The short answer
What this setting controls
Thicker boards are generally stiffer; thinner boards can fit tighter mechanical spaces. The number shown is the finished nominal value, not just the core thickness.
Check tolerance, copper weight, dielectric build, controlled impedance and plated-hole aspect ratio. A nominal thickness can be reached through different stack-ups, so confirm the construction for demanding designs.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| 0.4–0.8 mm | Thin or compact mechanical assemblies | More flexible and sensitive to handling; option compatibility narrows. |
| 1.0–1.2 mm | Moderately thin rigid boards | Useful where connector or enclosure geometry limits the conventional thickness. |
| 1.6 mm | General FR-4 starting point | Familiar rigidity and broad compatibility; still verify connector and impedance geometry. |
| 2.0 mm and above | Stiffer boards or specific mechanics | Check connector slots, plated-hole aspect ratio and the approved stack-up. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- Layer count, finish, copper weight and material can remove thickness choices.
- The live interface may select a compatible default when another setting changes.
- Thin and thick choices can change finish, panel, layer and maximum-size availability.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Use 1.6 mm as the familiar rigid-board starting point when the mechanical design allows it.
- Use a thinner or thicker choice only when enclosure, connector, flex or impedance needs justify it.
- Treat a disabled choice as a real process incompatibility, not as a missing UI option.
Before release
Check these points before adding the quote to cart
- Confirm the selected value matches the released Gerber, drawing, stack-up, BOM or assembly plan.
- Review any fields that changed automatically after this selection.
- Check the board preview and server-calculated estimate before adding the quote to cart.
- Use 1.6 mm as the familiar rigid-board starting point when the mechanical design allows it.
- Use a thinner or thicker choice only when enclosure, connector, flex or impedance needs justify it.
- Treat a disabled choice as a real process incompatibility, not as a missing UI option.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
Why is 0.6 mm sometimes disabled?
Thin builds can be incompatible with a particular layer count, copper weight, finish or process combination. The page prevents an invalid combination before pricing.
When should I change PCB thickness?
Change it when the released electrical, mechanical, thermal, assembly or quality plan gives a measurable reason. Otherwise keep the compatible default and review the resulting board preview and estimate.
Why is an option disabled?
The current material, geometry, layer count, quantity or another selected process makes that combination unavailable. Change the controlling selection or revise the design package rather than trying to bypass the disabled state.
Can I rely on the online choice as final manufacturing approval?
No. The interface screens known combinations and requests pricing, while final manufacturability remains subject to the released files and technical review.
What should I record outside the order form?
Put controlled requirements in the fabrication drawing, assembly drawing, stack-up, BOM or acceptance plan. Use Special instructions only for a concise pointer to that controlled requirement.
Will changing this update other selections?
It can. The order form re-evaluates compatibility and may replace a now-invalid dependent choice before requesting a fresh server-side estimate. Review every highlighted or automatically changed field.
What if the design requires an option that is not offered?
Do not approximate it with a different label. Recheck the controlling material and geometry, document the actual requirement, and request technical review before placing the order.
Useful engineering tools
Calculators and preparation guides
Further reading
Standards and technical references
Use the latest applicable revision and your organisation’s controlled requirements when a standard forms part of product acceptance.