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| Basic Service - 2 Layer |
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Plus Service - 2 Layer |
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| These examples were shaped with premium routing features |
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| Basic Same Day Rush available before 9AM |
Plus Next Day Rush available before 9AM |
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Basic Service is our fastest turnaround!
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Only 1 extra day and you can have masks too!
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Job Estimator provides an instant quote and you don't have to register!
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Manufacturing Parameters
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BASIC / PLUS |
PLUS |
- Minimum size 0.250" x 0.250"
- Maximum size 14.0" x 17.0"
- .007"/.007" minimum feature width and spacing (pad/trace gap)
- 10 premium free pre-selected drill sizes
- Minimum finished hole size 0.012"
- Finished holes larger than 0.246" are routered
- .005" minimum annular ring
- FR4 .062" laminate
- Basic is Fused SnPb finish
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- Green-gloss dry-film solder-mask
- White LPI legend Ink
- .006" minimum feature width and spacing on legends
- Solder-mask adds +.003" per side to board thickness
- Second side legend option
- SnPb HASL exposed metal finish
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Do your specifications exceed these parameters? Zip us a copy of your design data and we'll provide you with a cost effective solution!
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 Our quality control process follows IPC-A-600 Class 2. If you would like your own copy of this fully illustrated manual, they are available for purchase directly from IPC. Click here or the image for details.
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| Legend Application |
| The lettering and graphics that identify parts locations, trade marks etc. is called by many names and the one we use is legend. Some of the common names for the legend layer are Silk, Silkscreen, Ident, ID, and nomenclature just to name a few. The reference to Silk comes from the method that is widely used to apply the ink, and that is via "silkscreen". |
| The silkscreen ink used in PCB fabrication is designed to withstand the heat of mass soldering systems with minimal pigmentation change. Standard inks scorch or burn off completely. The legend ink we use is White LPI or liquid photo imageable epoxy ink. This type of application allows for excellent detail on the small fonts used identifying parts. |
| The minimum line width is .006"/ .15mm for surface adhesion. If the line width is under .006"/.15mm, it will either completely wash away or appear washed out with skips and breaks. If we detect smaller width lettering we will swell it to the minimum width when possible. |
| The minimum height for legibility without magnification is around .030"/.76mm. You can go as small as needed up to the restriction of the .006"/.15mm width. Too small and the letter becomes an illegible blob under magnification. |
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| Solder Masking |
| The often green coating seen on circuit boards is called Solder Mask. It's widely known as solder mask, sometimes silk screen, and doesn't that just add confusion. We call it solder mask. Our application method is Vacuum Lamination using Photo Imageable Dry Film. The film is Gloss Green and is .003"/.076mm thick. |
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Add .006"/.15mm to the board thickness for solder mask. (2 sides x.003"/.076mm).
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| The dry film is applied over bare copper. This process is often referenced as SMOBC or Solder Mask Over Bare Copper. The dry film solder mask is similar in image resolution to the legend ink. A minimum .0065"/.165mm of material is required to adhere to the substrate surface or it washes away, or worse, leaves string like threads dangling or sticking on areas it shouldn't be. |
We prevent threads by swelling the pad gaps to form a complete block-out of the region. QFP's are often masked in this fashion. A shrink or swell of the mask layer pads is done to achieve a .002"/.051mm moat around the desired areas. If the resulting swell or shrinking of the mask pad creates a thread (width under .0065/.165mm), the region is fully blocked as a preventative measure against downstream finish and HASL failures.
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| Colour/Color Options |
| Our in-house services use DFPI Gloss Green for solder mask and White LPI for legend. |
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| We are able to offer the following colours/colors for legend and masking through our technology partners |
| Component Legend (Silkscreen) Options |
Solder Mask Options |
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| Drill Diameter |
After Plating |
Application Ideas / Sizes are Imperial |
| .0197 |
.017~.015 |
vias |
| .0280 |
.025~.023 |
vias, trim pots... |
| .0350 |
.032~.030 |
IC's, ripple caps, 1/4w resistors... |
| .0380 |
.035~.033 |
IC sockets, small diodes... |
| .0420 |
.039~.037 |
IDC Headers, TO-220's... |
| .0520 |
.049~.047 |
connectors, larger lead devices |
| .0595 |
.057~.055 |
connectors, larger lead devices |
| .0860 |
.083~.081 |
TO-220 mounting lugs... |
| .1250 |
.122~.120 |
mounting etc |
| .1520 |
.149~.147 |
mounting etc |
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| Our complete list of Stocked Drill and Router Bit Sizes (Imperial Inch) |
Pre-selected drill sizes help control costs in setup and drilling
To use Free diameters include a cross reference drill size list with your data set.
Tool substitutions exceeding pad tolerance will use the original Premium Diameter
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Non-plated or non-conductive holes are void of metal. Post process drilling and Tenting are two methods widely used. Post process drilling is for critical non-conductive hole locations and they guarantee non-conductivity.
"Tenting" uses process film to dam both sides of a drilled hole. This may prevent chemistry from entering and plating but there is no way guarantee success. There is no "tenting" fee as non-conductive results are not guaranteed. "Tenting" requires both sides of the board to have sufficient clearance between the tented holes and adjacent features.
