Prototype PCB fabrication – How to choose the right prototype manufacturer
Since PCB prototypes allow you to test multiple aspects of your PCB before it is mass-produced, they can be extremely helpful during the printed circuit board fabrication process. Although the two share many similarities, the assembly and manufacturing of Printed circuit boards and printed circuit board prototypes varies significantly. Therefore, the ways of choosing a PCB prototype manufacturer are a bit different from the ways of choosing a manufacturer for your printed circuit boards.
Looking for certain things in prototype PCB fabrication can make all the difference. When choosing a PCB prototype manufacturer, there are many things for you to consider. Often, choosing the right prototype manufacturer can be daunting task. However, by considering some key criteria you can choose a prototype PCB fabrication company that provides the highest possible designing and manufacturing quality and delivers the best possible standards. Following are the six things to consider for choosing the right PCB prototype manufacturer.
Quality
The first and foremost thing that you need to look for in a prototype PCB Fabrication Company is quality. PCB boards vary in terms of quality. In fact, a good number of PCBs fail to meet the required quality standards. Even small mistakes in the design or prototyping process can cause your entire product or project to fail. Therefore, ensuring the quality of prototype is critical.
Pricing
An important thing for you to keep in mind is the fact that the quality of a PCB prototype isn’t dependent on its pricing. Of course, some experienced manufacturer will charge a bit more than others in the industry. However, you will find many manufactures that offer quality PCBs at a low price. Therefore, when you’re looking for a PCB prototype manufacturer shopping around is a sensible thing to do.
Speed
Because most PCB prototyping projects have extremely tight deadlines, speed is extremely critical. The majority of PCB prototype manufactures quote a turnaround time of 5 to 7 days. However, there are some manufacturers that can produce PCB prototypes within two days.
Quantity of prototypes
It is important for you to determine the number of prototypes you need. The reason for this is simple—some manufacturers take only high volume orders while others are more adaptable. The latter are willing to discuss modest as well as high volume production orders while former are stringent in their approach.
Customization
It is important that the PCB prototypes are manufactured to meet your specific need as the one-size fits all formula doesn’t apply here. The size and complexity of the prototype depends on the specifications of your product. Therefore, you must choose a prototype manufacturer that has all the skills and tools required to deliver a PCB prototype customized to your particular needs.
Experience
The final thing that you need to consider is the industry experience of the manufacturer. Apart from providing you the required technical expertise, the experienced manufacturer will make the PCB prototyping process reliable and cost-effective.