Why Most PCB Quotes Are Inaccurate#
The most common reason for unexpected costs in PCB production is an incomplete RFQ. Suppliers fill in the gaps with assumptions — and those assumptions cost you money.
A well-structured RFQ eliminates ambiguity and gives every supplier the same information to work from.
What Every PCB RFQ Must Include#
1. Board Dimensions & Layer Count#
Always specify exact dimensions in millimetres and the number of copper layers. A 2-layer board and a 4-layer board can look identical on a schematic but have very different prices.
2. Material Specification#
Standard FR4 covers most applications but specify the Tg rating:
- Tg 130 — standard, lowest cost
- Tg 150 — recommended for lead-free assembly
- Tg 170 — high-reliability applications
3. Copper Weight#
Specify finished copper thickness in micrometres (um) for outer and inner layers. Standard is 35um outer / 17.5um inner.
4. Surface Finish#
The most common options:
- HASL — cheapest, good for most applications
- ENIG — flat surface, required for fine-pitch components
- OSP — organic, RoHS compliant
5. Quantity Breaks#
Always request pricing for at least three quantity breaks. The price per unit changes significantly at 100, 500 and 1000 pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid#
- Leaving board thickness unspecified (1.6mm is standard but not universal)
- Not specifying IPC Class (Class 2 is standard, Class 3 for high-reliability)
- Forgetting to include controlled impedance requirements
- Missing via specifications (PTH, blind, buried)
Conclusion#
A complete RFQ saves time for both you and your suppliers. It results in faster responses, more accurate pricing and fewer surprises during production.