How to Choose a Flexible PCB Manufacturer: 10 Questions to Ask
Price matters, but the cheapest quote is rarely the cheapest board. Use these ten questions to compare flexible PCB suppliers on capability, engineering, quality and service.
What layer counts and board types do you make?
Confirm the supplier's range before you commit a design. As a reference, flexible circuits range from simple 1–2 layer parts to complex multilayer builds; confirm the limit for your specific stack-up. Fanjuda's currently published range is 1–6 layer FPC, including single-sided, double-sided, multilayer, stiffened and custom-shaped boards — see our flexible PCB page and send your files to verify fit.
Can you meet my trace width, spacing and copper requirements?
Trace width, spacing and copper weight must be checked against the supplier's process window. As a general industry reference, 0.075 mm / 0.075 mm trace/space is a common production level, and copper weights of 1/3 oz, 1/2 oz and 1 oz are typical. Confirm your values rather than assuming.
What hole sizes, thicknesses and panel sizes can you process?
Small vias, thin base material and large panels all push process limits. As an industry reference, mechanical drilling commonly starts around 0.15–0.2 mm, laser microvias around 0.1 mm, and PI base material is often 0.05–0.4 mm before stiffeners. Send your drawing and let the supplier confirm each dimension.
How will my prototype specifications transfer to volume production?
Sample boards made on a separate pilot line may not represent volume output. Buyers should confirm how prototype specifications will be transferred to volume production before committing to mass production.
Do you review my files before production?
A supplier that reviews Gerber files, BOM and stack-up before cutting material can catch issues early. Fanjuda reviews the submitted files and project requirements before confirming production feasibility and lead time.
What information do you need for a quotation?
A complete RFQ saves time. Typically include: Gerber files or drawings, a BOM, target quantity, layer count, stack-up, material, copper weight, finished thickness, surface finish and any impedance or bend requirements. The more complete your files, the more accurate the quote.
What lead time should I expect?
Lead time varies with layer count, materials, stack-up, tooling and assembly requirements. A written schedule should be confirmed after engineering review, tied to your specific files and quantity.
Which materials and surface finishes do you support?
Polyimide (PI) is a common flexible base material, and finishes such as ENIG and OSP are widely used. “Common in the industry” is not the same as “available from this supplier” — ask for the supplier's actual options list and choose for your application.
How do you control quality?
Ask which inspection steps are routine and what documentation you receive with each order. Typical controls include engineering review, in-process inspection, AOI optical inspection and outgoing checks; reports are provided as agreed with the order. You can also see how quality is managed on our quality control page.
Do you offer SMT assembly support?
Coordinated SMT assembly support is available when required; assembly timing is confirmed separately with your order. Fanjuda is based in Chang'an, Dongguan, China.
Get a real quote
Contact us with your project requirements through the contact page. Our team will explain how to submit Gerber files securely for review, then confirm production feasibility, lead time and quotation.
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