"Features" include copper floods/planes, pads, traces, edges, slots, notches, holes, etc. When tenting holes over .099" we recommended a minimum .025" moat and holes under .099" a minimum .015" moat.
Any of the following information will authorize Post Process Drilling:
- Tool lists that identify non-plated holes
- Non-plated drill file included with the data
- Mechanical layer(s) that identify non-plated locations
- Readme.txt file with specific drilling instructions
Post process drilling ensures non-conductivity in the hole and are very economical when assurance of non-conductive locations is crucial.
Boards with a hole density average greater than 24 holes per square inch are subject to a nominal fee due to increased drilling times. The job estimator will provide you a an inclusive total if you enter in your hole count for the calculation.
Over size pin measurements at least .010" or .255mm from it's largest measurement to allow for hole plating and minor imperfections in pin alignment. Plated hole sizes shrink between .003" and .005" (.0762mm and .127mm) from the drilled size.
Your tolerances should allow for a .005" or .127mm plated hole reduction. Single sided designs will have plated barrels unless your readme specifies drilling as post process. |
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Use caution with your cad library parts,the cad software developer knows nothing about your application. The library components often need to be adjusted for your device. It is recommended that calipers are used to measure the component leads and adjust the library part to your project before generating the drill data.
Use caution when using calipers and carefully rotate the device's lead in the caliper so that the largest surface feature is measured (especially important for flat or square pins) and add a minimum of .010" for plating. Some component leads are very delicate - relax the caliper grip when rotating around the lead.
Example:
Ribbon Cable Header with a .100" pin center-to-center and square pins. Cross-corner measurement, will range .032" to .036", drill between .042" to .046". A .010" annulus on the pad after drilling is ideal for improved solderability. For this example a minimum pad size of .062" to .066" would be recommended. The formula will below will provide an accurate "finished" diameter hole for symmetrical square posts.
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| Drill Output Settings |
| Output Option |
Setting |
| Format or Precision |
2.4 Imperial / 3.5 Metric |
| Zero Suppression |
ON |
| Parity |
None |
| Type |
ASCII |
| Include Pads and Vias |
YES |
| Include Non Plated Holes |
YES |
| Build Tool List from PCB File |
YES |
| Embedded Tool List |
YES |
Drill Tool List:Type A files need a tool list file Type B do not
We offer a conversion service for Gerber drill drawings to NC Drill |
 Contour routing is available for all of our services and is billed based on the complexity of the shape. The "house size" router bit is 0.0945". Routing requiring non-standard diameters will be charged a nominal fee for additional bits. Boards are returned as individual pieces unless otherwise specified.
Should your assembly plan include automated placement and soldering, be aware that these systems require strength members in the array to prevent panel sag. Consult your assembler and provide us with the array panel width and length details as well as their "stiffener" requirements.
| Shaping Options |
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Imperial Router Bit Diameters |
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.0315 |
.0500 |
.0625 |
| .0709 |
.0945 |
.1250
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Copper (Cu) Weights are listed as Finished |
Our standard laminate is FR4 .062" 1 Oz Cu
FR4 is also available in: .020", .031", .039", .047", and .092"
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FR4 2 Oz Cu Finished in: .031", .062", and .092"
.010"/.010" minimum width and spacing on 2 Oz
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Rogers RO4000 for RF designs in: .020", .030", and .060"
Stocked in 1/2 Oz Cu only. Finish weight is 1 Oz Cu
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| Q |
Is an array of different boards cheaper for me to order? |
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In most cases no. The additional space for the support web will consume more board area than the individual items |
| Q |
Won't I save tooling costs with an array? |
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Billing is area consumed, custom drill diameters, routing complexity, CAM fee per design, masking, and second side legend if required |
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What about nesting smaller boards inside the cutout or waste area of a lager design? |
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This is a case where you may gain. Depending on the CAM time and the complexity of the inside cutout used for the nest In all cases our CAM team must receive the individual designs and will create the nest for you |
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What size can an array be? |
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We design your array to contain only enough copies and unique designs for a project set or to a max frame-size of 10.750" x 12.750" |
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How do I make an array? |
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Don't! We will create it for you based on your requirements and that of the assembly facility as required. Array's are billed as Array Size including it's frame plus CAM time charges. CAM is billed in 10 minute increments |
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Identify your component layer by placing the text "Top" or "Component" on the layer. This is one of the few ways we can check for layer swaps or mirrored data. You can place the text OUTSIDE of the board parameter if you prefer. Text outside of a clearly marked board parameter will be removed and not included in the calculation of the board size. Reminder! Text on the bottom layer or bottom legend must be placed in mirror or reverse
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File Generation
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- Output in the same measurement system and resolution for NC and Gerber files
- Output Gerber images exactly as drafted, no mirroring, flipping, merges etc
- The bottom should be an x-ray view from the top through the substrate to bottom
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Review Your Output Files
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Control delay and unexpected costs with Graphicode's GC-Prevue
A FREE tool allowing you first-hand examination of your output files prior to fabrication
With this tool you can detect:
- Missing Apertures
- Missing image layers
- Errors RS274-X generation
- Detect layers that contain merged data and correct them
- Missing or incorrect mechanical details
- Mixed design evolution outputs
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Describing Your Board Shape
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Many CAD systems provide the user a mechanical layer to create the board shape and cutouts. Please ensure that you include this layer for correct sizing of your board. An unused layer within your CAD system can be used for a mechanical should your system not have this option.
