Posted: May 14, 2022 by: Bonnie
As we all know, PCB manufacturing is a complex and long process, and there are many types of technology in PCB production. This leads to many problems when people choose a PCB manufacturer.
First of all, do you have the below questions in your mind when you think about what kind of PCB manufacturer is right for you.
| The difficulty of my PCB design is suitable for what type of PCB manufacturer? |
| If my project is in a hurry, can the PCB manufacturer meet my time requirements? |
| How much are you willing to spend to produce your PCB? |
| How to judge the technical capability of a PCB manufacturer? |
| How to calculate the cost of PCB? |
| What do you need to know about a PCB manufacturer? |
From design and PCB manufacturing to on-time delivery, here are some key factors you need to consider when choosing the right PCB manufacturer.
The technical capability of a PCB manufacturer
As PCBs are increasingly used in a variety of electronic products, it is important to judge the technical capability of a PCB manufacturer.So please focus on how many layers does the PCB manufacturer can supply.
Classification according to the number of PCB layers: divided into single-sided, double-sided, and multi-layered boards. Single-side PCB is generally very simple and low cost, but it can only be used for simple electronic products. A Double-sided PCB is when a product with only one side of the circuit can not meet the normal use, it needs a double-sided PCB to meet it. Multi-layers PCB refers to the circuit with more than three layers in the board. Multi-layers board is widely used in complex electronic products, providing products with the advantages of high capacity, high speed, and multi-function. AiPCBA is a professional quick turn PCB prototyping and volume production manufacturer. AiPCBA focuses on not only 1-6 layers standard FR4 PCB boards but also specializes in 6-40 layers complex boards and flex, rigid-flex, Metal-core boards, etc. Get PCB Manufacturing cost
The production scale of a PCB manufacturer
What is the manufacturer's overall capability? Can they provide you with a prototype if needed? Do they have the capability to provide quick-run production, as well as the PCBs required for mass production? You have to consider your needs now, as well as future needs when you choose a PCB manufacturing company. The best PCB manufacturer should meet most of the need.
AiPCBA has a mature digital and intelligent technology base and a complete supply chain management system. We not only provide PCB manufacturing but also do the PCB assembly. With a production base of 10,000 square meters, cloud storage, cloud factory, and new high-precision (±0.02mm) patch production line, we can provide PCB prototype, SMT, THT assembly, testing the whole process, high-quality production services. Also, we can offer quick turn PCB manufacturing in 24 hours with high quality. We have two production lines for the prototype and volume PCB production, which lead to our production does not interfere with each other, which greatly improves our efficiency on different scales of production.
The certifications of PCB manufacturers
ISO: These standards were designed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and are widely accepted around the world. ISO has established guidelines to meet customer expectations by providing quality services and products to companies worldwide. Many PCB manufacturers have used ISO 9001, ISO14000, ISO/TS16949 standards to ensure that their services and products meet regulatory requirements and the quality standards required by the industry as a whole. At the moment, AiPCBA has the certification of ISO14000 and ISO19000, others are on the road now.
UL Certification: UL Certification is dedicated to creating a safe working and living environment. UL regularly updates safety standards for products used in different commercial and industrial sectors. There are several UL standards for electrical and electronic products. Among them, UL 796 is one of the important standards adopted by PCB manufacturers. UL 94 flammability testing is performed on plastic parts used in a variety of electronic equipment and devices. As long as the printed circuit board meets these standards, it will carry the UL logo.
IPC: The Institute of Printed Circuits is a trade organization that sets quality standards for the manufacture of PCB assemblies and PCBs. Globally recognized manufacturers specializing in IPC standards can adopt IPC-6012 or IPC-A-600 standards, and the consideration of quality standards depends entirely on the industry you serve.
The Price of PCB manufacturing
It is quite cumbersome to calculate the price of a PCB because there are too many factors that affect the price of a PCB. You have to add them one by one to get the final price.Layer: from single-sided to multi-layered printed circuit boards, the more layers you design, the cost will higher.
Copper thickness: most PCB manufacturers have the same price under 1oz copper thickness, but as long as the copper is thicker, the price is higher accordingly.
Surface treatment: generally speaking, the cost of HASL LF, HASL, and OSP are free. For example, the cost of ENIG, immersion Tin and, hard gold are based on the surface treatment area to calculate. The price of the small area and the whole board are very different.
PCB material: the most common types of PCB material are Shengyi, KB, and Guoji in China. If you need special material such as ITEQ, Panasonic, Rogers, Arlon, Isola, Nelco, etc. The price will be increased accordingly.
Special technology: impedance control, HDI, depth-controlled drilling, Back drilling, press-fit holes, countersink, and screw holes. All of these techniques mean that special treatment is required, and not only does the production time increase, but the price increases accordingly.
But, don’t worry about the price issue in the AiPCBA. It not only can offer you an affordable price but also have an online PCBA quote platform. It can get you the instant price in seconds for the PCB, SMT, and BOM price.