What Is PCB Price?

The changes in PCB rates have become popular amongst those in and outside of the SMT industry. However,
some people who have worked in the PCB market for many years may not be familiar with the main factors
that influence PCB prices.

1. Price differences between PCBs are based on double-sided common boards. Boards are
usually fr-4, cem-3 etc. Board thickness can vary from 0.2mm to 5.0mm and copper thickness from 0.5oz to
3oz. These factors have led to big price differences for boards. In solder mask oils, there are also
some differences between thermosetting oils and photosensitive oils.

2. PCBs use a variety of manufacturing processes, and different prices and
manufacturing methods will result in different expenses. The production of tin-sprayed and gold-plated
boards, as well as the manufacture of beer (red) and milling boards will result in different costs.

3. Rate differences are caused by PCBs. The complexity of the PCB will lead to
different prices even if materials and processes are the same. The complexity of the PCB will determine
the price, even if materials and processes are identical. If two boards each have 1000 holes and one
board has an opening diameter greater than 0.6mm while the other board’s is less than 0.6mm,
different exploration costs will be incurred. One board has a hole diameter greater than 0.2mm while the
other one has a smaller opening. This will also result in different manufacturing costs. The high scrap
prices of difficult boards will lead to price differences.

4. Different SMT customer requirements will also result in different costs. Client
demand directly impacts the price of the final board. A board that is IPC-a600e may require a 98% price
pass for course 1, but if course 3 requirements are met, the price could be reduced to 90%. This will
result in different factory prices and, finally, item costs.

5. Different PCB makers cause cost diversity. Different producers will charge different
prices for the same product, even if they use the same technical tools. Many SMT manufacturers prefer to
make tin-spraying board because the process is simple and costs are lower. However, some manufacturers
also produce gold-plated boards which have a higher scrap rate and higher price. They choose to produce
tin sprayed board because the price is less than gold plated boards.

6. Different settlement methods cause price differences. PCB handling facilities change
PCB prices according to different settlement methods, ranging between 5% and 10%. This also creates
price differences.

7. The regional differences lead to price diversification. From a regional perspective,
today, prices tend to increase from the south to the north. Rates vary in certain areas. Different areas
also have different rates.