What Are the Typical Lead Times for Manufacturing Printed Circuit Boards?
Lead Times for Manufacturing Printed Circuit Boards
The printed circuit board is an intricate and complex part of most electronic products. As technicians continue to load more data and energy into tinier chips, the PCBs that power devices and connect them to the wireless grid will become increasingly more sophisticated and complicated. These advanced boards will require a high degree of engineering to design and manufacture.
In addition, engineers are being asked to design and bring new products to market in less time than ever before. This puts a premium on finding turnkey Electronic Contract Manufacturers (ECM) that can handle the entire printed circuit board fabrication and assembly process in a timely fashion.
As the demand for rapid printed circuit board assembly prototyping continues to grow, it’s important to understand what the typical lead times are when working with a qualified ECM partner. The longer it takes to get a prototype made, the more costly the project will be. Fortunately, there are several factors that can significantly reduce the time it takes to produce a quick turnaround PCB.
What Are the Typical Lead Times for Manufacturing Printed Circuit Boards?
The first factor is the design and layout of the circuit board itself. The layout dictates how the components will fit together and what types of materials are required for each layer. For example, using a heavier copper weight will increase the cost of the board, as it requires more material for each layer.
Another major influence on the timing of a PCB’s production is how complex it is. Whether it is a two-layer board with copper on both sides, or a multi-layer board that sandwiches additional internal layers of copper and insulation, the complexity will impact production time.
In many cases, component supply chain issues can also cause delays. This can include long lead-time items, like solder pastes, that must be sourced from the original manufacturer and then distributed to the PCB fabricator. In some cases, this can take weeks, especially during the holidays when many component suppliers close their plants.
As the PCB is prepared for assembly, it must be tested. A thorough inspection of the entire board can uncover any potential short-circuiting or misalignments. Once the board passes all of the tests, it will be ready for reflow soldering. During the reflow soldering step, the components will be placed on the board and then heated in an oven to bond the solder. The temperature must be precise to ensure that the solder does not melt or otherwise compromise the functionality of the device.
After the boards are finished, they will undergo final testing to ensure that they function as designed. Some of the testing performed can include AOI and X-ray inspections, as well as infrared reflow and solder joint test. Despite the many factors that can affect lead times, working with an experienced ECM will minimize the likelihood of any delays. By working with a partner that is experienced in handling a wide range of PCB designs, you can be confident that the final product will be up to your expectations.