Typical Turnaround Times
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Super Rush: 24 hours
- Extremely fast, but very expensive
- Limited to simple designs and standard materials
- May not be available for all manufacturers
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Rush: 2-3 days
- Fast turnaround for urgent projects
- Higher cost than standard services
- May have some limitations on design complexity
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Standard Quick-Turn: 5-7 days
- Most common for prototype PCBs
- Balances speed and cost
- Can usually accommodate most design requirements
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Normal: 10-15 days
- More economical option
- Suitable for less time-sensitive projects
- Can often handle more complex designs
Factors Affecting Turnaround Time
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Board Complexity
- More layers generally require more time
- Advanced features like blind/buried vias may extend production time
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Board Size and Quantity
- Larger boards or higher quantities may take longer
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Material Availability
- Standard materials (e.g., FR-4) are usually readily available
- Specialty materials may extend lead times
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Manufacturer’s Current Workload
- Turnaround times can vary based on the manufacturer’s capacity
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Additional Services
- PCB Assembly (PCBA) will add to the overall turnaround time
- Electrical testing may also extend the timeline
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Design Readiness
- Well-prepared, DFM-compliant designs can be processed faster
- Design issues may cause delays for revisions
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Shipping Method
- Domestic shipping is generally faster than international
- Express shipping options can reduce overall turnaround time
Tips for Faster Turnaround
- Ensure your design files are complete and error-free
- Choose standard materials and board specifications when possible
- Consider using a local or domestic manufacturer
- Be prepared to pay premium prices for the fastest services
- Build a relationship with a reliable manufacturer for consistent service
Remember, while speed is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of quality. Always ensure that the manufacturer can meet your quality requirements within the given timeframe.
