Trying and experimenting with a prototype can be done for any consumer good. This formula is not limited to high-end vehicles or revolutionary gadgets only. Rather, the prototype is the best way of producing the printed circuit boards as well. When you have a PCB available, you will have to hire developers who provide prototyping services.
There are a lot of questions that will naturally run through your mind when you are on the task of looking for prototyping services. The most common one is, “When can I expect to receive a prototype” or “How much time will the development of the prototype take?”. When the prototype is ready, you will have to get started with the development of the PCB.
In our article today, we will discuss the cost that you will have to incur for PCBs. PCB manufacturing is a complex process and so the cost of its development depends on various factors. PCB or the printed circuit board are essential components in any kind of electronics.
What Impacts The Cost of PCB?
Certain factors affect the cost of PCB. Let us go over a few of them before we define the cost of developing a PCB.
- Type of Material: Several different materials are used to produce PCB such as polymer ink, fiberglass and solder. Based on the material used to produce the circuit board, the cost of one varies. Depending on the specific needs of electronics, different types are used in manufacturing.
- Size of Board Holes: There are holes in PCB which can increase the cost of producing one. The holes require a lot of work such as precise drilling, etc. The process may become complex when the board is thicker than usual.
- Turnaround Time: If you ask the PCB manufacturer to quickly make one for you, they will charge money more than usually what is charged. The increase in cost is usually because they will dedicatedly have to work on your order. On the contrary, if you give them the feasibility of working at their own pace, the quotation will be slightly less.
- Use of Technology: The technology used in producing PCB also impacts the cost of developing it. Generally, two major methods are used by the manufacturers to produce PCB, one is through-hole technology, whereas the other is surface mount technology. Out of the two, the surface mount process is less expensive.
Cost of PCB
Coming to the cost incurred in getting a PCB developed, one board can cost you somewhere between $10-$50. Though the final price is decided by the team whom you hire to develop PCB for you. As stated above, based on several factors they decide what would be the cost of a PCB.
Several different components that affect the price include size, components, and also the kind of material used. At times, smaller manufactured boards are more costly as compared to the alternatives since more work and hours are required to make sure it operates properly.
The Bottom Line
There is no one-size-fits-all, and so the price of getting a PCB developed is based on numerous factors. While hiring a company to get a PCB manufactured, you should make sure that all your needs are met. Additionally, the cost asked should suffice your budget.
