Fabrication notes should resolve information that cannot be safely inferred from the artwork. Focus on the finished board and the requirements that affect manufacturing or acceptance. Reusing an old note block without review can introduce obsolete materials, conflicting dimensions or unnecessary process constraints.
Define the construction
Identify board and revision, units, finished thickness, copper requirements, layer order and material system. Reference an approved stack-up where applicable. State the permitted alternatives and who approves a change that affects electrical or mechanical performance.
Specify special features precisely
Identify via filling, backdrilling, edge plating, controlled impedance, countersinks or other nonstandard features by location and requirement. Distinguish finished dimensions from tool sizes. A broad instruction such as process as required can leave the result open to interpretation.
Make acceptance reviewable
State applicable specifications, revisions and classes, along with any agreed exceptions. Identify the measurements and reports that must accompany the order. Define whether a requirement applies to every board, a panel sample or a lot record.
Resolve document conflicts
Choose an authoritative outline and define precedence where needed. Reconcile notes with the actual machine-readable data. If a manufacturer raises a discrepancy, issue a coordinated correction rather than leaving a one-off approval disconnected from the released drawing.
Release checklist
- Describe the finished construction and units.
- Locate special features and define their acceptance.
- State reports and sampling requirements.
- Remove conflicting or obsolete inherited notes.