Small quantity PCB Assembly costs can bring sticker shock when compared to high volume costs. There are numerous circumstances leading to a requirement of a low volume of assembled boards. Companies can help avoid the sticker shock by contemplating a few changes.
Consider allowing the AVL to be opened up on small quantity builds. Less expensive passive components, available in small quantities, would be an option to more expensive option with a high Minimum/Multiple. Review connector options which may have been chosen based on high volume placement concerns. A change in the manufacturer may provide for a less expensive FFF equivalent available in bulk or cut tape, reducing a high multiple packaging requirement.
Ask for the low volume requirements of the assembly facility prior to placing any orders; requirements vary depending on equipment and skill level to be used. Some assembly facilities may require reels only, others may require 12", 15" or even 18" leader material on cut tape. Evaluate the cost of populated leaders with the cost of adding a leader to cut tape or the cost of a custom reel. Depending upon the type of component, and the required specifications, a full reel quantity can be less expensive than cut tape.
Summarizing, reducing the excess materials required is the key to avoiding sticker shock for a low quantity build of printed circuit board assemblies.
PCB assembly is one of several methods of creating circuits, along with wire-wrapped circuits and point-to-point circuits. It is highly durable in nature, demand low maintenance cost and performs with outstanding efficiency. Thanks a lot.
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