1.Diverse Pricing Due to Different PCB Materials
Taking a standard double-sided PCB as an example, the materials used can vary. The base material is typically FR4, with thicknesses ranging from 0.2mm to 3.0mm, and copper thickness ranging from 0.5OZ to 3OZ. These variations in material alone create significant price differences. In terms of solder mask ink, there are also price differences between regular thermoset ink and photosensitive green ink.
2.Diverse Pricing Due to Different Surface Treatment Processes
Common surface treatments include OSP (oxidation prevention), leaded tin plating, lead-free tin plating (environmentally friendly), gold plating, immersion gold, and various combined processes.
3.Diverse Pricing Due to Different Levels of PCB Complexity
If two PCB both have 1,000 holes, but one board has a hole diameter larger than 0.2mm while the other has a hole diameter smaller than 0.2mm, this will result in different drilling costs. Similarly, if two PCB are identical but have different trace width and spacing, with one having widths/spacing greater than 4 mil and the other less than 4 mil, the production costs will differ. Additionally, non-standard processes such as half-holes, buried and blind vias, via-in-pad, or printed carbon oil on keypads also incur extra fees.
4.Diverse Pricing Due to Different Copper Foil Thicknesses
The thicker the copper foil, the higher the cost.
5.Mold Fees
For sample or small batch production, PCB manufacturers typically use a drilling and milling process for shaping, without additional edge milling fees. However, for mass production, a mold is required for punching, which incurs a mold fee. This is a common customer inquiry regarding PCB mold fees.
Lastly, Wondeful PCB offers ultra-low pricing on PCB, using new FR4 material, with rates as low as $19.9 per square meter.
