How to Get Your PCB Manufactured in China: A Complete Guide
Table of Contents
Why China for PCB Manufacturing?
Over 80% of the world's PCBs are manufactured in China. Not because it's cheap — though it is — but because the entire supply chain lives there. The factories, the raw materials, the component distributors, the assembly lines. It's all in one place, mostly in Shenzhen and the Pearl River Delta.
For a hardware startup or an independent engineer, this means:
- Lower cost — Factory-direct pricing starts at $2 for a 2-layer prototype
- Faster turnaround — 3-5 business days for standard boards
- Full capability — From 1-layer flex to 20-layer HDI, anything is possible
- Assembly services — Most factories offer SMT assembly alongside fabrication
Step 1: Export Your Gerber Files
Before you can get a PCB made, you need to export your design from your EDA tool into Gerber files. Gerber is the universal format — every factory in the world accepts it.
What You Need to Export
- Gerber files (RS-274X) — Copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, paste layers
- Excellon drill file — Hole positions and sizes
- Board outline — Usually on a mechanical layer or Edge.Cuts
Export Instructions by EDA Tool
| EDA Tool | Export Path | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KiCad | File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers | Use "Generate Drill Files" separately |
| Eagle | File → CAM Processor → gerber | Use the default CAM job |
| Altium | File → Fabrication Outputs → Gerbers | Include drill file in output |
| EasyEDA | File → PCB Fabrication File (Gerber) | Download as zip |
| OrCAD | File → Export → Gerber | Check apertures match |
Export everything into a zip file. The factory should be able to open it and immediately see all layers.
Step 2: Choose a Manufacturer
There are three types of PCB manufacturers you'll encounter online:
Type 1: Instant-Quote Platforms (JLCPCB, PCBWay, AllPCB)
These are automated platforms. You upload Gerber files, get an instant price, pay, and they manufacture. Fast and convenient, but:
- Support is limited — you're talking to a ticket system, not an engineer
- DFM review is often automated or skipped
- They optimize for volume, not for your specific needs
Type 2: Brokers / Trading Companies
A person or company that takes your order and forwards it to a factory. They add a margin. Some are good — they add value by reviewing your files and managing the process. Others just add cost.
Type 3: Direct Factory Partners
A relationship with an actual factory. Best pricing, best communication, but requires more effort to set up. This is where a partner like Mayio comes in — we maintain factory relationships so you don't have to.
| Factor | Instant-Quote | Broker | Direct Partner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Good | Higher (markup) | Best |
| DFM Review | Automated | Depends | Human engineer |
| Communication | Ticket system | WeChat/Email | WhatsApp/Direct |
| Flexibility | Low | Medium | High |
| Best For | Simple repeats | One-off projects | Startups & production |
Step 3: Submit Your Files & Get a Quote
Once you've chosen a manufacturer, submit your Gerber zip along with:
- Layer count (2-layer, 4-layer, etc.)
- Board dimensions (usually visible from the Gerber)
- Quantity (5pcs, 10pcs, 100pcs, etc.)
- Any special requirements (HASL, ENIG, impedance control, etc.)
You'll get a quote back, usually within a few hours. Compare it against our pricing to make sure you're getting a fair deal.
Step 4: DFM Review
DFM stands for "Design for Manufacturability." This is where an engineer looks at your Gerber files and checks for issues that could cause problems during manufacturing.
Common DFM issues include:
- Tracks too close to the board edge
- Drill holes too close to copper
- Missing solder mask between fine-pitch pads
- Annular ring too small
- Copper pours that aren't properly connected
Step 5: Production & Shipping
After DFM review and your approval, production begins. Standard timeline:
- 1-2 layer boards: 3-5 business days
- 4-layer boards: 5-7 business days
- 6+ layer boards: 7-10 business days
- Flex / rigid-flex: 7-14 business days
Shipping via DHL express takes 3-5 days worldwide. DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means no surprise customs fees — the shipping cost in your quote is the total cost.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Avoid Them)
1. Wrong Drill Units
Your Gerber says mm, but the drill file is in mils. Result: holes in the wrong places. Always verify drill units before submitting.
2. Missing Board Outline
If the factory can't see where to cut the board, they'll ask. This adds a day. Include your outline layer in the Gerber export.
3. Not Enough Clearance
Design rule violations that pass in your EDA tool may not pass in manufacturing. Run a DRC before exporting.
4. Cheap Isn't Always Cheapest
The lowest quote often means the factory cut corners — thinner copper, rougher finish, no AOI inspection. Pay a little more for quality, or you'll pay a lot more re-ordering.
5. No DFM Review
Skipping DFM to save time is like skipping a proofread to save time. It works until it doesn't. Always get your files reviewed.
What to Do Next
Got Gerber files ready? Send them to us for a free quote and DFM review. We'll review your files by hand, give you a fair price, and get your boards manufactured at an ISO 9001 certified factory in Shenzhen.
No minimum order. DDP worldwide shipping. Response within 24 hours.
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