PCB Cost Drivers for Global Sourcing
Overview
Sourcing from India offers significant cost advantages, but design choices can still drive prices up unnecessarily. Here is how to optimize your design for the best balance of quality and cost.
1. The 'Standard' sweet spot
Moving from 2 layers to 4 layers typically increases fabrication costs by 30-40%. However, moving from 4 to 6 layers can increase it by another 50% due to material and process complexity. If your design can be routed in 4 layers with careful layout, it is always the most cost-effective choice for medium volumes.
2. Surface Finishes
3. Drill Density and Sizes
Mechanical drills smaller than 0.2mm require specialized equipment and slower feed rates. If your design allows for 0.3mm or 0.25mm vias, you will see a reduction in price for large production runs.
Conclusion
Optimizing for cost doesn't mean sacrificing quality. It means aligning your technical requirements with the most efficient manufacturing processes.
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