What Constitutes the Cost of PCBA?
12 January 2024
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Customers will get a quotation after providing relevant PCB assembly information. So what does a complete PCBA processing and manufacturing cost consist of? How long does it take to get a quote for PCBA? Is there a way to reduce the cost of PCB assembly? In this article, we will answer questions about PCB assembly costs.
What does the complete PCBA processing and manufacturing cost consist of?
Complete PCBA processing includes PCB manufacturing, component procurement, assembly costs, testing costs, as well as packaging and transportation. Among them, the largest proportion of costs are PCB manufacturing, component procurement, assembly, and testing.
PCB bare board manufacturing cost: Before PCBA processing, a bare board must be manufactured. The size and number of layers of the PCB bare board will affect the manufacturing difficulty and material cost. The higher the number of layers and the larger the size, the higher the manufacturing cost.
Component costs: This is the most critical factor in PCBA processing and manufacturing costs, and it is also the largest cost in PCBA processing and manufacturing, accounting for 70% of the total PCB assembly cost. The type and quantity of components purchased will affect the difficulty and cost. Get better prices when purchasing in bulk.
PCB assembly cost: PCB assembly mainly uses SMT and THT. SMT mass production is more cost-effective. In mass manufacturing, choosing SMT can reduce assembly costs by 30-50% more than choosing THT. And THT is suitable for small batch manufacturing. Depending on the actual design and manufacturing conditions, SMT and THT can also be used in combination.
Testing costs: The assembled PCB must undergo various strict quality tests, visual inspection, functional testing and AOI, X-Ray, etc. Doing these tests will increase the cost of PCBA processing and manufacturing, but it can avoid subsequent product failures and rework.
Other costs: Other costs include various value-added services. If you need them, conformal coating, casing, packaging, transportation, etc. will all increase the cost of PCBA.
How long does it take to get a quote for PCBA?
When providing information to PCBA manufacturers, being as detailed as possible, including PCB design files, BOM sheets, and detailed instructions can speed up the quotation for PCBA processing and manufacturing.
The market for PCBA quotation needs to be determined based on the process complexity of the assembly project and the components required. If the project is simple and the required components are very common in the market, a preliminary quotation can be given within 1 working day after the customer sends the documents and receives detailed requirements.
If the project is complex and requires special components or special processes, the quotation time may be relatively long. For example, the price of BGA and IC chips will be affected by factors such as strict approval processes, long customs clearance time, and unstable prices. This will affect the quotation time. Some types of quotes may take around three days.
Is there a way to reduce the cost of PCB assembly?
Mass production: Mass production of PCBA benefits from large quantities, which can reduce a lot of PCBA costs whether when purchasing materials in large quantities or in automated production.
Simplifying PCB design: Simplifying PCB design and reducing the number of components used can reduce PCB assembly costs.
Use standard components: Use common standard components. Standard components can be easier to purchase, and most manufacturers will stock large quantities, so the price will be cheaper in large quantities.
Reduce transportation costs: If you have multiple orders, reasonable arrangement of manufacturing time and combined shipping can reduce transportation costs.
Long-term cooperative customers: Commitment to long-term and stable partnerships with PCBA manufacturers can reduce assembly costs.
Implement Design for Manufacturing (DFM): DFM can reduce PCB assembly costs by reducing assembly steps and eliminating expensive materials.
The manufacturing cost of a complete PCBA consists of PCB manufacturing, component procurement, assembly cost, testing cost, packaging, and transportation. Simply reducing costs is not the only goal. When considering costs, it is best to examine the quality of the product in multiple dimensions and balance it with high quality and low price.
POE PCBA processing and manufacturing have passed 14001:2015, ISO9001:2015, ISO13485:2016, ROHS, UL 94v0, IPC-600G classll and IPC-6012B classlI certification. If you need more information, please contact our email all@poe-pcba. com.
