PCB Prototype Service
Validate Your Design Before Moving to Production
A PCB prototype is a small production run used to verify a PCB design before committing to full-scale manufacturing, allowing engineers to test functionality, electrical performance, mechanical fit, and manufacturability while design changes are still easier to make.
PCB Runner provides PCB prototype manufacturing and assembly for engineers and product teams across the UK and Europe, from single boards to low-volume prototype builds. Every project receives a CAM/DFM review before fabrication to identify potential manufacturing concerns before they reach production.
We support rigid, flex, rigid-flex, multilayer and HDI prototypes, with assembly and quick-turn options available depending on your design requirements.
Why Choose PCB Runner
Choosing the right PCB manufacturing partner can significantly reduce development time and minimise costly design revisions. PCB Runner combines experienced engineering support with advanced manufacturing capabilities to help you move from prototype to production efficiently.
CAM & DFM Review
Every Gerber file is reviewed by our CAM engineers before fabrication to identify manufacturability concerns, helping reduce delays and unnecessary revisions.
Same-Day Quotations
Receive clear pricing and lead times quickly so your project can move forward without unnecessary waiting..
UK & European Manufacturing
Your boards are manufactured in our own UK and European facilities, providing greater quality control, reliable communication, and shorter lead times.
No Minimum Order Quantity
Whether you need one prototype board or a short production run, we manufacture exactly the quantity your project requires.
Complete Prototype Assembly
We provide both bare PCB fabrication and fully assembled prototype PCBs, including component sourcing, SMT assembly, through-hole assembly, and testing.
Dedicated Engineering Support
You'll work directly with experienced engineers and account managers instead of a ticket-based support system, ensuring technical questions are answered quickly.
Features & Manufacturing Capabilities
Every PCB prototype order follows the same engineering review and quality process regardless of order size. From a single board to a short production run, every project receives careful attention throughout manufacturing.
Our capabilities include:
Within 24 hours DFM and DFA
Rigid, Flex and Rigid-Flex PCB prototyping
Single-layer, multi-layer and HDI PCB manufacturing
Controlled impedance PCB fabrication
RF and high-frequency PCB materials including Rogers laminates
Low-volume PCB assembly
SMT and Through-Hole Assembly
Prototype PCB Assembly with complete component sourcing
Blind, buried and microvias for advanced designs
24-hour technical support
Named engineering contact throughout your project
No minimum order quantity
Advanced PCB finishes including Hard Gold, Soft Gold, ENIG, Immersion Tin, Immersion Silver, HASL, Lead-Free HASL and OSP
Whether you require a bare PCB for laboratory testing or a fully assembled board ready for functional evaluation, PCB Runner provides complete prototype manufacturing under one roof.
Our PCB Prototype Manufacturing Process
We keep the process straightforward while ensuring every board meets your design requirements.
01
Submit Your Design Files
Send your Gerber RS-274X files. For assembled boards, include your Bill of Materials (BOM), pick-and-place files, and assembly drawings.
02
CAM & Engineering Review
Our engineers review every file for manufacturability, design rule compliance, and potential production issues before fabrication begins.
03
Quote & Order Approval
You'll receive a clear quotation with lead times. Manufacturing only starts after you approve the order.
04
PCB Fabrication, parts procurement & Assembly
Your boards are manufactured using your specified materials and stack-up. If assembly is required, components are sourced, placed, soldered, and inspected.
05
Inspection, Testing & Delivery
Every board undergoes quality inspection and testing before shipment, ensuring your prototype arrives ready for evaluation and validation.
Technical Specifications
Precision is critical during the prototype stage because your prototype should accurately reflect the final production board. PCB Runner manufactures prototype PCBs using production-grade materials and processes, allowing you to validate performance before scaling to larger volumes.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Layer Count | Single-layer to multi-layer upto 50 layers (Rigid, Flex, Rigid-Flex and HDI) |
| Standard Trace Width/Spacing | 4 mil and above as standard; finer trace width and spacings upto 2mil available on request |
| Finish Via Hole Diameter | 6 mil and above as standard; laser-drilled microvias available for HDI designs as low as 3 mil |
| Copper Thickness | 1 oz standard, with lighter 0.5oz and heavier upto 12oz copper available |
| Flex Circuit Copper Thickness | 0.5oz or greater upto 6oz |
| Rigid-Flex Copper Thickness | 0.5oz to 12oz |
| Base Materials | FR-4, High-Tg FR-4, Rogers, Megtron, Arlon, Panasonic, Aluminium, Polyimide |
| Surface Finishes | 30µ"-70µ" Hard Gold, 8µ"-20µ" Soft Gold, ENIG 2µ"-5µ", Immersion Tin, Immersion, Lead-free HASL, Leaded HASL and OSP. |
| Via Types | Through-hole, Blind Via, Buried and Laser-Drilled Microvias, VIA IN PAD, Conductive filled Via, Stacked and staggered Via. |
| Controlled Impedance | Available for high-speed and RF PCB designs, tolerance 10%+/-, 5%+/- |
| Current-Carrying Calculation | Designed using IPC-2221 trace width guidelines |
If your project requires tighter tolerances, specialised materials, controlled impedance, or advanced stack-ups, our engineering team can advise on the most suitable manufacturing approach before production begins.
