PCB prototypes: from one piece to series production
A practical path for engineers: prototype, pre-series and series on the same specification, with the checks that save a re-spin.
Three stages, one specification
- Prototype (1 to a few pieces). You validate the circuit, the layout and the mechanical fit.
- Pre-series (tens of pieces). You test the design in the real product, with real assembly and real operating conditions.
- Series (hundreds and more). The board is stable; the focus moves to price per piece, repeatability and delivery dates.
The board should stay the same across all three stages. If the specification changes between prototype and series, the results of your tests no longer apply.
What to freeze after the prototype
- Stack-up and material: number of layers, FR4 or aluminium (IMS), thickness, copper weight and glass transition temperature (Tg).
- Tolerances: trace width and spacing class, smallest drill diameter.
- Surface finish: HASL lead-free is our standard finish.
- Colours: solder mask and silkscreen colour.
- Outline and delivery format: single boards or a panel, and the panel layout if your assembler needs one.
What to check before you order more
- Does the prototype fit mechanically, and do the connectors line up?
- Were there any manufacturing remarks on the first order that should be fixed in the files? (See our Gerber guide.)
- Is the specification still the cheapest one that does the job? (See what determines the price.)
- Does your assembler want a panel with fiducials and tooling holes instead of single boards?
How PCB-ELECTRA supports the step to series
- From 1 piece, no minimum — the same factory builds the single prototype and the production run.
- Every board is tested: 100% electrical test (short circuit and open circuit, flying probe) and AOI inspection on all boards, at no extra charge.
- Price per piece falls with quantity — the price calculator shows the effect immediately, so you can compare 10, 50 and 500 pieces before deciding.
- Repeat orders: your approved files and options stay the same; send the same archive again or ask us about the previous order.
- Delivery across the EU, economy or express.
Planning the schedule
Production time depends on the board type: standard production starts at 9 working days for 1- and 2-layer and aluminium boards, and multilayer boards take longer; urgent production is faster. The calculator shows the delivery date for your configuration. Leave room for the pre-series test between the prototype and the series order.
When you are ready, upload your files in the calculator or contact us to discuss the series. Our offers are addressed to professional customers (B2B).
Frequently asked questions
Can I order a single prototype?
Yes. We produce from one piece, so you can start with a prototype and order a series later.
How do I make sure the series matches the prototype?
Keep the same files and the same specification: layers, material, thickness, copper and finish. Change a file only deliberately, and tell us about it.
When does a panel make sense?
When you assemble boards in series or when the boards are small. A panel makes handling easier on the assembly line; read the guide on panelization for the details.
Browse the questions and answers →
Upload your files and see the price
Add your Gerber files in the calculator: you see the board, the options and an instant price in euros.
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Not sure what applies to your board? Describe it in a few lines and our engineers will advise you.