As a business owner, it’s crucial to have essential resources, including money. However, high quality is vital, especially for critical components like PCBs. 

Numerous factors contribute to the final cost of circuit boards. To achieve a low-cost printed circuit board assembly, it’s essential to consider these factors carefully. To assist with this process, we have created a helpful guide to provide guidance and support. 

Keep reading for 15 tried-and-true tips on how to obtain affordable PCB assembly. 

1. Source PCBs from Reliable and Perfect Supplier or Location

The cost of PCBs largely depends on where you purchase them. Typically, PCBs are more expensive in Europe & America, making them more cost-effective for manufacturers in Asia, particularly in China. This can result in significant cost savings when purchasing PCBs. 

In addition to cost savings on the actual PCBs, purchasing locally can also help you save on shipping costs that would have been incurred through importing from overseas. Additionally, working with a PCB creator in your area can result in more effective communication & negotiation, potentially leading to lower custom printed circuit board costs. 

Many Chinese printed circuit board manufacturers offer fast delivery times, often guaranteeing expedited orders within 24 hours and general orders within 2 to 3 days. It can result in major savings, as it ensures no project delays. 

2. Choose smart techniques to cut the PCB costs

Finding a low-cost and reliable printed circuit board service provider is essential. Fortunately, there are several PCB manufacturing options available, beginning from the layout stage. However, the type, number, & complexity of elements used can still impact the overall cost of PCB fabrication. Below are some tips for achieving cost-effective PCB design. 

3. One sided SMT Components

A printed circuit board price estimator will indicate that circuit boards with SMT elements on both sides are more expensive than those with components mounted on just one surface. One-sided printed circuit boards require only one iteration of pick & place setup rather than two, resulting in lower stencil costs.

4. Label Components in Proper Manner

The aim of component designers is to know the various components used in the PCB. Clear and visible designators placed near the related parts make the setup procedure more accessible and more efficient, thereby reducing costs. Proper labeling assists in preventing errors in manual positioning that could result in additional expenses. 

5. Panelize PCBs/Circuit Boards

If you’re producing many PCBs, you should provide them in panels. This increases efficiency & reduces manufacturing costs. Placing many repetitions’ of a printed circuit board on a single panel reduces surface mount technology (SMT) setup time, making it easier for the pick & place machine to pick & put components during printed circuit board assembly runs.

6. Consider the size of board small

PCB size can significantly impact the production cost. While a larger PCB may be more accessible to route, it is also expensive to create.

7. During Assembly Process save the amount

There are ways to decrease the price of printed circuit board production, particularly in the assembly procedure. One option is to modify the specifications of the circuit board and associated content. For example, selecting PCBs with less than fourteen layers can help lower costs. 

Additionally, you can reduce the cost of PCB production by modifying the specifications of the printed circuit board and related product content. For example, choosing PCBs with fewer than fourteen layers can be a cost-saving measure. It’s also advisable to maintain the circuit board thickness board above 1 millimeter and use standard materials such as FR4. Finally, avoiding tiny passive packages can also help cut down costs. 

8. Choose the arrangement as complete consignment

Choosing a consignment arrangement means that a intermediary agrees to sell things owned by the original owner. Consignment has several advantages in the case of SMT and PCB assembly. This can help reduce the costs of PCB production as the consignee is responsible for purchasing and providing components, reducing the burden and prices on the consigner. Choosing consignment for your PCB needs can bring you some benefits, one of which is better pricing compared to buying from retailers.

With consignment often available online, you can save time & money by avoiding the need to go from one store to other store physically. Instead, you can conveniently browse available options on your computer, select the best costs, and add them to your shopping cart.

9. Take help and advice from Experienced Suppliers like RayPCB

Building a strong connection with your PCB supplier can be beneficial when looking for low-cost printed circuit board assembly options. Experienced suppliers have extensive industry knowledge and can suggest where to find excellent deals on SMT components.

When finding low-cost circuit board assembly solutions that don’t compromise quality, consider contacting your established PCB suppliers for advice. You should contact several suppliers to get a neutral viewpoint and choose a supplier that prioritizes your interests. This approach can help ensure that a pick & place machine can easily handle the circuit board components during assembly.

10. Take a look at Electronics Websites and Industry

Finding high-quality printed circuit board assembly at the most affordable price often starts with an online search. Nowadays, numerous electronic websites provide valuable information on where to find the manufactured goods you need at a reasonable rate. It’s essential to make some comparisons before manufacture a purchase decision. This involves browsing through different stores to select the one that offers the most excellent price. 

Before placing an order with a PCB manufacturer, it is essential to review the features & specifications of their products carefully. Additionally, it is helpful to read reviews from previous customers on the producer’s website to get an idea of their reputation and the quality of their products.

11. BOM File Designing

The BOM is not just a simple list of elements. It’s crucial to ensure that the components are placed on the correct footprint on the PCB. A reliable PCB assembler can also recommend approved sellers who can provide the parts listed in your Bill of Materials at more affordable prices. 

An accurate Bill of Materials (BOM) is crucial for planning and budgeting your procurement. This lets you take advantage of quantity discounts and better manage component usage. To ensure that your Bill of Materials list is always precise, it’s a good idea to spend in the best-printed circuit board design software. Additionally, a clear BOM can also assist you in identifying authorized vendors suggested by the PCB assembler who can supply the parts on your BOM at better prices. 

12. Right PCB components for Low Cost

The kind of elements you choose plays a crucial role in determining the overall printed circuit board assembly cost. Therefore, it’s essential to stay advanced with the latest information on available parts in the market. While it’s tempting to opt for the newest memory chips/MCUs, you should also consider their availability & cost.

Avoid rushing for highly complicated components that may cost you luck. There are more cost-effective alternatives that can still meet your needs. Additionally, make sure to buy elements from less expensive sources. If possible, consider using in-house components.

13. Make sure to adjust the batch and order quantity online

When wanting to save money, it is always advised to buy more, especially for significant projects. To achieve this, it’s good to seek a corporation that can create many printed circuit boards simultaneously. 

If you have a small project, it’s best to look for a printed circuit board assembler that specializes in producing prototype printed circuit boards or smaller creation quantities. Such businesses are more likely to offer you competitive pricing, even for low-volume production runs.   

Keep track of your printed circuit board needs depending on low and high seasons, and adjust the order quantity accordingly to avoid shortages/wastage. This will help you to optimize your costs and keep your inventory in check. 

14. Search for best PCB maker

Choosing a one-stop PCB company can help you avoid additional expenses from contracting multiple printed circuit board producers to assemble your PCBs. This includes shipping expenditures.

With a one-stop company, you can get rid of these costs and enjoy multiple services under one place, including PCB fabrication, design software, assembly, & shipping. A PCB assembler that offers a comprehensive service can provide a quote that includes all costs, avoiding unexpected additional fees. 

15. Keep up Quality &  Cost

One of the advantages of opting for cost-effective SMT in printed circuit board assemblage is that you can get quality & functionality without overspending. The key is to procure high-quality substances from reliable sources. This ensures that your end products are dependable and long-lasting while still allowing you to save on production prices. 

Initially, low-quality things may appear cheaper, but the issues they reason in the long run can result in significant expenses. 

Summary

Achieving low-cost printed circuit board fabrication & assembly is not an easy task, but it can be done with intelligent sourcing of printed circuit board components & design strategies. It is essential to find ways to reduce complexities that increase unnecessary costs.