PCB tolerances refer to the allowable deviations in various parameters such as size, thickness, angle, and component placement between the actual manufactured printed circuit boards (PCBs) and the original design specifications provided by the customer. For instance, if a PCB is designed with a thickness of 1.6mm, the manufacturing process may result in slight variations. The acceptable tolerance for a 1.6mm PCB typically falls within ±0.16mm, or as tight as ±0.1mm for more demanding requirements.
Tighter tolerances often lead to higher manufacturing complexity and lower yield, but they also enhance product reliability. Different industries, such as aerospace, may require stricter tolerances compared to consumer products. Understanding and specifying PCB tolerances in the design phase is essential to ensure optimal performance and functionality.
At espcba, we strictly adhere to customer requirements and IPC-A-600 Class 2 and Class 3/3A standards to deliver the highest quality PCBs. Below are the most commonly used PCB manufacturing tolerances.
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
|
Material Thickness |
≤1.0mm: ±0.1mm
>1.0mm: ±10%
|
Best: ≤2.0mm ±0.1mm; 2.1-3.0mm ±0.15mm; 3.1-7.0mm ±0.25mm |
|
Flexible PCB Thickness |
±0.025mm |
Stiffener area: ±0.05mm |
|
Maximum Bow and Twist |
0.75% |
|
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
|
Plated Hole Size (PTH) |
≤4.00mm: ±0.075mm>4.00mm: ±0.10mm
|
Best: ±0.05mm |
|
Non-Plated Hole Size (NPTH) |
≤4.00mm: ±0.05mm
>4.00mm: ±0.10mm
|
|
|
Plated Slot Size (PTH Slot) |
±0.1mm |
Best: ±0.075mm |
|
Non-Plated Slot Size (NPTH Slot) |
±0.075mm |
Best: ±0.05mm |
|
Hole Position |
±0.075mm |
|
|
Back Drill Depth |
±0.1mm |
|
|
Countersink Hole Angle |
±10° |
|
|
Countersink Hole Size |
±0.15mm |
|
|
Aspect Ratio |
1:18 |
Drill size: PCB thickness |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Copper Thickness |
20μm for IPC-A-600 Class 2 |
25μm for IPC-A-600 Class 3 |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE |
|---|---|
|
HAL Lead-Free |
2 – 40μm |
|
Immersion Gold (ENIG) |
Ni: 3 – 8μm, Au: 0.05 – 0.10μm |
|
Immersion Silver |
0.2 – 0.4μm |
|
Immersion Tin |
≥1.0μm |
|
OSP |
0.1 – 0.3μm |
|
ENEPIG |
Ni: 3 – 8μm, Pd: 0.05 – 0.15μm, Au: 0.05 – 0.10μm |
|
Plating Gold |
Ni: 3 – 6μm, Au: 0.1 – 4μm |
|
Carbon Ink |
0.10 – 0.35mm |
|
Peelable Mask |
0.20 – 0.80mm |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE |
|---|---|
|
Min. Solder Mask to Trace Clearance |
0.05mm |
|
Min. Solder Mask Track Cover |
0.05mm |
|
Min. Solder Mask Web |
0.075mm |
|
Thickness on Copper Trace |
10 – 18μm |
|
Thickness on Edge of Copper Trace |
>10μm |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE |
|---|---|
|
Minimum Width |
0.10mm |
|
Minimum Height |
1.00mm |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Min. Trace/Pad to Outline – Outer Layers |
0.15mm |
|
|
Profile Dimensional Tolerance |
±0.13mm |
Best: ±0.13mm |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE |
|---|---|
|
Maximum PCB Thickness |
3.20mm |
|
Minimum PCB Thickness |
0.60mm |
|
Min. V-Cut Copper Distance |
0.30mm |
|
Difference After Separation |
±0.20mm |
|
Normal Rest Material |
0.50mm ±0.10mm |
|
V-Cut Positional Tolerance |
±0.10mm |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Bevel Angle Tolerance |
±5° |
15°, 30°, 45°, 60° |
|
Remaining Material Thickness Tolerance |
±0.1mm |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Impedance Tolerance |
±10% |
±5% |
| DESCRIPTION | TOLERANCE | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
|
Minimum Test Pitch |
0.10mm |
|
|
Smallest Testable Pad |
0.05mm |
|
|
Test Voltage |
500V |
|
|
Test Current |
200 mA |
Adjustable |
|
Continuity Test |
Min. 5Ω |
|
|
Isolation Test |
Max. 500 MΩ |
|
At espcba, we ensure that our PCB manufacturing tolerances align with both customer requirements and industry standards, delivering high-performance, reliable boards. If you have any specific tolerance needs or questions, feel free to contact us.
Looking for reliable SMD assembly services? At ESPCBA, we’re your trusted partner for PCB fabrication, component sourcing, and electronic manufacturing. With over 16 years of experience, we’ve provided high-quality PCBs at competitive prices to over 1,000 customers worldwide. Our company is ISO9001:2015 certified and UL listed, and every product we deliver is 100% E-tested and inspected using AOI and X-ray to meet the highest standards. Get an instant quote from our sales team today, and let us handle the rest for you.
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