In this tech report, the cost of a 2-layer and 4-layer PCBs are analyzed. From the datum we get from our PCB line, it is obvious that the most effective way to reduce the cost of PCBs is to simplify the design of the PCBs such as reducing the number of vias and components. The safest way to reduce the cost is to get ride of the solder mask and silk screen, by which the cost can be reduced by 5% to 10%.
Reducing the cost by using low quality FR4 material is very effective for prototypes, but in mass production the managi ng cost will increase, which is especially true in the mass production of multi-layer PCBs. In ad dition because low quality FR4 usually has lower Tg and higher Tce, the cost to assemble the PCBs may increase. So even the cost of the PCBs is reduced, the price for the final products may not be reduced.
To accurately analyze the cost of the PCBs and its relationship with the cost of final products is a very complex task; a lot of analyses will be needed. This tech report just gives our customers some guidelines and suggestions when they want to reduce the cost of their products, and we hope this report can answer most questions of our customers on reducing the cost of PCBs.