Every electronic device that you are currently using is made on a printed circuit board. This is the basis that makes the device function correctly by connecting every electrical and mechanical part. For that reason, if you consider developing a device, finding a reliable PCB manufacturer is a must.
As a country that continues to expand in manufacturing electronic parts, China produces more than half of the circuit boards annually in the world. While they still offer high-quality PCBs, you can get them way cheaper than usual.
In this article, we’ll explain how much the fabrication of PCBs costs in China. In addition, you will learn why circuit boards are more affordable in China, so you can consider purchasing from there for your next projects.
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How much does PCB manufacturing cost
The manufacturing process is consisted of printing the board and then assembly of all the little electronic items. However, the price is not fixed and is dependent on many factors. Normally, the first thing is the dimensions of the board including the thickness as well.
In addition, the type of finishing layer and the thickness of the copper are also big factors in the fabrication process. Lastly, the number of holes that have to be drilled, space for slots, and testing also come at a price.
If you are only ordering in a bulk, that significantly impacts the price making the boards way cheaper than usual. For that reason, depending on the factors from above, you can expect to pay around 2750 dollars for hundred boards. This means that a single board will cost you around 27.5 dollars.
This price is way more affordable than ordering a board from other parts of the world. Even when you calculate the shipping costs and customs, it is still a better option if you are working on a larger project.
Source: uetpcb.comWhy are PCBs more affordable in China
While the cheaper price of printed circuit boards in China is a fact, we still need to consider why this is so. Below, we prepared a short list of factors that contribute to affordability while still maintaining the highest possible quality.
Widely spread industry
After becoming the largest producer of circuit boards, the market in China is only rising which contributes to more accessible resources. In addition, with a large population, comes lower labor costs which only makes the fabrication more affordable.
With many PCB producers, there is a race between them in providing better offers. Unlike a monopoly where one giant dictates the price, with plenty of producers you will surely get a better price. The competition only allows you to find the right offer and find what is best for you.
In addition, you get the opportunity to contact a manufacturer and get a custom board made for your needs. This will surely make your project unique and help you in providing devices your customers will surely love.
Source: pcbfuture.comOpportunity to purchase boards directly from the manufacturer
Unlike purchasing a board from a reseller where the price can be spiked a bit, you can directly get in contact with the Chinese manufacturers. That way, you will get to present your request and get an offer for much less a price.
In addition, you will get to learn more about the process, as well as crucial information about when the boards will be ready. It usually takes a couple of days to have everything finished. For example, if you plan on getting up to a thousand pieces, the wait is from three to seven days which is relatively fast.
To prevent wasting time and finding a manufacturer on your own, there is something you can do. With China PCB assembly online companies like www.pcbasic.com, you can get to a reliable firm that can fulfill all your needs. Just explain the details of the printed circuit board, as well as the quantity and you should be good to go.
Affordable materials
Besides the boards, all of the items required for the assembly of the PCB are manufactured in China as well. That way, instead of ordering all the SMT parts from another place, they can get them domestically which contributes to the lower costs.
In China, there are plenty of companies that produce components for printed circuit boards. With that, the company that does the PCB assembly can choose suitable items to provide you with a high-quality board.
Source: mktpcb.comLower labor costs
With a large population and a widespread industry, the labor costs in China are drastically lower than costs in the US or Europe. Although western countries are trying to come up with a strategy to produce premium boards, they can never get to the level that China is currently on.
Besides the large population, China has developed certain policies that support the manufacturing of printed circuit boards. This leads to fewer labor costs which are being calculated on the price you are paying for the product.
Larger market
Because of how large the market in China is, PCB manufacturers have access to resources that other countries don’t. While it might take factories in the west a couple of days to find a part, in China that part can be found immediately. In addition, the lower costs of labor and the government’s policies contribute to the low production costs.
Source: medium.com
Adjustable freight
When talking with the manufacturer itself, or you have found an online PCB assembly company the freight method is completely transparent. With that, you don’t have to worry whether there will be additional expenses. The cost of the method of transportation you selected combined with the costs of the boards is the final price you will be paying.
The quality is not compromised
Lastly, you have to be sure that the electronic part you are getting has a good quality. Because of many factories in China, the competition between them is the reason why they produce the best quality possible.
In addition, they have access to all the resources and materials, as well as labor that does not cost a lot. They don’t have to compromise on quality, it is just the conditions that allow it. That is why you don’t have to be afraid and precautious when ordering printed circuit boards from China.
