Pad2Pad FAQ

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: What payment methods can Pad2Pad accept?
A: We accept MasterCard, Discover, Visa, American Express, checks, and money orders.
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 is your free shipping policy
A: Free shipping is automatically offered to orders shipped within in the contiguous United States.
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.

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?
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:
  1. Place your assembly order.
  2. 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.
Instant PCB Quote
Looking for an Instant Quote? Do you have specific questions about our fabrication and assembly divisions?