, IPC netlist, fabrication drawing, impedance requirements. We also accept ODB++, IPC-2581, Altium, KiCad, and Eagle native files.

The term “PCB printing” is a casual phrase often referring to PCB manufacturing as a whole, or specifically to the silkscreen printing step within manufacturing. Technically, PCBs are not “printed” — they are fabricated through subtractive etching of copper-clad laminate.

A PCB board house (also called PCB fab house) is a manufacturing facility specialized in producing bare printed circuit boards. The term distinguishes board fabricators from PCBA assembly houses that focus on component soldering.

Essential: ISO 9001:2015 (quality management) + IPC-A-600 Class 2/3 (workmanship). Industry-specific: IATF 16949 (automotive), ISO 13485 (medical), AS9100 (aerospace), UL listing (safety), RoHS and REACH (EU compliance).

Ready to Manufacture Your PCB?

Email

Jayden@lzjpcb.com 

WhatsApp

+86 133-1654-3659

Office

ShenZhen City, China

Certifications:

ISO 9001

IATF 16949

ISO 13485

ISO 1400

REACH

RoHS

Follow Us

Explore Related Services

Multilayer PCB Manufacturing

HDI PCB Manufacturing

Rigid-Flex PCB Manufacturing

Scroll to Top

Get Your PCB Quote in 12 Hours

Upload your Gerber files to receive a manufacturability review and a quote within 12 hours.