Data consistency
Confirm that Gerber, drill, BOM, centroid and assembly drawings share the same revision and coordinate origin. Remove obsolete files from the release package.
Footprints and polarity
Check land patterns against component datasheets, especially thermal pads, pin-one marks, polarized parts, fine pitch and connector orientation.
Panel and process access
Review rails, tooling holes, fiducials, breakaway method, component-to-edge clearance and access for wave or selective solder.
Thermal and solder risks
Identify large copper imbalances, heat-sensitive parts, mixed component scales, via-in-pad and components likely to require special stencil or profile treatment.
Inspection and test access
Provide visible reference designators, test points, programming interfaces, expected voltages and a functional-test procedure with explicit limits.
DFM release checklist with clear outcomes
| Review item | Pass evidence | Resolve before build if… |
|---|---|---|
| Revision consistency | All fabrication and assembly outputs identify one release | BOM and placement data disagree |
| Footprint and polarity | Datasheet and drawing match pads and orientation | Pin 1, thermal pad or connector orientation is ambiguous |
| Fabrication notes | Stack-up, finish and critical dimensions are defined | Notes conflict with the exported board data |
| Panel / handling | Rails, fiducials and edge access suit the selected route | Components obstruct tooling or separation |
| Assembly constraints | Sensitive parts and special handling are documented | Thermal or mechanical limits are missing |
| Test access | Programming and measurement points match the test plan | Required nodes cannot be reached |
| Exceptions | Each open issue has an owner and documented disposition | A manufacturing assumption is still unapproved |
Download the DFM review worksheet
Download the editable DFM / DFT checklist (.txt). Record status, evidence, owner and required action for each item. This is a planning worksheet; it does not replace design validation or project-specific acceptance requirements.
Close the DFM checklist before ordering
A completed checklist is not production approval. Record each applicable issue, its file reference, owner and disposition so the quotation does not depend on hidden assumptions.
| Issue status | Order decision | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Resolved | Use the corrected released package | New revision and the identified correction |
| Accepted exception | Proceed only with authorized risk and scope | Approver, affected feature and agreed limitation |
| Open blocker | Do not treat the design as released | Owner, question and required closure before commitment |
| Not applicable | Keep the reason linked to this design | Scope and revision, rather than an unchecked blank |
For unpopulated boards, pair this review with the bare PCB fabrication quotation checklist. For assemblies with proposed material changes, retain the substitution approval separately from the layout review.
Technical references
Use the applicable standard revision and the component manufacturer's documentation when defining your requirements.
Start with your actual project
Project-specific DFM review
Use the enquiry form to describe the decision you need help with. We select the relevant project context; you remain in control of the details.
- Current fabrication and assembly revision
- Specific unresolved manufacturing questions
- Quantity, acceptance requirements and available drawings
A checklist does not approve a design. Share only a non-confidential brief here; agree an NDA or transfer method for design files.
Request this reviewUse this guide in your next build review
Share the current revision, pilot result, expected batch size and unresolved risks. We will identify the information needed before quotation or production release.
Prepare an RFQ