The process of designing an electronic device is rarely linear. After creating a design, it has to be tested for real-world fitness by making prototypes. These will let the designers check for oversights and find opportunities for improvement. They can then go back to the drawing board and make several other prototypes until they finally arrive at a version that is polished and ready for large-scale production assembly. These processes are usually outsourced to fabrication companies that can do the job more efficiently. Below are some considerations when building a PCB manufacturers prototype:
Turnaround Time
Once the designs are completed, engineers usually can’t wait until they get their hands on a prototype of testing to see if the solutions were effective in eliminating the previous problems they found. The faster they can obtain the circuits, the quicker the project can progress to the next stage. Most PCB manufacturers prototype are able to complete jobs within 24 hours. Exceptionally complex circuits may take a while longer. Check for the turnaround times by different companies to see which one might serve you best. Consider the delivery time as well, since this can add much to the delay.
Project Cost
The cost of the project should be transparent from the start. Most sites will provide a cost calculator so that you can estimate the funds that you need to get ready for your order. The biggest factors to consider are the dimensions of the printed circuit board, the number of layers, the board thickness, and the quantity of the prototypes. There is usually a minimum amount such as between 5 and 10 pieces to make it worth their while. Other parameters that you can play around with are surface finish, PCB color, copper weight, and more.
Ease of Ordering
Ordering a prototype is just like buying products from a retail store these days. Just specify the parameters and get an instant quote. You will see the estimated build time, as well as the delivery time for different carriers. Upload your Gerber file and make sure that it is less than the maximum size allowable. Save the order to your cart and pay when you’re ready. Payment methods available include credit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers.
Real-time Tracking
Once the order is complete, you can monitor the progress of the prototype through a real-time tracking page. This should give you the confidence that they are taking care of business even if they may be on the other side of the world.
