How to Prepare Gerber and Stackup Data for a Flexible PCB Quotation

What to send with your RFQ

1. Gerber data (RS-274X). One file per layer with clear names (top copper, bottom copper, coverlay, stiffener, silkscreen, solder mask if used), an outline or board profile layer, and aperture information embedded in the file rather than sent separately.

2. Drill data. Excellon format, ideally a separate file per drill type, and a note on whether vias are plated or non-plated.

3. Stackup drawing. This is the document that most often decides whether a flexible circuit can be quoted immediately. It should show the layer sequence, base material type and thickness per layer, adhesive versus adhesiveless construction, coverlay layout and openings, stiffener location and material, gold finger location and bevel requirement, bend areas and whether the flex is static or dynamic, and impedance requirements if the design needs controlled impedance.

4. Fabrication notes. Surface finish requirement, any tolerance that differs from standard practice, panelisation and delivery format, and marking requirements such as part number or date code.

5. Commercial information. Quantity (prototype, small batch or volume), target delivery date, and shipping destination with Incoterm preference.

Five data gaps that delay a quotation

• Coverlay openings not shown. If the coverlay covers pads or connector fingers, the board cannot be assembled as intended.
• Stiffener drawn but not specified. The drawing shows a reinforcement area but not the material or thickness.
• Bend area undefined. Without knowing where the flex bends, the fabricator cannot give useful feedback on routing or coverlay design.
• Impedance requested without a target value. Controlled impedance without a value or reference layer cannot be quoted accurately.
• Quantity missing. Prototype and volume pricing are quoted differently, so an RFQ without quantity usually comes back as a question instead of a price.

How the review works

A typical flexible PCB quotation follows five steps: you send Gerber data with a stackup drawing and requirements; the fabricator reviews manufacturability including layer arrangement, coverlay, stiffener, bend areas and panelisation; the construction is confirmed with you; a quotation is issued against the confirmed construction; production then starts so the board built matches what was quoted. Sending a complete package lets the review and confirmation happen in one pass instead of several rounds of clarification.

Where this fits in your project

For the product range this data would be built against, see our flexible PCB (FPC) page. For a first sample rather than volume, see the FPC prototype service page. For how quality is checked once data is confirmed, see Quality Control. To send files, use the inquiry form on the contact page.