The
router will cut to the inside edge of your outline tracing. Please avoid running signal or voltage lines at the extreme edge of your design. Router bits are affected by torque deflection and deflection could cut into traces placed too close to the routed edges. A .020" "keep-away" from the router path is recommended.
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| AP Circuits is engaged with a select group of North American technology providers. Our facilities are working together to provide you with the very best in products and services. Integration is seamless, the facility that is best suited to produce your order will be engaged. Orders are drop-shipped directly from the manufacturer producing the order, resulting in the fastest possible delivery. |
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UL/ISO9001:2008/ITAR approved fabrication
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Our extended capabilities include
- Flex
- Flex-Rigid
- 5 Oz copper inner / outer layers
- Full range of RF laminates
- 20 Layer
- .0035" minimum feature space or width
- .010" SMT Pitch
- Blind/buried vias
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Pattern metal finish options
- HASL
- Lead Free HASL
- ENIG
- OSP
- White Tin
- Silver Immersion
- Gold Electroplating
- Carbon Ink
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Machining Capabilities
- Countersinking
- Mill-down
- Slots - plated or non
- Scoring
- V-scoring
- Beveling
- Route & Retain
(assembly breakouts, multi-part arrays)
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Solder Mask Colors
- Green Gloss
- Green Matte
- Black
- Red
- Blue
- White
- LEW White
- Orange
- Clear
- Yellow
- Purple
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Legend Colors
- White
- Blue
- Red
- Pink
- Black
- Orange
- Purple
- Yellow
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- Flying Probe Testing is included
- Optional Full Electrical Testing
- 3 business day turn
- RUSH service is available
- Gerber RS-274-X and NC Drill data required
- Second side legend, including it with your data authorizes the option
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| Mid layers, regardless of type, plane or signal, should be labeled retaliative to location in the stack-up: Top, Mid 1, Plane 2, Bottom |
| 4 Layer Standard Features |
| Laminate |
FR4 |
| Thickness before solder masking |
.062" |
| Stack-up |
.014" / .028" / .014" |
| Spacing and minimum width |
.007" / .007" |
| Smallest diameter to pad |
.014" holes in .024" pads |
| Largest drill diameter |
.0250" |
| Metal finish |
SnPb HASL |
| Legend |
White LPI |
| Solder-mask |
Green Gloss LPI |
| Stack-up Option 2 |
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- Flying Probe Testing is included
- Optional Full Electrical Testing
- 3 business day turn
- RUSH service is available
- Gerber RS-274-X and NC Drill data required
- Second side legend, including it with your data authorizes the option
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| Mid layers, regardless of type, plane or signal, should be numbered retaliative to location in the stack-up: Top, Mid 1, Plane 2, Plane 3, Mid 4, Bottom |
| 6 Layer Standard Features |
| Laminate |
FR4 |
| Spacing and minimum width |
.007" / .007" |
| Smallest diameter to pad |
.014" holes in .024" pads |
| Largest drill diameter |
.0250" |
| Metal finish |
SnPb HASL |
| Legend |
White LPI |
| Solder-mask |
Green Gloss LPI |
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- Flying Probe Testing is included
- Optional Full Electrical Testing
- 3 business day turn
- RUSH service is available
- Gerber RS-274-X and NC Drill data required
- Second side legend, including it with your data authorizes the option
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| Mid layers, regardless of type, plane or signal, should be numbered retaliative to location in the stack-up: Top, Mid 1, Mid 2, Plane 3, Plane 4, Mid 5, Bottom |
| 8 Layer Standard Features |
| Laminate |
FR4 |
| Spacing and minimum width |
.007" / .007" |
| Smallest diameter to pad |
.014" holes in .024" pads |
| Largest drill diameter |
.0250" |
| Metal finish |
SnPb HASL |
| Legend |
White LPI |
| Solder-mask |
Green Gloss LPI |
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- Flying Probe Testing is included
- Optional Full Electrical Testing
- 3 business day turn
- RUSH service is available
- Gerber RS-274-X and NC Drill data required
- Second side legend, including it with your data authorizes the option
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| Mid layers, regardless of type, plane or signal, should be numbered retaliative to location in the stack-up: Top, Mid 1, Plane 2, Mid 3, Plane 4, Mid 5, Plane 6, Mid 7, Plane 8, Bottom |
| 10 Layer Standard Features |
| Laminate |
FR4 |
| Spacing and minimum width |
.007" / .007" |
| Smallest diameter to pad |
.014" holes in .024" pads |
| Largest drill diameter |
.0250" |
| Metal finish |
SnPb HASL |
| Legend |
White LPI |
| Solder-mask |
Green Gloss LPI |
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