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Pad2Pad FAQ
General Questions
Q: What types of PCBs can I order from Pad2Pad (e.g., single-layer, multi-layer, rigid, flexible)?
A: Pad2Pad supports fabrication of most board designs common in the market, with layer support up to 32 layers and a variety of board substrates such as flexible PA, ceramic, aluminum as well as rigid-flex and higher TG ratings.
Q: Does Pad2Pad provide PCB assemblies (PCBA) as well as bare PCBs?
A: Pad2Pad offers the fabrication of bare PCBs as well as PCB Assembly.
Q: Can I receive an instant quote for PCBs and PCB assemblies?
A: Pad2Pad offers instant pricing for standard boards up to 4 layers, and boards with more than 4 layers and assemblies require manual review prior to quotation.
Q: What industries does Pad2Pad serve (e.g., consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical devices)?
A: Pad2Pad serves a wide variety of industries, and if that industry requires circuit boards to be produced we’ve likely served it.
Q: Do you offer free shipping for PCBs in the USA?
A: Free shipping in the contiguous United States.
Q: How does Pad2Pad’s pricing compare to PCBWay, Network PCB, and Imagineering Inc.?
A: Pad2Pad offers easy to learn software for designing and Pad2Pad offer domestic support services for fast response times within typical business hours.
Capabilities
Q: What is the maximum layer count supported for PCBs at Pad2Pad?
A: 32 layers.
Q: What materials and finishes are available for PCBs (e.g., FR4, gold plating, HASL)?
A: Pad2Pad offers HASL, Lead free HASL, ENIG, and can accommodate bare copper and silver plating.
Q: Can Pad2Pad manufacture RoHS-compliant and lead-free PCBs?
A: Yes, Pad2Pad can produce RoHS compliant boards.
Q: Does Pad2Pad offer custom solder masks, silkscreens, and other PCB finishes?
A: Pad2Pad offers solder masking and silkscreening in a variety of color options such as blue, green, yellow, purple, black, red and others.
Q: What file formats can I upload for quoting and ordering?
A: Pad2Pad supports gerber, eagleCAD, and diptrace files for quoting and ordering.
Q: Are small prototype runs available, or do you only handle large-scale production?
A: Pad2Pad does not have any minimum order quantities for fabrication or assembly. We do small runs and large-scale production.
Ordering and Support
Q: How quickly can I get an instant quote from Pad2Pad?
A: For most designs pricing can be calculated using our online tools within a few seconds.
Q: What are the supported payment methods (e.g., ACH, credit card, Google Pay, Apple Pay)?
A: We support credit card, wire transfer, ACH and net term agreements as well as other forms of payment.
Q: Do you offer support for international orders?
A: Pad2Pad ships globally to most countries.
Q: Can I speak with an expert about material, design, or manufacturing questions before placing an order?
A: Yes, If you have any concerns or reservations about your design/request you can reach out to our support team for assistance in DFM as well as answer any general questions, and offer suggestions for the most economical production possible. Contact Customer Service at (201) 962-7512. Also check out https://www.pad2pad.com/help/ for help with the software or watch the videos at https://www.pad2pad.com/help/video-guide/ for answers to common questions.
Q: What happens if there’s an issue with my order?
A: Pad2Pad offers a quality parts guarantee and if there are any issues with non-conforming parts we’d be more than happy to remanufacture or reprocess them to ensure conformance.
Q: What is your free shipping policy
A: Free shipping is automatically offered to orders shipped within in the contiguous United States.
PCB Design Software FAQs
Q: What will Pad2Pad do for me?
A: Pad2Pad streamlines the process of designing, fabricating, and assembling your custom circuit boards. We provide free PCB layout software that allows you to design your PCB’s, generate an instant quote, get manufacturability feedback and conveniently place your order online. You can rely on Pad2Pad whether for a small personal project or for 10,000+ fully-assembled PCB’s for your business.
Q: How is lead-time determined?
A: Our software provides manufacturing time and pricing instantly.You can also track the status of your orders on our website.
Q: Can you work with Gerber Files?
A: Yes, we fabricate PCB’s based on Gerber files. If you’d like to assemble a PC board based on Gerber files, please contact us for assistance.
Q: Which service does Pad2Pad use to ship? What if my order is delivered late?
A: We ship out of our facility in Mahwah, NJ and our primary courier is UPS. If Pad2Pad provides UPS with on-time shipment and UPS is unable to deliver as promised, we will leverage our relationship with UPS to resolve the problem. Our on-time delivery rate is over 99%.
