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Before sending Gerber files to a PCB manufacturer, verify that the package contains every required layer and drill file, inspect the exported data in a Gerber/CAM viewer, confirm the board profile, and make the build requirements and revision unmistakable. Requirements differ by fabricator and board design, so use the receiving manufacturer’s current instructions as the final authority.
1. Confirm that every required layer has a file
Make a layer inventory from the board design and match each patterned layer to a manufacturing file. A fabrication set needs machine-readable data for every pattern—not just a drawing or a view of the board.
- Include every copper layer, including all inner layers on a multilayer board.
- Include solder-mask and legend (silkscreen) layers for the sides that use them.
- Include drill data and any required route or milling data.
- Include other patterned layers used by the design, and ask the fabricator whether optional or board-specific layers are required.
For multilayer boards, provide the stack-up information the fabricator requests. Ucamco’s PCB fabrication data guide and downloads explains the need for digital data for each pattern; the manufacturer’s fabrication checklist also identifies copper, drill, solder mask, silkscreen, outline, and multilayer stack-up information.
2. Inspect the exported files in a Gerber/CAM viewer
Review the actual files you plan to upload, not only the CAD layout or a screenshot. Load the layers together first: they should register correctly, with no unexpected shifts or mismatched origins. Then inspect each layer individually for missing or unexpected features, and address any viewer or parser errors before release.
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- Package Includes: The product contains 5 different sizes of circuit boards, 10Pcs 2x8 cm, 10Pcs 3x7 cm, 5Pcs 4x6 cm, 5Pcs 5x7 cm, 2Pcs 7x9cm, 32Pcs in total, it is the standard tenth-inch (0.1") spacing
- Easy to Use: 4 mounting holes at the corners of the PCB boards are convenient for installing them together
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Ucamco recommends keeping layers in the same coordinate system so they align on import. Its downloads page links to a Reference Gerber Viewer; use a viewer that can open the formats in your package.
3. Verify the board profile and routed features
Confirm that the data includes a clear digital profile defining the finished board edge. The profile must be closed, in the right location, and consistent with the other layers. Check that every intended cutout, slot, and routed feature is represented as the fabricator expects.
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- 19pcs double sided pcb board kit for diy soldering and electronics projects - includes 5 sizes (6x 20x80mm, 6x 30x70mm, 3x 40x60mm, 3x 50x70mm, 1x 70x90mm) - compatible with arduino kits
- Screw Terminal Block and Jumper caps:8pcs 5.08-301-2p and 6pcs 5.08-301-3p screw terminal blocks; 25pcs 2.54mm pin spacing jumper caps in 5 colors (5pcs each)
- 2.54mm pitch header connectors: 8pcs 40-pin male, 8pcs 40-pin right-angle male, and 8pcs 40-pin female headers
- Circuit Board kit is made of FR4 material with a thickness of 1.6 mm, which belongs to glass fiber
- Double sided circuit board features tin-plated holes for soldering diy components and corner mounting holes for easy assembly and installation
The profile defines the extent of the PCB; a drawing alone cannot substitute for the digital data needed to manufacture it. Ucamco’s fabrication guide calls the profile essential, and the manufacturer checklist asks for a clear outline and milling definition.
4. Check drill data and hole types
Open the drill data and compare it with the pads and board profile. Confirm that it covers every hole and slot sequence in the design and that the locations make sense against the copper layers.
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- 32 Boards In Five Sizes: Choose 4 × 6 cm, 3 × 7 cm, 5 × 7 cm, 2 × 8 cm or 7 × 9 cm boards for compact circuits, controller interfaces, classroom soldering exercises and larger point-to-point builds
- Double-Sided FR4 For Soldered Prototypes: Approximately 1.6 mm FR4 provides a rigid base for permanent electronics builds, while pre-tinned plated-through holes provide solderable connections accessible from both sides
- Standard 2.54 mm Grid Fits Common Through-Hole Parts: Lay out resistors, LEDs, DIP sockets, pin headers, terminal blocks, sensors and jumper wires on a 0.1 in pitch, then create each required connection with soldered leads, bridges or insulated wire
- From Breadboard Test To Permanent Build: Transfer a proven circuit into a compact soldered assembly for sensor nodes, controllers, alarms and STEM demonstrations; corner mounting holes help secure finished boards in enclosures or on panels
- Set Expectations Before Soldering: These are isolated-pad perfboards with no breadboard-style buses or stripboard traces, and the kit does not include components, wire, solder or tools; plan the layout and check continuity before applying power
Where the design includes both plated through holes (PTH) and non-plated through holes (NPTH), keep them distinguished using the fabricator’s requested convention. Separate drill sequences as required; clear classification helps prevent the manufacturer from having to infer whether a hole should be plated.
