Layer Count

[svl]

Hello,

I am new to PCB Manufacturing and have already gotten confused by the process. When the term "2 layer board" comes up, does this mean that there are a TOTAL of 2 layers (including signal, legend/overlay, solder, etc...) or that there are 2 SIGNAL layers (ones with copper on them, with overlay, solder, etc. layers omitted)?
The quoting page lead me to believe that 2 layer implied a board with 2 signal layers since for this type of board, Sunstone would require 6 gerber files (2 each for signal, solder and overlay layers). However, I have spoken with another company's representative and they told me that when THEY ask for layers, they mean every layer of the board.
I am very confused and would appreciate if someone cleared this up for me.

Thank you,
svl

[Sal Hernandez]

The layer count represents the number of copper layers in your pcb. A two layer board has two copper layers, top and bottom. A four layer board has four copper layers, top, bottom and two inner layers. The mask, silk, and drill information is not included in the layer count. Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have.

[alina]

The question is, what is the most fool-proof way to get a run of 15 4 layer boards done with a large hole cutout in the center and corner cutouts at each corner for mounting boss clearance? I could also use some slots but can work around with large holes for this one-off prototype.

[Robert Ohanesian]

You will need to go Full Feature for this type of board. The five cut outs eliminates it from our Quickturn service. But after that you can have up to 50 slots/cut outs in Full Feature. I think that would be your best bet for manufacturing the boards.

http://quoting.sunstone.com/QuoteFF.aspx