PCB price processing is influenced by various factors, including materials, production processes, and design complexity.
PCB price variations are influenced by several factors, as PCB fabrication is a form of OEM foundry work for customers. Since different products are customized, there are few shared items, leading to significant price differences. Additionally, some customers may require a specific manufacturer to meet both quality and cost control standards. These factors collectively contribute to the variations in PCB fabrication prices.
1. Material Selection and Its Impact on Price
The materials used for PCB manufacturing directly affect the final cost. For example, in the case of a standard 2-layer PCB, the common materials include FR-4 and CEM-3. The sheet thickness can range from 0.6mm to 3.0mm, while copper thickness can vary from 1 oz to 3 oz. The choice of materials impacts both the base cost and the manufacturing process.
Additionally, the type of solder mask ink also plays a role in price variation. For example, the cost of using ordinary thermosetting oil differs from that of photosensitive green oil. These material differences contribute to the diversity in prices.
2. Production Process Differences Affect Pricing
The production process used for different types of PCBs can also result in significant cost differences. For example:
- Gold-plated boards vs. tin-sprayed boards have different costs.
- Milled boards (via milling process) vs. punched boards (via punching process) have distinct price differences.
- The choice between silk-printed lines and dry film lines can affect production costs.
All of these process variations contribute to the final price of the PCB.
3. Complexity of PCB Design and Its Impact on Cost
Even with the same material and manufacturing process, the complexity of the PCB design itself can cause significant cost variations. For example, consider two circuit boards with 1000 holes each:
- One board has a hole diameter larger than 0.6mm, while the other has a diameter smaller than 0.6mm. This difference in size leads to varying drilling costs.
- Additionally, the aspect ratio of holes can also impact the cost. For example, holes larger than 0.2mm are less costly to drill than those smaller than 0.2mm.
A more complex design leads to higher scrap rates, which in turn increases production costs. As a result, more intricate PCBs are priced higher.
4. Customer Requirements and Their Influence on Price
Each PCB manufactured is customized according to the specific needs of the customer. Therefore, pricing is based on multiple factors, such as:
- The cost of materials.
- The complexity of the design.
- The layout and efficiency of the design.
- The automated PCB computer layout calculation.
For example, the material utilization rate and the layout efficiency on a standard-size copper-clad laminate are factors that influence the final quotation.
About Sayfu Multilayer Circuits Co., Ltd.
Sayfu Multilayer Circuits Co., Ltd. is a leading quick-turn PCB manufacturer in China, with a history of over 12 years. Over the years, Sayfu has expanded its capacity and factory size, growing from simple single-sided boards to complex multilayer boards. We specialize in rigid-flex PCB manufacturing and have developed mature technologies for various industries. Our state-of-the-art production processes ensure high-quality PCBs at competitive prices.
For more information, visit our website: www.sfmpcb.com