5. Compare copper, solder mask, and silkscreen
These layers describe related but different features, so inspect them together for contradictions:
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- Versatile PCB Board Kit: This circuit board prototype kit includes a variety of PCB board sizes to cater to diverse project requirements: 1 piece of 3.5x5.9 inches (9x15cm), 2 pieces of 2.8x3.5 inches (7x9cm), 3 pieces of 2.0x2.8 inches (5x7cm), and 5 pieces each of 1.6x2.4 inches (4x6cm), 1.2x2.8 inches (3x7cm), and 0.8x3.1 inches (2x8cm).
- Comprehensive Header Pin Set: Includes 6 pieces of male straight pin headers, 6 pieces of female straight pin headers, and 4 pieces of right-angle pin headers. Each row features 40 pins with a 0.1 inch (2.54mm) pin pitch, providing versatile connectivity options.
- Complete Terminal Blocks & Jumpers: This kit comes with 6 pieces of 2-Pin Terminal Blocks, 4 pieces of 3-Pin Terminal Blocks, and 100 pieces of standard 2.54mm pin spacing circuit board jumper caps, ensuring you have the components needed for various connections.
- Sturdy and Durable Construction: Made from high-quality FR4 fiberglass material, these PCB boards are 1.6mm thick, offering robust durability and long-lasting performance for your projects.
- Convenient Design for Easy Assembly: Each board features four mounting holes at the corners for easy assembly. The pre-tinned holes across the circuit board simplify the soldering of components and sensors, facilitating seamless project integration.
- Check that pads intended to be solderable have the intended solder-mask openings.
- Verify that tented vias or other intentionally covered copper are deliberate.
- Make sure reference text and graphics intended for the legend are on the silkscreen layer, not accidentally mixed into copper.
- Confirm that required copper features appear on the correct layer.
PCBfabrication.com describes review examples involving absent mask openings above pads and silkscreen-style artwork mixed into copper. These are examples of possible mistakes, not evidence of how often they occur.
6. Make layer names and build requirements unambiguous
Identify each file’s function and board side through Gerber X2 layer metadata when supported by your workflow and the receiving fabricator. Otherwise, use clear, consistent filenames that make the layer roles obvious. Keep the files in the same coordinate system and precision.
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- Selection of Multi-Sized Proto Boards - 31 pieces double-sided prototype boards of 5 different size to meet your demands when designing your own Arduino kits, electronic experiments and DIY projects. （10 pieces 2*8cm, 10 pieces 3*7cm, 5 pieces 4*6cm, 5 pieces 5*7cm and 1 pieces 7*9cm PCB boards)
- Header Connector - 10 pieces 40 pin male header, 10 pieces 40 pin pitch right angle male headers, 10 pieces 40 pin female header; pitch: 2.54mm, single row and straight connector
- Screw Terminal Block - 8 pieces 5.08-301-2P and 5 pieces 5.08-301-3P ; pitch: 5.08mm, rated voltage: 300V, rated current: 16A
- Jumper caps - 30 pieces standard 2.54mm pin spacing circuit board jumper cap in 6 colors, 5 pieces per color
- Environmental and Elegant Packaging - Compact paper package take little footprint
For multilayer or special boards, include the stack-up and other manufacturing specifications in the form the fabricator requests. Depending on the build, that may include material, finished thickness, surface finish, impedance requirements, or blind and buried vias. Do not expect the fabricator to infer these requirements from the artwork. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the information and conventions it accepts.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.7. Freeze the revision and package one clean release
Generate or confirm the manufacturing files from the intended, current board revision. Before uploading, remove stale versions, duplicate exports, and unrelated design files that could be mistaken for the release.
- Collect the required manufacturing files for one PCB.
- Check that the set is complete and belongs to the same revision.
- Place the files in one standard archive if the manufacturer accepts or requests one.
- Follow the fabricator’s portal, archive, and naming requirements if they differ.
Ucamco recommends one archive per PCB and warns that unnecessary or duplicate data can create ambiguity for the CAM operator. Its guide offers general packaging guidance; the selected manufacturer’s current upload requirements take precedence.
Final pre-upload checklist
- Every required patterned layer, drill sequence, and profile has corresponding digital data.
- The exported files open in a viewer, align together, and show no unresolved parser errors.
- The board edge, cutouts, slots, and routing are represented clearly.
- Drill data matches the design, with PTH and NPTH distinguished where applicable.
- Copper, mask, and legend agree with the intended build.
- Layer identities, stack-up, and special requirements are explicit.
- The package contains only the current, complete release for one PCB.
Gerber format revisions and viewer availability can change. Ucamco’s downloads page listed Gerber Layer Format Specification Revision 2026.05, dated 19 May 2026, when accessed on 5 October 2026. Confirm accepted formats and any drill, outline, stack-up, or special-build conventions directly with your fabricator before submitting.
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