In our forum, one of the most common questions about custom PCB is “How much does cost to manufacture a PCB? “ PCBs, or printed circuit boards are integral pieces of many electronic devices that make them function as expected. The cost of custom PCBs can very much vary, depending on things such as how many you need, the size and complexity of your design. We understand that these things can impact your budget at Engine and we strive to keep our prices reasonable. Whether you’re putting together a small gadget or launching a large project, it’s essential to have an idea how PCBs get priced. Now, let’s talk about average prices and where to find the best deals.
Costs vary, of course; some buyers may be interested in purchasing custom PCBs by the thousands. A regular old PCB is usually about $5 to $10 each in bulk. But if the design is complex or requires special materials, it could cost $50 or more per board. ALL depending on needs. So something like a simple 2-layer common board will be far more cost effective than doing a multi-layer PCB that has extra hardware and testing requirements. The PCB size also matters. Smaller boards also generally cost less. Bigger boards can be more expensive because they use more material and require a potentially more complicated pattern. Further, the price is dependent on the amount ordered. If you order 100, you’ll often pay much less for each board than if you had ordered only 10. Hence, wholesale buying is very beneficial for the business enterprises. Ordering at scale, such as a run of 500 to 1,000 boards, can mean enormous savings. This means companies can keep costs lower and still fulfill their manufacturing needs. But you never want to skimp on quality versus cost. Cheaper isn’t always better. That is why it's so important to partner with a trusted manufacturer like Engine that delivers both quality and value. You need your PCBs to last and perform properly. For those interested in specialized designs, our PCB Design & OEM services may be worth exploring.
Where to Shop for Custom PCB Making Because custom printed circuit board are an important part of any electronic machine, it is very easy to find these items almost all over the world.
When it comes to getting custom PCBs made, the internet is a good place to start when you need them in any quantity. There are a lot of companies that do PCB manufacturing and at many you can find prices on the site itself. Online, websites can let you comparison-shop easily. Just be sure to look at what’s included! Some businesses provide added services, such as design help or free shipping, which can save you even more money. Other customers’ reviews may be useful, as well. They can advise you on both the quality of the PCBs and how responsive the customer service is. It’s a good thing to read what others have said before coming to final judgment yourself. Another clever way to find deals is by going to a conference or trade show. These are great opportunities to see a lot of manufacturers, and you can usually ask questions direct. Occasionally, they even give discounts for orders placed at the event! Also see if area manufacturers can help. They might offer you competitive prices and also better communication and faster service. Partnering with local businesses can also result in custom solutions that are exactly what you’re looking for. Bonus: if you develop a good relationship with a manufacturer, they might provide ongoing discounts or more affordable pricing for continuing orders. At Engine, we want our customers to get the best bang for their buck every time they order. Do your research and be informed. For a comprehensive overview of our services, check out our PCB Assembly page.
PCBs, or Printed Circuit Boards are an integral part of most electronic devices. Here are some things that can affect the cost of these custom PCBs that you may want to be aware of: First, a great deal has to do with the complexity of the design. If a PCB has lot of layers or requires special features such as via holes for connections, it can be more expensive. It also has a lot to do with how large the PCB is. Larger boards typically require more material, which can also raise the cost. The price can also vary based on the amount you order. Bulk orders such as large quantities often result in lower PCB prices per piece. That's because manufacturers can spread their costs out over lots of boards. Another consideration: the lead time you request. If you want a fast turnaround on your PCBs, it will be more expensive than standard service. The boards also may be expensive to test and certify. Many businesses, such as Engine, have brought to market PCBs that meet tight specs for functioning reliably which can add extra cost. Last but not least, the place of manufacture may have pricing variations. The labor cost is cheaper in some places, as are the materials,” and that can translate. Knowing these factors is essential when you are trying to base on custom pcb cost.
The components in custom PCBs are one of the major price factors to consider when ordering large quantities. The PCB's base material is important. Glass Fiber Depending on the application, glass fiber will be used in most PCBs due to its strength and consistency, though it’s also one of the most expensive materials. The nature of the copper layer on the PCB is also a factor influencing the cost. Plain copper is less expensive, but treated copper that provides greater efficiency can be costlier. Next up is the solder mask – the stuff that protects copper traces. Solder masks come in different colors and types, shapes, but some of them can also influence durability of your board. The cost also is affected by things that go on the PCB, such as resistors and capacitors. In some cases, higher quality or special features of the components can increase the price of a PCB, especially if it is being purchased in large quantities. Also, if they needed special finishes (gold plating etc) this can add quite a cost. Businesses such as Engine also try to ensure quality materials are used to make their PCBs work great. All of these materials add up, so keep that all in mind if you’re ordering a ton.