Frequently asked questions
What buyers and engineers usually ask before a first order with us. If your question is not here, email us and an engineer will answer.
Quotes and ordering
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. We build prototypes, small batches and volume production, and quote each by quantity.
How fast will I get a quote?
Standard boards are usually quoted within 30 minutes during working hours. HDI, rigid-flex and special-material boards need a closer engineering review and are quoted within 24 hours.
What do you need for a PCB quote?
Gerber RS-274X or ODB++ files with NC drill files, a stack-up, and a fabrication note covering material, thickness, copper weight, surface finish, quantity and any impedance or IPC class requirement.
Can you panelize my boards?
Yes. If your boards are small we propose a panel with rails, tooling holes and V-score or tab routing, and ask you to confirm it and how many X-out boards per panel you accept.
How long is a quote valid?
For the period stated on the quote. Laminate prices and capacity change, so an undated quote is confirmed again before ordering.
Engineering and confidentiality
Do you check my design before production?
Yes, free of charge. Our CAM engineers review Gerber, drill and stack-up data before material is cut and send engineering questions (EQ) for anything that needs your decision.
Will you sign an NDA?
Yes. Your design files remain your property, are used only to quote and build your boards, and are not shared with third parties.
Payment and shipping
How do I pay?
Payment terms and methods are set out in the proforma invoice for each order. Ask your sales engineer which options are available for your company and country.
Which Incoterms do you use?
FOB, CIF, EXW and DAP. Under all four, import duties and taxes in the destination country are paid by the buyer.
How do you ship?
Prototypes and small orders usually go by express courier (DHL, FedEx or UPS), typically 2–5 days in transit. Larger volume orders can go by air or sea freight. We quote freight with the boards.
How are boards packed?
Vacuum sealed with desiccant and a humidity indicator card, in ESD-safe bags, cushioned with foam and packed in export cartons.
Quality and after-sales
Which acceptance standard applies?
IPC-A-600 Class 2 unless your drawing calls for Class 3. We also build to the Chinese GJB military standard.
What reports come with an order?
Every board is electrically tested. On request we supply the electrical test report, impedance test report, microsection report, certificate of conformance and material and RoHS declarations.
Are your boards RoHS and REACH compliant?
Yes, our standard materials and finishes are RoHS and REACH compliant. Leaded HASL is available when you ask for it.
What if boards arrive with a defect?
Email sales@hsxpcb.com with your order number, photos and a description. We reply within 24 hours, analyse the cause, and once it is confirmed we repair or replace the boards or issue a refund or credit.
Materials and tolerances
Which laminate brands do you use?
We regularly build on ITEQ (IT-180), TUC (TU872) and Rogers and other PTFE laminates, and source further brands such as Shengyi, Kingboard, Isola, Panasonic Megtron, Taconic and Arlon on request.
What are your standard tolerances?
Outline ±0.13 mm, board thickness ±10%, plated holes ±0.075 mm, non-plated holes ±0.05 mm, hole position ±0.075 mm, trace width ±20%, impedance ±10%. Tighter tolerances can be agreed per job. The full list is in the tolerance table on our capabilities page.
PCB assembly and stencils
Do you offer PCB assembly?
Yes. We assemble SMT and through-hole components on the boards we build. Send the BOM (Excel or CSV) and pick-and-place file with your Gerber data, and tell us whether we should source components or you will supply them.
What stencils can you make?
Laser-cut SMT stencils, framed or frameless, typically 0.08–0.20 mm thick. Stencils can ship together with your bare boards or assembled boards.
Send your design. Let’s build it properly.
Upload Gerber or ODB++, stack-up and quantities. Standard PCB quotes usually take 30 minutes in working hours; HDI, rigid-flex and special materials usually take up to 24 hours.