| Q. | How do you electrically test the pcbs? |
| A. | We use high performance moving probe testers which test the pcbs against a net-list created from the gerber data. Open circuits are identified by a continuity check between all net-ends on a single net. Short circuits are identified by a sophisticated algorithm which is based on the unique property of shorted nets of having an identical capacitance. |
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| Q. | Why should I pay extra to have my pcb electrically tested? |
| A. | For multi-layer pcbs (4 and 6 layers), electrical testing is included in the quoted price and is mandatory. This is because the inner layers cannot be inspected after completion of the pcb and gives peace of mind regarding electrical integrity, whatever the complexity of the pcb. However, 1 and 2 layer pcbs may often be satisfactorily inspected by eye, especially when they are simple. Nevertheless, if the design is complex or you are buying more than 5 circuits, we recommend that even 1 or 2 layer pcbs are electrically tested. This option costs an additional 20%. We suggest thatyou realistically judge the cost / benefit of electrical testing yourself, but if you have any doubt, we recommend that you have the pcbs electrically tested, and avoid any false economy. |
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| Q. | How do I place an order? |
| A. | Go to Quote and Order. |
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| Q. | Can I get check-plots faxed to me before you manufacture my circuits? |
| A. | No. This is a prototype service. We will endeavour not to proceed with manufacture if your circuit data looks obviously wrong, but we cannot warrant that we will catch all or indeed any errors. If we do not manufacture to the data you sent us due to our error, we will remake the circuits on the next PCB Train. |
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| Q. | Are your quoted prices per lot or per circuit? |
| A. | Prices quoted are per lot. |
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| Q. | What do you mean by 'PCB sizes up to 1 Squ.Dcm? |
| A. | The price bands are set by board area. 1 Squ.Dcm is an area 100mm x 100mm. So a Eurocard, 160mm x 100mm will be in the price band "PCB sizes up to 2 Squ.Dcm". A circuit with dimensions 300mm x 30mm has an area of 0.9 Squ.Dcm. and will be in the price band "PCB sizes up to 1 Squ.Dcm". |
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| Q. | Do I need to step & repeat the gerber data for you? |
| A. | No, we prefer to do this ourselves. We will step & repeat the same gerber data as required. If you want circuits supplied as a mini-pallet held by tabs, you must advise us and confirm in your order. |
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| Q. | Will you palletise several different circuit designs for me? |
| A. | No, each set of gerber files is treated as an individual circuit for pricing and production purposes. You must do the palletisation of different gerber designs yourself. |
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| Q. | What is the insulation spacing between layers on your multi-layers? |
| A. | Take a look at the Technical Specifications. |
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| Q. | Can you offer scoring on PCB Train. |
| A. | At present we do not offer scoring. All profiles will be routed. |
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| Q. | Do your prices include all tooling and photographic costs? |
| A. | Yes. There is no more to pay other than the quoted lot price. |
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| Q. | Can I get photography returned to me? |
| A. | No. Tooling is produced for each PCB Train and then destroyed. |
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| Q. | If I need the same circuits in the future, do I need to send you the data again? |
| A. | We archive all your data and can retrieve it for future use. You do not have to resend the data. |
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| Q. | Can you manufacture larger quantities or alternative specifications to those permitted on PCB Train? |
| A. | Yes. Just ask us to quote. PCB Train is a division of Newbury Electronicswho can supply any quantity or type of pcb at very competitive prices. |
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| Q. | Can you populate components on my circuit boards? |
| A. | We assembly any type of component and any quantity of circuits. Go to Quote and Order, and select Assembly. |
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| Q. | Can you supply components as well? |
| A. | Yes, we can supply kits of components. Provide us with a Bill of Materials and we will be happy to quote. |
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| Q. | What is the dielectric constant of the FR4 laminate you use? |
| A. | The dielectric constant is in the range 4.5 to 4.7. |
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| Q. | I am not confident about the data I am sending you, what can I do to check it? |
| A. | We recommend that you download a gerber viewer. Try GC-Prevue from Graphicode (http://www.graphicode.com/) which is free of charge. It will allow you to view and check your gerber and drill data. |
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| Q. | What are the most common errors made by customers? |
| A. | Customers make every conceivable error, but the common ones are no board outline, no drill file, or no drill sizes. Layer descriptions are also often missing from the data we receive. Make it easy for us to identify the purpose of each data file. Put a layer description so that it is printed on the pcb. Make your file names meaningful. Send us a text file which cross refers filenames to their application. |
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| Q. | How do I store pcbs if they are not to be used immediately? |
| A. | PCBs must be stored in a clean and dry atmosphere preferably within their original packaging. Typical shelf life is 6 months. Experience has shown that in good storage conditions, pcbs may be satisfactorily used after years of storage. However, given the opportunity, glass epoxy laminate will absorb moisture which may be released during the assembly reflow process. Problems such as blow-holes, spitting, blistering and delamination may be seen after reflow. To sample test a batch of pcbs for solderability, pass a first off unpopulated pcb test sample through the reflow process. If a problem is exhibited, moisture may be driven off by baking the pcbs for 1 to 2 hours at 140 degrees C +/- 5 degrees C. Subsequent storage should be in a dry area and boards used within 7 days of baking. |
