PCB design rules: our manufacturing limits at a glance
One table with the limits to set in your design software before you route, so that the board passes the check without changes.
Why set the rules first
Design rule check (DRC) in your CAD program only protects you if it uses the limits of the manufacturer. Enter the values below at the start of the project, not after routing. Boards that respect them go into production without queries.
Limits at a glance
| Feature | Limit |
|---|---|
| Layers | 1, 2, 4 or 6 in FR4; aluminium (IMS) with one copper layer |
| Board thickness | 0.51 to 2.4 mm |
| Copper thickness | 18, 35, 50 or 70 µm |
| Minimum trace width | 0.15 mm (on 18 µm base copper) |
| Minimum spacing between traces | 0.15 mm (on 18 µm base copper) |
| Minimum drill diameter | 0.3 mm with a 0.5 mm pad |
| Maximum drill diameter | 6.4 mm; larger holes are milled |
| Maximum panel size | 390 × 520 mm for 1 and 2 layers and aluminium; 335 × 440 mm for 4 and 6 layers |
| Glass transition temperature (Tg) | 135 °C (standard), 150 °C, 170 °C |
| Solder mask colours | green, white, black, red, blue, yellow |
| Silkscreen colours | white, black, red, yellow |
| Surface finish | lead-free HASL |
| Depaneling | V-cut, milling |
| Special processes | plated milling, castellated holes, chamfering, one-side scoring |
| Testing | 100% electrical test (short circuit and open circuit, flying probe) and AOI inspection on all boards |
Trace width and spacing depend on the copper
With thicker copper the etching removes more material sideways, so the minimum widths grow. As a guide: 0.15 mm on 18 µm base copper, 0.22 mm with 35 µm and 0.28 mm with 70 µm. Read more in trace width and current and copper thickness.
Holes and pads
The smallest drill is 0.3 mm with a pad of 0.5 mm, which leaves a narrow annular ring; give larger pads wherever there is room. Holes above 6.4 mm are milled. Details are in vias and hole sizes.
Colours and finish
The silkscreen is white by default on FR4 and black on aluminium boards. Our surface finish is lead-free HASL (see HASL lead-free and RoHS). More on solder mask and silkscreen.
What to do next
Run the DFM checklist on your files, then upload them to the price calculator for a preview and an instant estimate.
Frequently asked questions
What are the smallest trace width and spacing?
0.15 mm each on 18 µm base copper. Thicker copper needs larger values, for example 0.22 mm with 35 µm.
What is the smallest hole you can drill?
0.3 mm, with a pad of 0.5 mm. Holes above 6.4 mm are milled.
Which solder mask colours are available?
Green, white, black, red, blue and yellow.
Browse the questions and answers →
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Minimum trace and spacing, drill sizes, materials, tolerances and tests for every board type, on one page.
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