Every industry has its tips and tricks to reduce costs and make certain processes a little more cost-efficient, and PCBA is no stranger to this.
Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you're working with your printed circuit board assembly partner:
1. Size matters
It's universally known that the larger something is, the more costly it is. Take candy bars, for simplicity's sake. A king-size piece of candy will always cost more than its regular-size counterpart.
As you draft up the blueprints for your next circuit board, understand that the larger it is, the more costly it will be to assemble. This isn't becoming an issue much more due to the spatial restrictions associated with newer technologies, though Zen Tech reported creating a board too small can incur fees as well.
"Average-sized boards provide the best value."
A tiny board often requires machinery not necessary for average or larger sized PCBs. This rings especially true during the assembly portion of development, as lean manufacturing techniques are often incorporated to accommodate the unusual spatial recommendations. This creates a higher cost for every party involved—including the end-user.
According to Zen Tech, different shaped boards are causing issues too. Wearable technology is necessitating a move away from the conventional rectangular PCBs and utilizing oval or triangle designs more often. This again means a higher final cost for the manufacturer.
2. Explore testing options
Printed circuit board assembly companies often incorporate lean manufacturing techniques as a way to keep revenue in the black for many of the companies they work with. This doesn't just extend to material of components, though.
Electronic Design reported there are new testing methods being incorporated into the design phase. The HR SR1300 fixture interface allows for testing of up to nearly 1,300 nodes, which can reduce PCBA testing costs by around 50 percent. This is just one of the many advancements made in the field so far, and there are sure to be many more arriving in the future. Consult with your PCBA provider about which methods they believe can best cut costs.
3. Simplify materials
At the end of the day, the cost per PCB will largely rely on what materials are used for nodes and other fixtures, as well as their size. While new innovations in the field may come in sizes captured by nanometers, all that means is highly-efficient machinery will need to be brought in to complete the project. This results in a higher cost on your end.
When it comes to material sourcing, there are two things you should work with your lean manufacturing supplier to achieve
- The highest quality at the most affordable price.
- Average-sized components.
Accomplishing this every time around will ensure your costs stay on budget, without compromising. PCBA doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg to undertake, and careful management of expectations and execution will go a long way toward improving profit margins.