How to choose a PCB manufacturer: 7 things to look out for

Choosing the right PCB manufacturer is critical for your business and success of your product. You may be developing a new product or considering switching PCB manufacturers completely, the choice you make can significantly impact the project. 

Whatever the reason, we have some useful tips of things to look out for and to consider. Below, we discuss quality, experience and expertise, the range of services offered and the importance of testing so that you can choose the right PCB manufacturer for your printed circuit board needs.

1. Quality and Certifications
The level of quality of your finished PCB is paramount to the next stage in your project. Common PCB assembly and production challenges can impact the performance, reliability, lifespan and even safety of your devices.

Key factors to look out for are certificates and accreditations, these indicate the commitment to upholding high-quality standards. At ABL Circuits, we are proud to hold the ISO 9001:2015 certification, which signifies that our processes have been thoroughly evaluated against industry benchmarks. This accreditation assures you that we are fully committed to delivering the highest levels of manufacturing and production quality. Choosing a PCB manufacturing company with industry-recognised certifications is the best to ensure you receive high quality circuit boards for your products.

2. Manufacturing Capabilities
Understanding the manufacturing capabilities available from your chosen PCB manufacturer will determine if your project’s requirements can be met. Your design may require fine-line circuitry or high-density interconnects (HDI), for example.

A manufacturer lacking advanced precision equipment may not be able to achieve the necessary tolerances. This can lead to design compromises, delayed timelines, and ultimately, a product that does not perform as intended.

At ABL Circuits we are proud to offer a range of PCB types to meet our customer’s needs, this diversity allows us to cater to a wide range of industries ensuring we can support a broad spectrum of projects. 

Types of PCBs we can produce:

- Single Sided
- Double Sided
- Multi-Layer
- Rigid
- Flexible
- Rigid-Flex
- HDI
- LED

ABL Circuits also offers a range of technological capabilities to suit your project’s needs including precision drilling, fine-line circuitry, and automated optical inspection. Production volume is also another element to consider when looking for a manufacturer to work with, some manufacturers specialise in low or high-volume orders. At ABL Circuits we are equipped to handle small-scale PCB manufacturing, prototype runs and large-scale production whilst maintaining PCB quality and excellent customer service.

3. Experience and Industry Reputation
The experience and expertise of a PCB manufacturer will directly impact the overall outcomes of your printed circuit boards in terms of reliability and quality. Working with industry experts with years of experience will bring a wealth of knowledge to your project. An experienced manufacturer will have refined the manufacturing process and have the ability to adapt and give valuable insight and recommendations. 

A company’s reputation will give you a good understanding of who they are and what they can do. Customer testimonials and case studies will give you an idea of product quality, turnaround times and customer service. Ultimately this will help you determine whether the manufacturer is the right fit for your business and project and whether the high quality manufacturing practices they preach about are really as good as say.

4. Production and Lead Times
Production and lead times are critical factors when it comes to choosing a prospective PCB manufacturer, timing can make or break the success of a project. Influencing factors can make a difference to schedules so it is important to understand what these could be and look at how the manufacturer can meet your deadlines. 

It is common for production time to face delays due to the complexity of designs, the more complex a design is the longer it can take to produce. The same can be said for the availability of raw materials, if a manufacturer has to source material this can cause delays. It is essential to have these discussions before your project start date to ensure you have a clear expectation of what the lead time will realistically look like. 

At ABL Circuits we have refined our processes and work with exceptionally skilled workers to be able to offer the fastest lead times within the UK. As standard, your PCBs will be delivered within 5 working days. 

5. Cost and Pricing Transparency
Cost shouldn’t be the only consideration when looking to partner with a new PCB manufacturer, however, it is an important consideration. Finding a solution to fit your budget is vital and sourcing quotes is a good place to start. 

Pricing transparency is essential to avoid unexpected costs and ensure the quote prices align with your expectations. Pricing structures can vary from different manufacturers so it is important to make sure there are no hidden costs such as delivery or testing that are not included in the initial quotes. 

At ABL Circuits, we like to be as transparent as possible with our pricing and work with you to suit your needs, we thrive on delivering you the best possible product whilst providing exceptional quality and value. 

6. Delivery delays
In the world of electronic production, delivery delays can cause significant repercussions to a project, we have already touched on production delays, however, it’s also important to consider potential causes for delivery delays and the result of these. 

Several reasons can lead to the delay in shipping, supply chain issues being one. One of the most common causes of delays is supply chain disruptions, any good PCB manufacturer will have a grasp on supply chain issues and be able to advise on any potential delays that can cause problems. This level of service reflects the knowledge and expertise that comes with working with an experienced and established PCB manufacturer.

It is essentially to keep up to date with your manufacturer and stay informed of any delays and the shipping status, this will enable you to take corrective action and adjust timelines if necessary.

7. Communication and Customer Service
Establishing clear communication with your chosen PCB manufacturer will make all the difference to the outcome of your project. From the initial quote and design phase to final delivery, having effective communication will ensure all your requirements are met and understood. 

Communication is at the heart of everything we do at ABL Circuits, from in-house production meetings to regular updates with our customers. Our outstanding reputation has been built on trust and the relationships we have established with our customers, without clear communication this would not be possible. Not to mention, our high-quality PCBs and quality control processes.

We believe in a collaborative approach and like to work with our customers to help you achieve you goals. This approach allows us to ensure we are all aiming for the same result and ensures that your electronic components always end up functioning perfectly.

Key Takeaways
Choosing a PCB Manufacturer is an important step in the success of your project, by prioritising quality and reliability you will ensure you do not sacrifice the quality of your product. Whilst cost is an important factor, having a strong relationship with a high-quality producer of PCBs will ultimately save you time and money. 

At ABL Circuits, we are dedicated to providing exceptional quality, reliability, and customer service. If you’re ready to discuss your PCB needs or want to explore how our services can benefit your project, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements or explore our website for more information on our comprehensive PCB manufacturing solutions. Let us help you bring your project to life with precision and excellence.

Find out more about ABL Circuits Ltd on their member profile page here

Member-created content 3 weeks ago | From members

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