| Order Sizes:
Larger order quantities will reduce the per board price. When ordering small or prototype quantities, ask us for ‘max for min’. Here’s an example: you
need 4 pieces to check your design, we may build 8 on a production panel, you receive all good pieces (4-8) for the same price.
Delivery Time:
Premiums increase as your delivery time approaches same day. Every manufacturing day that you can allow will typically decrease your cost. Multiple Tooling Charges : Avoid paying tooling charges twice;
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Tell the manufacturer to tool the order as if it were a production job. In the case where there are no changes to your design, your tooling is production ready.
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If you know that there will be several revisions to your design consider opening the specs or eliminating such things as silk-screens, solder-mask, gold plating or intricate routing if at all possible.
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Choose a vendor that is capable of building both your prototypes and production volume.
Note: Although we are considered a low volume manufacturer, we have found that volume is relative. We service many low volume users with multiple release/JIT order deliveries.
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When ordering 2 or more similar designs of the same thickness , consider merging the files to create 1 board or pallet, allowing them to be manufactured on the same panel. If done properly this will significantly reduce your tooling cost. Please note; once tooled you must always order the boards as a set.
Lines and Spaces:
As line widths and spaces decrease below .008” the cost to manufacture increases.
If your application doesn’t require such fine lines and spaces you should avoid them in the design.
Hole Sizes:
Hole sizes under .020” begin to limit the number of panels that may be drilled at the same time, therefore adding cost to the operation. Also, as the hole size decreases the hole becomes more difficult to plate.
When possible, limit the number of different hole sizes. Cost increases with each additional drill size added. Review your design for overlap in adjacent hole sizes and overall flexibility in regards to hole sizes used.
Annular Ring:
Smaller annular ring increases manufacturing difficulty and lowers
overall product yield. Minimum annular rings are discussed in the Design
Guidelines section.
Multilayer Layer Stack up:
If there is flexibility in your layer stack-up, (i.e. spacing and copper weights), discuss with your vendor. He may offer a cost effective suggestion using a standard
core materials.
Panel Layout:
If you can be flexible with your board size, panelized array size, spacing or stitch routing requirements, discuss panel layout with your vendor. This will allow him to arrange as many boards and or arrays onto his standard panel size. A little fore thought can have a major impact on cost, especially in larger quantities.
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