Confused whether to order your PSB as a standard spec or a custom spec, Gelco EMS is here to make the decision easy for you by highlighting the major differences between the two. Printed circuit boards are manufactured based on the designing specifications, called specs. There are two kinds of specs identified: the standard spec i.e the pre-defined specifications, and the custom spec. Let’s discuss the basic differences between Standard Spec and Custom Spec PCBs.

Standard Spec consists of pre-defined specifications that limit the opportunity for any personal customisation. They are inspected to IPC class 2 standards and have a fixed minimum size for plated holes. The soldermask usually comes in the colour green with a white legend silkscreen.  They have a Lead-Free HAL Solder plating finish with the Rout Tolerance of +/- 0.010” and the Hole Tolerance of +/- 0.005”.

A Custom Spec doesn’t consist of any pre-defined specifications that add to the opportunity for any personal customisation. You can specify your design requirements as per the pattern of the PCBs. They are inspected to either IPC class 2 or IPC Class 3 standards and can have plated as well as non-plated holes. Also, the soldermask can be of any colour of your choice with multicoloured options for the silkscreen as well. They have both Leaded and Lead-Free HAL Solder plating finish with the Rout Tolerance of +/- 0.010” but can be made of +/- 0.005 upon request and the Hole Tolerance of +/- 0.003”. Electrolytic Hard Gold plating finish with other plating finishes options of ENIG, Immersion Silver, and OSP are also available.

The fabrication techniques and quality checks for both Standard Spec and Custom Spec PCBs remain the same. Gelco EMS has been a trusted brand for manufacturing superior quality printed circuit boards. We provide you with nothing but the best!