Q: What is your address?
A: Pad2Pad is located at 31 Industrial Ave., Mahwah, New Jersey.
Q: How are turn times determined?
A: Turnaround times vary depending on quantity, the complexity of your boards, and the assembly processes if required. You can determine all of this within our PCB software. You can also track the status of your orders directly on our site.
Q: What are your business hours?
A: Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm EST. You can place orders on Pad2Pad.com or via the Pad2Pad software 24/7.
Q: How do I use Pad2Pad’s free software to design and quote PCBs?
A: Download, install, and start using Pad2Pad CAD to get automatic pricing and design analysis right in the software. Go to https://www.pad2pad.com/free-download/ to download the software.
Q: Does Pad2Pad provide tools for converting file formats or exporting designs?
A: Pad2Pad allows for dxf export of the board profile thru holes for integration in mechanical assemblies, as well as gerber export upon request.
PCB Manufacturing FAQs
Q: How long has Pad2Pad offered PCB fabrication services?
A: Pad2Pad has been shipping quality circuit boards since 2004.
Q: What is PCB fabrication?
A: PCB fabrication is the mechanical and chemical process of creating your bare circuit board.
Q: What manufacturing capabilities does Pad2Pad have?
A: For board features and fabrication capabilities, take a look at our PCB Fabrication Services page.
Q: Is there a minimum order?
A: We deliver quality PCB’s no matter how many you need.
Q: What is a PCB prototype?
A: PCB prototype is generally one board or a small order of boards intended to test a new design before committing to volume production.
Q: Do you assemble PCB’s?
A: Yes. We offer full assembly services and even include a list of stocked components in our design software so you can view our inventory in real-time.
Q: Which third-party file formats do you support?
A: Pad2Pad supports Gerber X2, Extended Gerber RS-274X, DipTrace and Eagle CAD (.BRD) files. You can place orders using our Instant Quote page.
Q: Do you offer quick turn?
A: Yes. If you need boards fast, see our 5-day quick turn service.
Q: What electrical testing procedures does Pad2Pad use?
A: We use both flying probe and fixture testing.
PCB Assembly FAQs
Q: How long has Pad2Pad provided PCBA services?
A: Pad2Pad has offered PCBA since 2008.
Q: How do I get an instant quote for PCBA?
A: Easy, just download our PCB software to receive an assembly quote in seconds.
Q: Which PCBA techniques does Pad2Pad use?
A: We hand solder and have pick-and-place machines to assemble your PCB’s. Both SMT and thru-hole mounting are used to produce single-sided, double-sided or multi-layer finished boards up to 32 layers.
Q: Does Pad2Pad offer assembly on boards fabricated by another company?
A: Unfortunately, we do not. To maintain our quality standards, we only assemble PCB’s that we fabricate.
Q: Do you offer ROHS-compliant, lead-free assembly?
A: Absolutely. We can assemble using a lead-free, ROHS-compliant process.
Q: How do I send you my circuit board components if I am supplying some or all of the components for my board?
A:
- Place your assembly order.
- Drop ship your components to: Pad2Pad – Assembly Division 31 Industrial Ave, Suite 6 Ref # <insert Pad2Pad order number> Mahwah, NJ 07430
Q: What is the maximum thickness of components I can use and are there any banned components?
A: There is no limit on the thickness of components we can assemble, however, we do not work with BGA’s. Please contact us if using leadless components.
Q: Can you assemble ‘this’ component?
A: If you are unsure about our assembly compatibility with a particular component, please see our Pre-Order Checklist and don’t hesitate to contact us!
Q: What if I have to cancel my order?
A: If you cancel your order within one day of placement, we are generally able to refund your order in full. Once assembly has started or components have been ordered, we are unable to cancel an order without billing for incurred costs.
Q: What if I receive defective boards?
A: If we can rework defective boards, we will do so for free. If not, we will completely remake or reassemble your boards at no extra charge.
Q: How does Pad2Pad ship and how are turnaround times determined?
A: We ship from our Mahwah, New Jersey facility and use UPS unless instructed otherwise. Turnaround times vary depending on quantity, the complexity of your boards, and the necessary PCB assembly processes needed. You can determine all of this within our PCB software. You can also track the status of your orders on our website.
Assembly orders vary greatly from one to the next. Please inquire about assembly time of your specific order.
Looking for an Instant Quote? Do you have specific questions about our fabrication and assembly divisions?