Factors that determine PCB prototype cost

A PCB prototype clearly is not a one-size-fits-all. There are several considerations that need to be considered which impact the cost of the prototype. These include:

• Size of the Board.
• Material used.
• Complexity of the board – It makes sense that the more complex the board with high component density, the higher its cost.
• Quick turnaround time – If you are looking at rapid PCB prototyping and have stringent deadlines, the costs would be impacted.

Price range for PCB prototypes

Since a PCB prototype is not really a one-size-fits-all, standard is also the cost. You could have a scenario where the prototype costs you a few dollars & a scenarios where the bare board alone more than hundreds of dollars may be. It is the size, the complexity, material, the kind of timelines & more that go into the cost of the prototype.

The one other factor that impacts the cost is the number of prototypes required. As a thumb rule, the less the number, the higher the cost! If you have a requirement for a large batch, the cost is likely to be lower. The time taken to prototype is also a determinant of the cost.

Benefits of PCB Prototypes

1. Speed Up PCB Manufacturing

They speed up the design & manufacturing process as they enable design teams to test the design and figure out any issues. Importantly, they also make sure that rework is minimized & that a faulty product does not go all the way to production. With a quick turnaround PCB assembly, be sure stand to reap competitive advantage as your go-to-market is that much quicker.

2. Avoid Costly Errors

It makes sure you have the input of a professional PCB prototyping service who can point out any issues in design. Besides the prototyping service is fully equipped with industry best practices that can make sure that you do not have to reinvent the wheel.

3. Avoid Environmental Hazards

PCB Prototypes ensure that they undergo robust functional testing including ensuring that they can survive environmental conditions such as variations in temperature, power, shock resistance, and more. Prototype PCBs also test single functions. This helps to identify design issues allowing accurate adjustments.

4. Reduce Production Cost

Prototypes go a long way in reducing production costs as they help to catch any design issues early and you do not have to resort to an expensive fix. Also prototyping allows the design team to test out several permutations and determine product adjustments, thereby both improving product quality and reducing costs.

Choosing the Right PCB Prototype Partner

It is imperative that you choose the right PCB prototype partner. You need to make sure that the partner offers you competitive prices. The PCB prototype manufacturer has the necessary expertise as well as the right relationships with part manufacturers to offer you a competitive price. A word of caution here though- low cost should not come at the expense of quality. Also, an extremely low cost could actually be a red flag for you, as you should not land up in a situation where low initial costs come with poor product quality that demands several reworks.