1. Material Costs
The materials used in PCBs, such as substrates (FR4, CEM-1, aluminum), copper foil, and soldermask, significantly impact the circuit board cost. Different brands and material grades also affect pricing.
2. Process Complexity
The manufacturing process involves cutting, drilling, copper deposition, circuit patterning, soldermasking, and more. Complex processes increase PCB expense:
3. Number of Layers and Board Thickness
• Multilayer PCBs: More layers (e.g., 4-layer, 6-layer) increase circuit board cost.
• Board Thickness: Thicker boards require more materials and complex processes, raising prices.
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4. Size and Shape
Larger or irregularly shaped PCBs use more raw materials and may increase production difficulty, impacting PCB expense.
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5. Production Volume
• Mass Production: Reduces unit costs.
• Small Batches or Custom Orders: Increases printed circuit board cost due to setup and tooling expenses.
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6. Design Complexity
High-density routing, fine pitch, or advanced designs raise manufacturing costs.
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7. Surface Finish Technology
Different finishes have varying costs:
• Low-Cost Options: OSP, Leaded HASL.
• Higher-Cost Options: Lead-Free HASL, Immersion Gold, Hard Gold Plating.
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8. Quality Standards
Higher standards like IPC Class 3 or military specifications increase PCB expense.
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9. Special Requirements
Impedance control, blind/buried vias, or other custom features add to the cost.
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10. Order Quantity and Lead Time
• Small Quantities: Higher circuit board cost due to setup expenses.
• Lead Time: Faster turnaround may increase costs.
Contact
FX PCB to get a quote for your PCB, or send your PCB files to
info@sfxpcb.com to check how you can optimize your design to decrease the cost