Standards & Quality Assurance
Every PCB prototype is manufactured under strict quality procedures to ensure consistent performance and reliable results. Our quality management system combines internationally recognised standards with multiple inspection stages throughout fabrication and assembly.
ISO 9001:2015
IPC Class 2 & 3
UL Certified
RoHS Compliant
Our Quality Process includes:
- ISO 9001:2015 certified quality management system
- IPC Class 2, Class 3 and Class 3A manufacturing capabilities
- RoHS-compliant materials
- Design rule verification against IPC-2221 guidelines
- IPC-A-600 and IPC-A-610 workmanship standards where applicable
- 3D Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) for assembled PCBs
- Flying Probe Testing for low-volume and prototype boards
- X-ray inspection for BGAs and hidden solder joints
- Electrical Testing to verify circuit continuity and functionality before shipment
Our engineering team reviews every Gerber file before fabrication begins, helping identify manufacturability concerns early and reducing unnecessary revisions later in the project.
Applications & Industries
PCB Runner manufactures prototype PCBs for a wide range of industries where product reliability and performance are essential.
Aerospace & Defence
Mission-critical electronics, avionics, communication systems
Medical Devices
Diagnostic equipment, monitoring devices, healthcare electronics
Telecommunications
RF boards, networking equipment, communication hardware
Industrial Electronics
Automation systems, control boards, power management
Automotive
Sensors, control modules, electronic control units (ECUs)
Consumer Electronics
IoT devices, wearables, smart home products
Semi Conductor industry
Lithography systems equipment boards, controller cards, Load Boards, Semiconductor testing boards, FPGA boards
Whether you’re validating a new product concept or preparing for regulatory testing, our prototype services provide reliable boards built to production-quality standards.
Prototype to Production
Successful product development doesn’t end with a working prototype. Once your design has been validated, the next step is moving confidently into full-scale manufacturing.
Because PCB Runner manages both prototype and production manufacturing, the transition is straightforward. The same engineering team, manufacturing processes, and quality standards used during prototyping continue through production, reducing delays and ensuring consistency.
| Stage | How PCB Runner Supports You |
|---|---|
| Prototype Validation | Manufacture small batches for functional testing and design verification |
| Engineering Review | Mandatory CAM, DFM and DFA checks identify opportunities to improve manufacturability |
| Design Refinement | Implement design updates based on prototype testing results |
| Pilot Production | Produce low-volume batches to validate manufacturing processes |
| Full Production | Scale to volume manufacturing using approved production files and controlled processes |
By maintaining continuity throughout the entire manufacturing process, we help reduce risk, shorten development cycles, and deliver consistent production quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lead times depend on board complexity, layer count, and assembly requirements. We provide same-day quotations with estimated delivery schedules for every project.
No. PCBRunner manufactures everything from a single prototype board to larger prototype batches.
For PCB fabrication, we require Gerber RS-274X files. For assembly projects, please also provide a Bill of Materials (BOM), pick-and-place files, and any assembly drawings.
Yes. Every order includes a mandatory CAM review to identify potential DFM & DFA manufacturability issues before fabrication begins.
Yes. We can source standard, specialist, and hard-to-find electronic components for prototype PCB assembly.
Absolutely. Once we hear the validation and approval on prototyping from your end, we can seamlessly transition your design into pilot production or full-scale manufacturing without restarting the engineering process.
Ready to Start Your PCB Prototype?
Every PCB prototype order includes a Expert CAM engineering review before fabrication begins, helping identify manufacturability issues early and reducing unnecessary revisions. Our experienced engineers work with you from design review through manufacturing to ensure your prototype is built accurately and ready for testing.
Whether you need a single prototype board, a fully assembled PCB, or support transitioning into production, PCB Runner provides the engineering expertise and manufacturing capability to help keep your project on schedule.
