Factors affecting SMT prices

Mechanical dimensions remain one of the main limiting factors in PCB design. This is because the physical size of the circuit board determines the number of layers in the PCB. The complexity of the circuit and the size of the components used are also factors that determine the size of the circuit board.

The selection of components and the physical dimensions of circuit boards affect the production process. For example, the type of component determines the size. Manufacturing PCB large vias may be simpler and cheaper, but fine pitch and high-density components typically require micro vias. In order to improve the integrity of the drilling process, manufacturers may prefer to change the through-hole size throughout the entire board.

Other limiting factors, such as production schedules and quantities, can also affect the final price of SMT processing. Optimizing the manufacturing process typically requires designers to carry out various processes, such as designing for assembly, designing for manufacturing, designing for testing, and so on. Although all of these contribute to improving the reliability, safety, and manufacturing process involved in SMT manufacturing, they also contribute to its final cost.

Compliance with DFA and DFM standards ensures that the PCB conforms to the manufacturer's physical layout guidelines and capabilities, while meeting cost requirements. For example, DFA determines that the stack and trace width comply with design rules. DFM has improved collaboration between manufacturing and design teams for circuit board design.

The above factors determine the external and physical dimensions of the PCB. The application of printed circuit boards also helps to ultimately determine the size of the circuit board. For control applications and high-power designs, the actual size of the circuit board may not be a critical factor, but for wearable devices that require the optimal surface area of the PCB, it is undoubtedly a factor.

Due to higher tolerances, handling, and tooling issues involved in the design and manufacturing process, miniature circuit boards may be more expensive. Smaller boards require careful handling during manufacturing to achieve allowable tolerances. In order to manufacture and assemble small boards correctly, manufacturers may need to design and manufacture customized fixtures and jigs. For example, flexible PCBs require support during manufacturing and assembly to minimize stress on them.