Frequently Asked Questions
PCBA & Components with GNS
Looking for fast-turn PCBA manufacturing and BOM component solutions in one place?
GNS delivers prototype-to-mass production services with fast response, certified quality, and full traceability. Below, we’ve answered the most common questions from our global customers to help you move forward confidently.
PCB Manufacturing FAQs
Understand the documents and files needed for quoting and how GNS handles your first order quickly and professionally.
Q1. What PCB file formats do you accept?
We accept Gerber RS-274X files (preferred), as well as Altium Designer (.PCB/DDB), Eagle (.BRD), and KiCad files. If you’re using another software, feel free to contact us for compatibility confirmation.
Q2. Is there a minimum order quantity (MOQ)?
No. At GNS, we support both prototyping and mass production with no MOQ restrictions, enabling flexibility for startups and high-mix, low-volume projects.
Q3. How fast will I receive a quote?
You’ll receive a detailed quotation within 24 hours after submitting your Gerber and BOM files. For urgent projects, our sales team can prioritize requests upon request.
Q4. How do you keep PCB manufacturing costs competitive?
- In-house PCB and SMT factories
- Automated quoting and production systems
- Over 2,500 approved component vendors
- Engineering optimization before production
These factors help us reduce costs while maintaining quality.
Q5. How many years of experience does GNS Group have?
GNS has 17+ years of experience in PCB fabrication and turnkey assembly. With over 500 professional staff and 33 SMT lines, we’ve completed thousands of projects globally.
Q6. What’s your minimum trace width and spacing?
- Trace width: 3 mils
- Spacing: 3 mils
Our advanced etching control and AOI/ET inspection ensure precision even with fine pitch designs.
Q7. Which solder mask colors are available?
We offer a full range of solder mask colors, including:
Green, Red, Blue, Black, White, Yellow, and Matte options (subject to availability and order quantity).
Q8. What PCB surface finishes do you offer?
- HASL / Lead-free HASL
- ENIG (Gold)
- Immersion Silver / Tin
- OSP
- Hard Gold / Bondable Gold
Each surface finish is selected based on your project’s electrical and environmental needs.
Q9. What’s the smallest hole size you can produce?
Yes. For standard 2–6 layer PCBs, we can typically provide quotes within 4 hours. For complete PCBA projects, our sourcing team validates BOMs against 2500+ AVL suppliers for accurate cost. Lead time:
- PCB only: ~2–6 hrs
- PCBA with BOM: ~6–24 hrs
Q10. Do you offer impedance control and stack-up design?
Yes. GNS produces HDI boards featuring:
- Laser microvias
- Blind/Buried vias
- Via-in-pad technology
We support up to 3 sequential lamination cycles.
Q11. Can I place multiple designs in one panel?
Yes. Multi-design panels are supported after DFM review. It’s ideal for startups testing several layouts in one production batch.
Q12. Do you support peelable solder mask?
Yes, peelable solder mask is available upon request for selective wave soldering or conformal coating processes.
Q13. Can you manufacture flexible or rigid-flex PCBs?
Yes. GNS specializes in:
- Rigid
- Flexible
- Rigid-flex PCBs, supporting dynamic bend and space-saving designs.
Q14. What electrical testing do you perform?
All boards are 100% tested using:
- Flying Probe (for low-volume)
- Test Fixture (Bed of Nails) for mass production
Q15. Do you manufacture RF or high-frequency PCBs?
Absolutely. We work with Rogers, Taconic, and other high-frequency laminates to produce RF/microwave PCBs for antennas, radar, and communication systems.
Q16. Do you produce Metal Core PCBs?
Yes. We provide MCPCBs for high-heat applications like LEDs, power supplies, and automotive lighting—up to 6 layers supported.
Q17. Can you bevel hard gold fingers?
Yes. We offer edge connector gold plating with beveling for PCBs used in backplanes, servers, and slot-in modules.
Q18. Do you charge for panelization?
No. Standard panelization is free of charge. Custom paneling with break-tabs or scoring can be discussed during DFM.
Q19. Can you make HDI PCBs?
Yes. GNS produces HDI boards featuring:
- Laser microvias
- Blind/Buried vias
- Via-in-pad technology
We support up to 3 sequential lamination cycles.
Q20. Can you make castellation (half-hole) boards?
Yes. We support castellated holes for modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and embedded systems.
Q21. Do you offer V-scoring?
Yes. V-cut scoring is available based on your panel design.
Q22. What factors affect PCB cost?
- Number of layers
- PCB size & shape
- Material type (e.g., FR4, Rogers)
- Surface finish
- Impedance control
- HDI and microvia requirements
- Order quantity and delivery speed
Q23. Do you support controlled-depth routing and milling?
Yes. We provide step milling, depth control routing, and custom slotting per Gerber and drill data.
Q24. What laminates do you offer?
GNS works with top-grade materials:
- FR4 (Normal and High-TG)
- Rogers, Arlon, Taconic
- Polyimide
- Ceramic
- Aluminum base
- Megtron series for high-speed digital designs
Q25. Are your PCBs RoHS-compliant?
Yes. All our PCBs are RoHS compliant by default, and we also offer leaded finishes upon customer request.
