Disadvantages of Fast Turn PCB Prototypes
PCB prototypes can make a huge difference in your product’s go-to-market timeframe. This is because these proto boards allow you to identify and fix design flaws before moving on to the final circuit board production stage, which could otherwise take a long period of time. However, the speed that these protos offer may come at a cost in terms of quality. In order to ensure that you are getting the best prototypes possible, it is important to work with a company that has an established track record in producing high-quality PCBs fast.
A good quick turn manufacturer will have a number of different production capabilities, including laser drilling/cutting, solder masks and etching. They will also have a high level of customer support and tech assistance to help with the design process, making it easier to get your prototypes made on time. They will also be able to handle different layers in the PCB, as well as a choice of finishes such as HASL, ENIG or Hard Gold. It is best to find a manufacturer that can offer all of these services in-house to avoid delays and ensure quality control.
Another factor to consider is the complexity of the circuit board. If your PCB has multiple layers, this will increase the manufacturing time. It is therefore crucial to have a clear understanding of the design before sending it off for quick-turn production. Using a Gerber file to show each layer of the circuit board and its component placement is a good way to make this clear to the manufacturer.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Turn PCB Prototypes
It is essential to communicate with your manufacturer about any special requirements you have for the quick-turn prototypes, such as a unique stack-up of the layers or a specific finish like ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold). This will help avoid misunderstandings and stalling out of the production process. In addition, communication with the manufacturer will enable them to provide ideas about your design that could improve performance, simplify manufacturability or even reduce costs.
Finally, if you have a tight project deadline, it is important to let the manufacturer know in advance, so they can plan accordingly. It is also useful to have a clear test protocol in place, so you can be sure that the board will meet your specifications before going into full-production.
The main advantage of quick-turn prototypes is that they can be produced much faster than a full-production run, which is a big benefit if you are trying to get your product to market quickly. They can also be a valuable tool in identifying problems with your design, which will save time and money in the long run. Just remember to not trade off quality for speed, as low-quality boards can cause serious issues with your end product. To avoid this, look for a company with an established track record in producing quality PCBs quickly. Taking the extra time to find the right manufacturer will pay off in the long run!