Every factor of manufacturing plays an essential role in determining the overall cost of production. Furthermore, different customers have different specifications for their PCB. Therefore, each PCB is unique depending on the industry. Also, most manufacturers have a PCB calculator that can help you in estimating a quote. If you wish to learn more about the PCB calculator, click here. This post aims at informing you of seven factors that affect PCB manufacturing costs.
Seven factors that affect PCB manufacturing costs
1. Double-sided assembly
Double-sided assembly is more expensive than single-sided assembly. The reason for being costly is that the double-sided assembly requires both sides of a board to be embedded with the circuit board. Furthermore, double-sided assembly requires the use of SMT assembly technology that is costlier than through holes technology. Moreover, the assembly process will require extra methods that are absent in a single board assembly.
2. Size of PCB
Different PCBs have different sizes. For example, a PCB used on a car is different from that used on a clock. Furthermore, the different sizes can be attributed to the number of panels used. Also, a large circuit board requires more holes drilled into it than a small one. The larger board will also need a lot of components than the smaller one. Therefore, the larger board will cost more than the small one. Additionally, the length and width of a PCB also play a crucial role in pricing. For example, a board of 16 * 20 will take little space compared to a 16 * 22.
3. PCB parts
The kind of parts used in a PCB also plays an essential role in determining the price. Some of the components used in a PCB include; sensors, switches, batteries, LEDs, transistors, transformers, and potentiometers. The more the parts used in a PCB, the higher the price of the PCB will be. Furthermore, high-quality parts are more expensive than low or medium-quality parts. But a key point to consider is that the quality parts will ensure the durability of the PCB.
4. Layer count
Different customers have different specifications of their PCB layer count. The layers can range from one to twenty; therefore, the more layers used, the more expensive the PCB will be.
5. The circuit board’s special requirements
Most manufacturers charge an extra cost for those who wish additional requirements to be included on their PCB. The extra cost charged ensures that the manufacturer meets your exact specifications.
6. Equipment used by the manufacturer
The number of equipment used by a manufacturer in the assembly process plays an essential role in determining the PCB price. Different types of equipment are used in the assembly process. Some of that equipment includes; glue dispensing machine, wave soldering machine, reflow soldering machine, solder paste printing machine, and pick and place machine. The more equipment is used aboard, the higher the cost of the PCB will be.
7. PCB packaging
PCB packaging is very crucial in ensuring that all the components are intact. Therefore, the more a PCB is fragile, the higher its packaging cost. Therefore, the higher is its overall price.
Conclusion
Different aspects of the PCB assembly process need to be considered before deciding on pricing and setting a quote. Therefore, if you wish to learn how much acquiring the services of a PCB manufacturer will cost you; the above are some of the factors to guide you.
