Every electrical appliance has a circuit board. The size and complexity of the printed circuit board differ greatly. For instance, computers and cell phones have the most elaborate and most sophisticated circuit boards while iron boxes, microwaves and fridges have the simplest circuit boards. Whatever the case, if you are in the electrical appliance manufacturing industry, or you’ve invented a product, you will need to search for the best PCB manufacturing company to produce and assemble the number of PCB’s you want. It is important to note that there are many PCB manufacturers around the world, but the vast majority are in China. All you need to do is send the circuit design to them, together with other technical specifications, for mass production of the boards to be carried out. Once complete, the manufacturer can also assemble all the electrical components onto the board.
Choosing a PCB Manufacturer
By simply running a search for PCB manufacturers online, you can easily make a shortlist of a dozen reputable firms that can handle the job. Be sure to compare them based on the following factors as you seek to narrow down your search:
1. Cost
The main objective of outsourcing the PCB manufacturing process is to cut costs, so cost is the key factor of consideration. You will have to request quotes from all the shortlisted firms and do a comparison to identify manufacturers with the lowest unit cost of producing the PCBs. The estimates should also include shipping and assembly, if desired.
2. Experience
The best PCB manufacturers are usually those that have been producing PCBs for clients from all over the world. It is crucial you do some research to learn more about the number of years a firm has been in business as well as the number and types of PCB’s they have previously manufactured for clients. The most experienced manufacturers should be accorded preferential treatment.
3. Turnaround Time
The speed with which the circuit boards can be printed is a key factor of consideration. Therefore, you have to compare the turnaround times of the shortlisted firms to identify firms that can deliver the fastest. This is particularly important if you need hundreds or thousands of boards within a short period of time.
4. Reputation
Firms that rarely meet client needs and expectations often get low ratings and poor reviews. For this reason, it is recommended you read a lot of reviews from clients and compare their ratings. Be sure to also go through the testimonials of the previous clients of the shortlisted firms to learn more about the reputation of the firms on your list. This will help you to make an informed decision.
5. Guarantees
PCBs can have defects. This is normal, but you do not want your order to include defective PCBs. The ideal manufacturer, like this best pcb manufacturing company, should offer assurances, guarantees and warranties to ensure you are able to get the best possible value for your money. A customer satisfaction guarantee and a money back guarantee should be basic requirements.