PCBexpress Quickturn Printed Circuit Board Layout Guidelines

Gerber PCB Layout Guidelines

This checklist is a tool to help ensure that you have the correct Gerber PCB layout guidelines before submitting your PCB design files. Use to define your PCB (Printed Circuit Board) layout guidelines before submitting your PCB order. 

Your board files run 'as-sent' with limited design review. Please print this checklist for the person setting up your Gerber PCB files before you order.

Gerber PCB File Submission: (Submitted during or directly after order placement)

  • I am sending 1 zip file containing only the required files for fastest processing.
  • I understand order will be manufactured when file is received; no changes can be made.

Gerber Layer File Preparation:

Single Sided - 1 layer Boards: YOU MUST PREVIEW 1-Layer Files!

  • My board is viewed as looking through from top (component) layer side.
  • Right reading copper text is drawn on the single side (+ silkscreen if applicable)
  • I understand all boards are through-hole plated; Sunstone will add copper pads to bare side of 1-sided PCBs.

4-6 layer order Gerber files:

  • Inner layers are individual layers (either positive or negative) that do not require merging.
  • Internal ground layers should have a clearance 0.020" larger than the finish drill size specified.
  • Ground and power layers are clearly marked to indicate proper polarity.

Board Shape Outline: (See Board Outline for more information)

  • Cut shape is drawn around board perimeter using a non-breaking trace.

Drill Setup: (See Drill File Setup)

  • I am providing an ASCII text file showing X&Y coordinates for holes
  • I have verified NC drill file is NOT a Gerber layer or drawing.
  • I have reviewed the recommended pads & clearances for preset drill sizes.
  • I understand all holes are treated as through-hole plated.
  • My design does not contain blind or buried vias.
  • Hole quantity greater than 50 holes per sq-inch may be subject to 10% drill fee for additional machine time.
  • Separate tool size list included or the tool sizes are listed within the header of my Excellon drill file.

Slots/Cutouts: (if selected)

  • My design has a maximum of 4 slots and cutouts and I have included the size and location in the drill/fab drawing mapped when uploading my files.
  • The minimum width size is no less than 20 mil for plated slots and 31 mil for non-plated.

Solder Mask: (if selected)

  • I have included both top and bottom solder mask files.
  • Solder mask swell is at least 0.008" larger than copper surfaces to keep mask off pads.

Silkscreen: (if selected)

  • I included a top silkscreen file and optional bottom silkscreen file (needed if added to order).
  • Automated clipping performed on this service to remove silkscreen covering solder surfaces.
  • Silkscreen traces are drawn with 0.007" or larger aperture line width (not height) to ensure legibility.

File Conversion Services: (Optionally available for Ivex, Eagle, and Protel users)

  • All orders over two layers requesting Sunstone to create Gerbers from Eagle, Protel or Ivex files submitted will be placed on hold. We will return files for your preview and approval converted files before manufacturing. I understand process lead-time does not begin until I have approved the converted files.
  • Eagle Users: Eagle layer objects that build silkscreen & inner layers need to be properly listed upon file submission, I understand if I do not list these items you will convert to default Eagle Cam Jobs -- See Eagle info.