HilPCB Services

PCB Prototype Services

Order prototype bare boards for engineering validation. A 24-hour expedite is available for eligible single and double-layer FR-4 builds. HilPCB reviews files, stackup, material, and delivery eligibility before order release. For assembled prototypes, see our small-batch assembly service.

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Bare-board expedite

24 hours for eligible single/double-layer FR-4; 48-72h for multilayer after review

Minimum order quantity

No MOQ — single boards accepted

Material options

FR-4, Rogers, polyimide, aluminum, ceramic

Layer range

1-2 layer: 24-48h; 4-6 layer: 48-72h; 8+ layer and specialty: confirmed with quote

Electrical test

100% electrical test (flying probe or fixture) included with every prototype order

PCB Prototype Engineering Examples by Board Type

Controlled-Impedance Communications Prototype

A high-speed interface prototype needs the released stackup, impedance table, reference planes, via transitions, and coupon design on the same revision. The first build answers fit, continuity, impedance, and drill questions before assembly or pilot release. Bare-board expedite may not apply if the layer count or material is outside 24h eligibility.

Read the prototype PCB planning guide

Power-Control and Charger Prototype

Heavy-current paths, thermal features, high-voltage spacing, and connector mechanics are reviewed against copper weight, finish, stackup, and test access. The quotation separates bare-board expedite eligibility from any later assembly, load, or functional-test scope. 24h applies only to the bare board if the design qualifies.

Read first-article inspection inputs

Multilayer Design Comparison Prototype

When comparing 4-layer vs 6-layer stackups for the same circuit, order both versions in one quote to test impedance, signal integrity, and thermal performance. Each version gets its own stackup review, material confirmation, and electrical test. The results inform which design moves to assembly and pilot.

Read the prototype PCB planning guide

Which Prototype Bare Board Do You Need?

First-article bare-board prototype (1-5 pcs, 24-72h): validate stackup, impedance, drill, copper weight, and material before committing to assembly or pilot
Multi-version parallel prototyping (2-10 pcs per version, 24-72h): order different layer counts, materials, or stackups in one quote to compare design alternatives
Design iteration respin (5-20 pcs, 24-48h): fast bare-board revision with controlled file baseline and change log after a design update

PCB Prototype Fabrication Scope

Bare PCB prototypes from FR-4, Rogers, polyimide, aluminum, or ceramic after material review and availability confirmation
Engineering review for stackup, impedance, via design, surface finish, panelization, and test access before fabrication starts
100% electrical test (flying probe for prototypes, fixture for repeat orders) included with every bare-board order
Controlled revision baseline: approved files, material grade, substitutions, and deviations are recorded before release so the same baseline can move to assembly or volume
24-hour expedite eligibility is confirmed after file review — not all layer counts, materials, or special processes qualify for 24h — 24-hour expedite, specialty materials, multilayers, and fine geometry are not automatically combinable

How to Order a PCB Prototype: Quote, Review, and Release

Submit the latest Gerber or ODB++ files, NC drill data, and fabrication drawing with stackup notes
Engineering reviews stackup, material, geometry, controlled impedance, panelization, and identified risk points, then confirms 24h eligibility or returns a lead time with the quote
HilPCB records the approved file revision, material grade, substitutions, acceptance scope, and delivery route before production starts
Fabrication proceeds from the released package; any later change enters revision and change control, not an informal edit
Electrical test, inspection, and acceptance records are completed and shipped with the boards

Prototype RFQ Checklist: What to Send and Why

Gerber or ODB++ files — fabrication data, drill, and board outline. Missing: cannot quote or verify panelization
NC drill files — drill sizes, positions, and plating requirements. Missing: cannot program drilling or verify via design
Fabrication drawing — stackup, layer order, controlled impedance notes, finish, and special process requirements. Missing: stackup and impedance cannot be verified
Material specification — grade, Tg, copper weight, thickness, and dielectric requirements. Missing: cannot confirm material availability or 24h eligibility
Controlled impedance table — target impedance, trace width, layer reference, and tolerance. Missing: cannot configure impedance coupon testing
Test requirements — electrical test method, IPC class, and acceptance criteria. Missing: test plan defaults to standard flying probe
Quantity and delivery target — prototype or NPI volume with target date. Missing: cannot allocate line time or confirm 24h eligibility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical lead time for a PCB prototype?

Eligible single and double-layer FR-4 bare boards can ship in 24 hours after file review. Multilayer boards (4-6 layers) typically take 48-72 hours. Specialty materials, 8+ layers, and fine geometry receive a confirmed schedule with the quotation.

Is there a minimum order quantity for prototypes?

No MOQ — single boards are accepted. Panel utilization and material minimums may affect the economic order quantity, which is confirmed in the quotation.

What materials are available for PCB prototypes?

FR-4, Rogers, polyimide, aluminum, and ceramic options are available. The exact grade, thickness, copper weight, stackup, and material availability are confirmed in the quotation. Specialty materials may not qualify for 24-hour expedite.

Does the 24-hour expedite apply to all prototype builds?

No. The 24-hour expedite applies to eligible bare-board builds after file, material, and capacity review. Multilayer boards, specialty materials, fine geometry, and special processes may not qualify for 24h. Eligibility is confirmed with the quotation, not assumed at order time.

What files do I need to send for a PCB prototype quote?

Gerber or ODB++ files, NC drill data, and a fabrication drawing with stackup notes. For controlled impedance, add the impedance table with target values, trace widths, and layer references. State the quantity, delivery target, and material requirements so the review team can confirm lead time and 24h eligibility.

Can I order assembled prototypes as well?

Bare-board prototype fabrication is covered here. For prototype and small-batch PCB assembly (SMT, through-hole, or turnkey), see our small-batch assembly service. Assembled prototypes require a BOM with manufacturer part numbers and a CPL or pick-and-place file in addition to the fabrication data.

Can a prototype bare board transition into assembly or production?

Yes. Keep the approved fabrication files and revision as the release baseline. The same controlled baseline moves from bare-board prototype to assembly or volume without re-releasing the files. Record design changes, approved substitutions, and deviations before starting assembly or a repeat order.