If you’ve ever reached out to Quantum Controls Inc. for a quote on a Printed Circuit Board Assembly (PCBA) project, you’ve probably heard this request:
“Can you send us the Gerber files?”
It’s not just a formality, these files are essential to getting your project priced accurately, reviewed for manufacturability, and delivered on time. Here’s why.
What Exactly Are Gerber Files?
Gerber files are the universal manufacturing “language” for printed circuit boards. Think of them as the detailed blueprints your PCB fabricator and assembler use to bring your design to life.
A complete Gerber package includes:
- Copper Layers – Defines where copper traces, pads, and planes will be.
- Solder Mask Layers – Indicates where solder mask should and should not be applied.
- Silkscreen Layers – Contains printed labels, reference designators, and markings.
- Drill Data – Specifies the size and location of holes and vias.
- Board Outline – Shows the exact dimensions and shape of your PCB.
Without this data, manufacturers can’t create a board that matches your design with precision.
Why Quantum Controls Asks for Gerbers Before Quoting
- Accurate Pricing
Gerber files tell us your board’s true complexity — size, layer count, hole patterns, and unique features. Without them, a quote would be based on guesswork, and that’s a recipe for surprises later. - Manufacturability Review (DFM)
Before production, we check your files for potential issues that could cause delays or defects. Finding a problem at this stage is far cheaper and faster than discovering it after boards are fabricated. - Faster Turnaround
With Gerbers ready, we can move seamlessly from quote to production. No waiting, no rework — just a smooth path from design to delivery.
Common Misconceptions About Gerber Files
- “My CAD design file is enough.”
Not quite. CAD files are great for design work, but Gerbers are the industry standard for manufacturing. They’re what PCB fabrication machines literally read. - “I’ll send them later, once you quote it.”
Without them, your quote is just an estimate. Sending Gerbers up front means you get an accurate, actionable number.
The Bottom Line
At Quantum Controls, our goal is to build your board right the first time — on time and within budget. Gerber files are the foundation that makes that possible.