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Prototype and NPI fabrication

Custom PCB prototype manufacturing

Use prototype builds to validate the intended production construction—not a disconnected temporary process. HXLFAB reviews design data, stack-up, material, special processes and test requirements before confirming lead time and price.

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Precision drilling equipment used for PCB prototype and production builds — Prototype-to-production process discipline

1–30Prototype layer count

10 filesSecure RFQ upload limit

100 MBMaximum per file

60 daysScheduled file retention

Engineering approach

Prototype with the production route in mind

A useful PCB prototype validates fit, electrical function and the intended fabrication construction. If material, stack-up or process changes silently between NPI and volume production, later results can be difficult to compare.

HXLFAB can review prototype data with the next production stage in mind. The RFQ workflow captures the board configuration, application notes, contact details and securely uploaded production files under a traceable RFQ number.

A complete prototype package includes

Gerber or ODB++ data and NC drill files
Fabrication drawing and board outline
Stack-up, finished thickness and copper weights
Impedance, special-via and material requirements
Quantity, target date, test and packaging expectations

Manufacturing envelope

Capabilities for quotation planning

These values describe the available manufacturing envelope. Final capability, lead time and price are confirmed after review of the actual production data, construction, material and quantity.

Technology range	Standard rigid, multilayer, HDI, high-frequency and heavy-copper prototypes by review
Layer count	1–30 layers
Fine features	Down to 3/3 mil trace and space subject to construction review
Quote method	Engineer-confirmed after production-data review; not an unverified instant price
File upload	Private upload for supported PCB files and compressed Gerber/ODB++ packages
Storage controls	Access-controlled files linked to the RFQ and scheduled for deletion after 60 days
Transition	Prototype, NPI, pilot and volume routes can be planned around a controlled construction

From RFQ to release

A controlled engineering workflow

01 / DATA REVIEW

Check the fabrication package

Gerber or ODB++, drill data, drawings, stack-up and requirements are checked for completeness.

02 / DFM & ROUTING

Confirm the process route

Engineering evaluates materials, features, via construction, test coverage and manufacturing risk.

03 / QUOTE & RELEASE

Issue confirmed terms

Price and lead time are confirmed after the technical route and commercial inputs are aligned.

Applications

Where this capability is used

Hardware startups

Engineering builds for functional validation and investor or customer samples.

New product introduction

NPI builds intended to transfer into pilot and volume production.

Design revisions

Controlled fabrication for form, fit and functional changes.

Research equipment

Custom boards for laboratories, universities and development teams.

Industrial pilots

Low-volume builds for field trials and equipment qualification.

Supply qualification

Evaluation builds for alternate-source and manufacturing qualification.

Frequently asked questions

Before you request a quote

Does HXLFAB offer a true instant PCB quote?

No. Quotes are engineer-confirmed after reviewing the construction and files. This is especially important for advanced materials, HDI, impedance or heavy-copper prototypes.

How fast will I receive a quotation?

Lead time for the quotation depends on file completeness and technical complexity. Upload complete production data and clearly identify special requirements to reduce clarification cycles.

Can I upload multiple files?

The secure RFQ currently supports up to 10 files, 100 MB per file and 200 MB total. A single ZIP or 7Z package is preferred for related Gerber or ODB++ data.

Will my prototype files be public?

No. Uploaded files remain in private storage, require access-controlled links and are scheduled for automatic deletion after 60 days.

Ready to review your PCB build?

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