PCB Fabrication
Double-Side PCBs: the workhorse of modern electronics.
Copper on both faces, connected by plated through-holes — enough routing freedom for most real-world products, at a price that stays sensible.
What is a double-side PCB?
A double-side PCB carries copper traces on both faces of the laminate, joined by plated through-holes (PTH) that carry signals from one side to the other. That second layer roughly doubles your routing room and lets ground and power pours share the board with signal traces.
It is the default construction for the broad middle of electronics: dense enough for microcontroller-based products, simple enough to stay economical. If you're not sure what your design needs, it very likely needs this.
How it's made
01
Drilling
Holes are drilled through the copper-clad laminate first — they must exist before plating can connect the two sides.
02
Through-hole plating
Electroless copper deposition followed by electroplating builds a conductive barrel inside every hole, bonding top to bottom.
03
Imaging & etching
Both sides are photographically imaged and etched in registration, so top and bottom patterns align precisely.
04
Solder mask & legend
Mask and silkscreen are applied to both faces.
05
Finish, profile & test
Surface finish, routing/V-scoring, and 100% electrical test against your netlist.
Where it's used
When to choose it
- Your design uses a microcontroller with moderate peripheral density
- You need ground pours or simple power planes alongside signals
- SMT components sit on both sides of the board
- You want the best routing-freedom-per-rupee in the catalog
Worth considering: High-speed interfaces (DDR, USB 3, Ethernet PHYs, RF) that need controlled impedance and a solid reference plane usually justify stepping up to a 4-layer multi-layer board.
| Layer count | 2 |
|---|---|
| Base materials | FR-4, High-Tg FR-4, Aluminium (MCPCB) |
| Board thickness | 0.4 – 3.2 mm |
| Copper weight | 0.5 oz – 3 oz |
| Min track / spacing | 0.1 mm / 0.1 mm |
| Min hole size | 0.2 mm |
| Surface finish | HASL, Lead-free HASL, ENIG, OSP, Immersion Silver |
| Typical prototype lead time | 5 – 9 working days |
Frequently asked questions
What is a plated through-hole (PTH)?
A plated through-hole is a drilled hole whose inner wall is plated with copper, forming a conductive barrel that connects the top and bottom copper layers. It's what turns two separate copper faces into one continuous circuit.
Can I mount components on both sides of a double-sided PCB?
Yes. Double-sided boards support SMT components on both faces and through-hole components wherever needed. If we're assembling for you, we sequence reflow and wave/selective soldering accordingly.
Is a double-sided PCB enough for USB, Ethernet, or RF designs?
Often, with care — USB 2.0 and 10/100 Ethernet are routinely done on 2 layers with good layout discipline. For USB 3, DDR memory, gigabit Ethernet, or sensitive RF, a 4-layer stack-up with a continuous reference plane is the safer, quieter choice.
What quantity makes sense for a first order?
Most customers prototype at 5–25 pieces, validate, then re-order the identical specification at production volume. Your specification is saved with your account, so the re-order is one click — and the quantity price breaks are visible up front.
Price your double-side PCB in seconds.
Get an instant estimate in seconds — no account, no email chain, no waiting.