When designing a PCB, you can use a number of tips. These recommendations include limiting the size, reducing the number of holes, and dispersing the components. These suggestions will enable you to make significant PCB cost savings.
The most PCBs possible on a panel
You have come to the right place if you want to maximise the number of PCBs on a panel in order to save money. It's critical to comprehend the variables influencing the production process. Panelization, PCB design, and the PCB assembly service provider are a few of these variables.
Typical PCB producers use common panels. For instance, the most typical panel size is 18 × 24 inches. This size is simple to configure and set up.
The thickness of a circuit board is typically 0.063 inches. If your design calls for more, you will need to add more material to your PCBs to make them more durable. Depending on the geometry of your PCB, you can put several smaller designs on a single panel.
You can save money by combining many techniques to increase the number of PCBs on the panel. Additionally, your production efficiency will increase.
Reduce the amount of holes
If you make PCBs, you can cut expenses by using these straightforward suggestions. The cost will increase as your board's design becomes more intricate. Choose straightforward shapes that require fewer holes to be printed in order to save money. Also remember that fewer vias might aid in reducing crosstalk and enhancing signal interconnectivity.
The top copper layer is connected to the lower copper layer using vias. Through-hole or laser plating are both options. Through-hole vias are less expensive than laser vias. However, they also provide a higher level of accuracy.
On a typical 2.54 mm PCB, for instance, the space between two neighbouring pins can be shortened to 1.5 mm. This indicates a 10% cost reduction on your board.
Component clumps should be dispersed.
Placing the appropriate components on the appropriate PCB at the appropriate time is one of the manufacturing process' most crucial tasks. In an ideal world, this procedure would be automated, but in practise, human intervention is still necessary. Consequently, it makes save you money on PCB sense to use a PCB assembler. The costs of mass production can be decreased using the assembler. For approximately half as much as employing a full-service manufacturer, you can discover one online.
Even if the aforementioned assembler is more expensive, packing as many components onto a single board as you can will still allow you to cut costs during production. For instance, reducing the cost from a two layer to a one layer board can save roughly $6. Overall, this results in a savings of around $2,000.
Give yourself more lead time.
If you assemble PCBs, you are aware of the value of a good lead time. Typically, PCB producers provide express alternatives that let you make and get your boards more quickly. You might not realise though that a longer lead time can result in cost savings for PCB assembly. You can get additional components and decrease your book price per component by altering your lead time.
In project management and supply chain management, lead time is a crucial consideration. You can increase productivity and enhance your general efficiency by utilising this tool. You'll be able to consume fewer resources overall and generate more money as a result.
Buying components early is one of the best strategies to reduce lead time. You should pay cash for them. You should also make sure you are purchasing the appropriate materials for your project. Additionally, you'll need to make sure your supplier keeps in touch with you and follows through on any LTs you've given.
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