What is a low volume PCB

Low volume PCBs are PCBs designed for a small number of units. Low-volume PCBs are typically used for prototype or low-volume production applications. When designing a low-volume PCB, consider that you need to choose a PCB manufacturing process that is suitable for low-volume production; you may also need to design the PCB for ease of assembly. When designing a small PCB, it is important to keep the component count to a minimum. This will help keep costs down and make assembly easier. You should also choose components that are easy to find and relatively inexpensive. If you are designing PCBs for low-volume PCB prototyping or low-volume PCB production applications, you may also want to consider low-volume PCB assembly services. This will help ensure that the PCB is assembled correctly and meets your specific requirements.

How to find a low volume PCB factory

There are a few things to look for when trying to find a low volume printed circuit board (PCB) factory. The most important factor is the quality of the boards that the factory can produce. It is also important to find a factory that can produce boards in a timely manner and at a reasonable price.

low volume PCB assembly quotes

A low volume PCB assembly is a great way to get a custom PCB made without having to make a large order. This type of assembly is perfect for prototypes, small runs, and custom projects. we can provide quick low volume PCB quote. Please provide the following information: Quantity, PCB dimensions, Gerber files, BOM. 

Low Volume PCB Production Guide

PCB production can usually be classified according to standards such as order area, product layers, characteristic processes or materials. PCB manufacturers focus on the difference in market order area, and face differences in delivery time, product use, product model, customer structure, production process and pricing strategy. The PCB industry is further subdivided into prototype boards, low volume PCB boards, and high volume PCB boards.

Whether it is low volume PCB production or high volume PCB production, PCB production is very different from prototyping. During the prototyping process, there will be issues that will need to be redesigned before finalizing or producing the design. Prototyping provides the flexibility to simplify board validation and testing. When used correctly, it can reduce overall development costs.

Mass production is different from prototypes, after the design is completed, there is minimal flexibility for high volume and low volume PCB production. For high volume production, it is critical to minimize component and material costs while maintaining performance and reliability standards. On the other hand, low volume PCB production is more flexible.

Precautions for Low Volume PCB Processing

Three key points to pay attention to when processing low volume PCBs

1. Process flow

The processing of low volume PCB boards is easily affected by many factors, such as the number of processing layers, drilling technology, surface coating treatment, etc., which will affect the quality of low volume PCB finished products, so the process flow needs to be fully considered the environment and the characteristics of the production equipment must be flexibly changed according to the types of low volume PCB boards and processing requirements.

2. Substrate

Low volume PCB substrates are mainly divided into two types: organic materials and inorganic materials. The selection of substrate types requires a variety of properties, including dielectric properties, copper foil type, base groove thickness, and processability. An important factor affecting the performance of printed circuit boards is the thickness of the surface copper foil. If the thickness is thinner, it will have great advantages in the convenience of etching and the precision of graphics.

3. Production environment

The environment of the production workshop is a very important aspect for the manufacture of low volume PCB boards, because the regulation of the ambient temperature and humidity of the workshop are crucial factors. If the ambient temperature fluctuates too much, it is likely to cause the drill hole on the pcb substrate board to be broken. If the environment is too humid, it will be detrimental to the performance of the substrate with strong water absorption, which is mainly reflected in the dielectric properties. In the process of producing low volume PCB boards, appropriate environmental conditions should be maintained.

Market Development Trend of Low Volume PCB

According to the different needs of downstream customers, PCBs are divided into prototype PCBs and volume PCBs. According to the size of a single order, volume PCBs can be subdivided into low volume PCB boards and high volume boards. According to statistics, in 2016 the global PCB market accounted for 80-85%, 10-15%, and 5% of the output value of high volume PCBs, low volume PCBs, and prototype boards, respectively.