Manufacturing
Gerber and fabrication file release checklist
PCBBench editorial · Published October 14, 2026 · Editorial policy
A fabrication package should be generated from the checked release revision and independently inspected after export. Correct native design files do not guarantee that the selected layers, drill files and assembly outputs describe the intended board.
Freeze the release before exporting
Save the project, refill zones and complete the chosen checks. Record the revision and export settings. Keep fabrication and assembly variants explicit so a later export cannot accidentally mix the copper from one revision with a BOM from another.
Inspect the exported package
Open the manufacturing files in a viewer independent of the editor state. Confirm copper layers, solder mask, silkscreen, outline and drill registration. Check that units, origins and board extents are consistent and that required files are actually present.
Check the assembly handoff
Reconcile BOM references and placement data, including rotations, side and fitted status. Include manufacturing notes that resolve real ambiguities. Archive the complete package and its source revision so a fabrication question can be answered without reconstructing the release from memory.
Practical checklist
- Export from the checked revision.
- Verify required layers and drills.
- Inspect outline and registration.
- Reconcile BOM and placement files.
- Archive source, reports and exports together.
A concrete example
Release an AI-generated board for a small assembly run.
- Evidence to accept
- An independent viewer shows the intended outline, copper and drills, and assembly references match.
- Evidence that is insufficient
- A file named final.zip is accepted without opening it or confirming its source revision.
Common questions
Is a Gerber viewer a DRC tool?
A viewer helps inspect exported geometry. Use the native design checks and additional manufacturing validation for their respective requirements.
Should fabrication-ready mean physically tested?
Keep those claims separate. A checked fabrication package is different evidence from a fabricated and successfully tested board.
Primary references and further reading
Use the matching device documentation and project configuration when applying this checklist. These references explain the underlying tools and evaluation approaches.
How this fits PCBBench
The End-to-end AI PCB design benchmark describes the proposed inputs, outputs and checks for this capability. The pilot snapshot contains partial measured attempts; it is not a finished ranking.
Related reading
- How to evaluate an AI PCB design toolA practical evaluation protocol for AI PCB tools: native files, electrical checks, routing, cost and reproducibility.
- PCB bill of materials validation checklistValidate PCB BOM identity, quantities, fitted variants and assembly consistency before ordering.
- How to measure the cost of AI PCB designMeasure AI PCB design cost using all attempts, tool expenses, human corrections and successful completion.
- AI model vs PCB design agent: what to benchmarkSeparate model capability from agent tools, prompts, repair loops and human intervention in PCB evaluations.