PCB or Printed Circuit Board is a bare board used to support and connect electronic components using conductive pathways, signal traces, and tracks etched on copper sheets which are then laminated to a non-conductive substrate. They are the most commonly used commercial electronic devices that allow full automation for system integration.
The production costs of the PCB depending on the technology used. Therefore, it can be more or less costly for the devices used in designing its circuit. PCB used for conventional daily items tends to be low in cost compared to those designed for high-tech machinery. Let’s find out the different technologies that affect the PCB cost and the reasons.
Factors Affecting PCB Cost
Several factors directly impact PCB cost. They include the following:
- Material choice: the choice of material during PCB assembly depends on its use. Most PCB lamination requires FR4 material that may not be effective for high-intensity use. Therefore, other equipment such as microwaves needs to have a higher grade and more expensive materials than the standard FR4.
- The number of layers: the PCB with more layers needs more materials, thus having a higher cost.
- Thickness and aspect ratio: various advancements in technology require PCB with varying thickness. These thick PCBs need more materials, and the production process is more costly than the standard PCBs, which are narrow.
- The size: the size of PCB matters in terms of the application of the board. Larger boards are expensive to construct and need more materials. They are also used in high-tech machinery, meaning they will require higher grades of materials. However, technology has helped reduce the size of the PCB drastically but still achieves efficiency, which reduces costs.
- Finishes: there are different types of finishing cost in the PCB. Those that require high grades and quality material for durability cost more than standard finishes. However, it would be best to choose a end that is eco-friendly to conserve the environment. PCB’s two standard finishes are HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling) and ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold).
3d Technology Impact on PCB Cost
3D technology has taken the waves, offering one of the most exciting features of the PCB. The technology is used in various industries, like gaming, movies, art, printing, and more. The innovation directly affects the PCB costs since they are integrated for the manufacturing benefits over the traditional 2D PCB.
The costs of PCB are reduced with the invention of 3D technology. Its introduction makes the manufacturing process cheap and accessible since there is no room for errors, enhancing the general quality and accuracy. This prevents any costs that you need for reprinting.
Impact of Wearable Technology on PCB Cost
Wearables such as fitness bands, smart glasses, and smartwatches are new inventions that entered the market with a bang. PCBs are now thin with more functionality than ever before.
The new wearable technology uses the thin PCB in small capacities to improve its efficiency. These thin CBDs cost less and therefore help to cut down the cost of production.
Healthcare Technology Impact on PCB Cost
The Healthcare sector is essential for everyone worldwide to keep people safe from diseases and keep them alive. Technology has taken its place as a vital part of healthcare services. It has an enormous impact on the medical industry, leading to new technologies cropping up for better efficiency.
These new technologies include health care apps, storing patients’ data, micro cameras used for surgery, viewing internal organs, and better quality pictures to carry out successful operations. Other technologies help to diagnose life-threatening conditions such as cancer.
These technologies use microsensors that have tiny sized PBCs. Therefore, they will lower the cost needed to produce small PCB boards that have high efficiency.
What the Future of PCB Costs Holds For Manufacturers
New technologies are relying on the use of PCB to improve efficiency. Most of the technologies you will find on these boards include consumer electronics, surveillance technology, and varieties of electronics that make your work easier.
The advancement of technology coincides with the future of wearables. There are various innovations in flexible displays for games and movies, micro cameras for filming and medical use, and wearable electronics. Therefore, the increased demand for these electronics means that several industries also require PCB.
Micro PCB is the way forward. It is simple, cheap, and is more efficient. The ever-expanding need for advanced technologies is affordable to satisfy every manufacturer’s unquenchable need for quality PCB. At Aurora Boardworks, we assemble custom PCB for industrial, medical, and military applications. Contact us today via call, email, or form to get your free quote.
References
https://auroraboardworks.com/custom-pcb/
https://auroraboardworks.com/working-with-issi-customer-story-1/