The short answer
What this setting controls
Boards can rub against one another in transit, especially when finishes, markings or exposed contacts are sensitive.
Select interleaving from the cosmetic and handling risk, then pair it with the required ESD and moisture-control packaging. Consider particle and residue requirements for clean assemblies.
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 paper between pcbs. |
Compatibility
What can change with this selection
- Interleaving can add packaging bulk.
- Some assembly paths use a different packaging method.
- 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
- Use for cosmetic surfaces, exposed contacts or easily scratched markings.
- Keep packaging requirements consistent with receiving and clean-room controls.
- Do not rely on paper for ESD protection.
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 for cosmetic surfaces, exposed contacts or easily scratched markings.
- Keep packaging requirements consistent with receiving and clean-room controls.
- Do not rely on paper for ESD protection.
Frequently asked questions
Answers for ordering and design review
What should I do if I am unsure about Paper between PCBs?
Keep the safe compatible default and add a concise question in Special instructions, or ask the TekRabbits concierge for guidance.
When should I change Paper between PCBs?
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.