File check
Confirm copper, mask, silk, outline, and drill agree on one conductive layer.
1-Layer / Single-Sided PCB
1-Layer PCB Fabrication for Simple, Cost-Controlled Production
One copper layer on FR-4 or metal-core stock remains the fastest path to volume when routing density is low. XFPCB builds single-sided boards for LED, power, and sensor products with clear fab limits and panel-aware quoting.
Product capability, not a layer-count essay
This page is the factory view of 1-layer PCB manufacturing: what XFPCB can build, which finishes and copper weights are common, and where single-sided geometry breaks down. If you need a comparison against multilayer constructions, start from your net density and current paths first, then ask us to confirm whether one copper layer is enough.
A 1-layer board carries all traces and pads on one side of the dielectric. Through-hole parts often sit on the opposite face with leads soldered to the copper side. There is no inner plane and no opposite-side routing, so crossings require jumpers, 0-ohm links, or a redesign.
Single-sided fab limits that protect yield
| Topic | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Trace / space | Stay within standard outer-layer capability unless the quote explicitly confirms finer geometry. |
| Copper weight | Heavier copper helps current-carrying LED and power paths but widens etch compensation. |
| Holes | PTH is usually not required on true single-sided; NPTH mounting and lead holes still need accurate drill data. |
| Finish | HASL, lead-free HASL, OSP, and ENIG are common; match finish to assembly and shelf life. |
| Base material | FR-4 for general electronics; aluminum constructions when heat spreading for LEDs matters. |
Design moves that keep 1-layer economical
- Place parts so nets radiate without crossings.
- Widen high-current traces early; do not rely on last-minute pours alone.
- Reserve jumper count; if bridges multiply, evaluate 2-layer before tooling volume.
- Deliver a panel drawing when you need scored or tab-routed arrays for SMT.
- Mark polarity and assembly side clearly on silk when copper is only on one face.
From sample to repeat production
Material lock
Freeze FR-4 grade or aluminum stack, thickness, and copper weight before CAM.
Panel plan
Align array, breakaways, and fiducials with your assembler.
Repeat orders
Keep the same fab notes so follow-on lots match the qualified sample.
1-Layer PCB FAQs
What applications fit a 1-layer PCB?
LED modules, simple power supplies, relay and sensor boards, toys, and other low-density circuits where traces do not need to cross without jumpers.
Which materials can XFPCB use for 1-layer boards?
Common options include FR-4 and aluminum-based constructions for thermal LED work. Share operating temperature and current so we can confirm the base material.
How do I avoid jumpers on a single-sided layout?
Plan component placement for one copper plane, use 0-ohm bridges only where unavoidable, and keep high-current paths short and wide.
What should an RFQ include for 1-layer production?
Gerber copper, mask, silk, drill or outline, material, thickness, copper weight, finish, quantity, and any panel drawing.
Request a 1-layer production quote
Attach single-sided Gerbers, material choice (FR-4 or aluminum), copper weight, finish, panel needs, and quantity. XFPCB will confirm whether the layout stays within single-sided limits.
- Use How to place an order for the full RFQ file list.
- Questions on capability or process: Support or info@xfpcb.com.