The short answer
What this setting controls
Good notes mention a critical connector, an enclosure datum, a required test, a known keep-out or a revision detail. Avoid general requests such as “make it perfect.”
Write verifiable requirements with units, references, revision identifiers and acceptance criteria. Do not use the box to override a disabled option or hide a change from the approved design.
Options in the order form
How the available choices differ
| Choice | Use it for | Engineering note |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended / default | Builds without a documented exception | Keeps the current compatible process path. |
| Alternative selection | A released drawing, stack-up or assembly plan requires it | Recheck every dependent option after changing special instructions. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- The note does not replace a fabrication drawing or controlled release package.
- Ambiguous notes can delay review while the team asks for clarification.
- If the page disables a choice, treat it as a compatibility result and adjust the controlling design decision rather than forcing the value.
Practical recommendation
How to make the decision
- Keep the note short and specific.
- State what must be checked and where it is shown in the submitted design.
- Put sensitive credentials, payment data and unrelated personal information nowhere in the order.
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.
- Keep the note short and specific.
- State what must be checked and where it is shown in the submitted design.
- Put sensitive credentials, payment data and unrelated personal information nowhere in the order.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
Can I request an unsupported process here?
You can describe the requirement, but the team must confirm whether it is technically and commercially available.
When should I change Special instructions?
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.
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.