How PCBs Are Made: Real PCB Fabrication Process
Watch the main steps in bare-board fabrication, then see which files and specifications help a manufacturer review your own PCB.
38-second PCBArise video · Published 2026-08-03
This short video shows selected fabrication steps. The exact sequence for a board depends on its layers, material, vias and finish.
What happens in the video?
The footage follows material preparation, drilling, copper plating, automated optical inspection (AOI), solder mask, final checks and packaging. These stages turn design data and laminate into a finished bare PCB.
Prepare material
Cut the laminate and copper material used to start the board.
Drill holes
Create holes for connections between layers and for components or mounting.
Plate copper
Add copper to form electrical connections through plated holes.
Inspect with AOI
Use optical inspection to check visible circuit features.
Apply solder mask
Protect the board while leaving pads and other required areas exposed.
Check finished boards
Inspect the boards against the order requirements.
Package for shipment
Protect and identify the finished boards for delivery.
A multilayer or HDI PCB may also need imaging, etching, lamination, surface finishing and electrical testing. The video is an introduction, not a complete production plan for every design.
What should you send for a PCB quote?
The video shows how boards are made; your design files tell the manufacturer what to make. Start with the current version of these items:
- Gerber or ODB++ files and the drill data for the current board revision
- Fabrication drawing, layer stackup, material and finished thickness
- Copper weight, surface finish and any controlled-impedance requirements
- Order quantity, panel requirements and inspection or test needs
If some details are undecided, identify them so the fabrication review can address them before production.
Request a PCB quoteExplore the right board type
The video does not show a specification for one particular board. These pages explain the manufacturing options behind different designs.
Common questions
What PCB manufacturing steps are shown in the video?
Material preparation, drilling, copper plating, optical inspection, solder mask, final checks and packaging.
Does every PCB follow exactly the same process?
No. A multilayer, HDI or specialty-material board may need additional steps. The route depends on the board design and specifications.
What is AOI in PCB manufacturing?
Automated optical inspection uses cameras and software to check visible circuit features. It does not replace every other inspection or electrical test.
What files are needed for a PCB quote?
Start with Gerber or ODB++ data, drill files, a fabrication drawing, stackup or material requirements and the required quantity. Add finish, impedance and test requirements where they apply.
Is this video about PCB assembly too?
No. It shows bare-board fabrication. PCB assembly adds components to the finished board through placement and soldering processes.