What details are needed for a PCB quote? To get an accurate and competitive PCB quote, several key details must be provided. The first and most critical is the PCB design specifications. This includes the number of layers, board dimensions, and thickness. A 4-layer PCB typically costs 30-40% more than a 2-layer board, as it requires more materials and complex manufacturing processes. For example, a 2-layer PCB can be of size 10 cm by 10 cm, while a 6-layer board can have the same size but requires more precision in handling and cost due to its design complexity.
Another key factor to consider is that involving material specifications. Different materials affect the cost and performance:. Standard materials, like FR4, are the cheapest option. More specialized substrates, like Rogers or Teflon, increase costs up to 60%. According to the likes of the PCB Association, the industry advises customers to bring specification for jobs that require either high-frequency or a rigid-flex PCB for specialized applications. The type of copper used-standard or high-performance-affects price.
Other factors that determine the price of a PCB quote include quantity. For example, if a customer orders 500 PCBs, the cost per unit will be lower than ordering a batch of only 50 because of economies of scale. Generally speaking, as quantity increases, prices can drop by 10-30%. Whereas a large order may be $2 per board, the small order may go for $4 per unit.
Surface finish can also play a role in overall price. A typical HASL surface finish would have little to no additional cost, but more premium finishes, such as ENIG, can add upwards of 25% to the total price. Companies that offer premium finishes and additional coatings, such as silver or gold plating, charge more due to the higher material and labor costs involved.
Another important factor in the price quote is related to the delivery time. A standard lead time may be 7-14 days, while a rush order may increase the overall cost by 50% or more. In the words of a production manager in one of the leading PCB factories, "The shorter you want the delivery time for every day, there is a corresponding increase in the cost." If the boards are urgently needed within a very tight time period, this will be factored into the quote.
Furthermore, most PCB quotes include assembly and testing services, adding yet another layer of cost. For instance, the cost can go up by as high as 30% due to assembly services alone, including component placement and soldering. If you need functional testing or burn-in testing for quality assurance, this will further affect the price, since these services require both specialized equipment and time.
Besides the details of what is included in a pcb quote, it is evident that design, choice of material, quantity, finish, delivery, and extra services will all be important factors in the final quotation. Having provided these details up front will obviously make the quote much more concise, accurate, and cost-effective.