How much does a 2 layer PCB cost?

Understanding 2 Layer PCBs

A 2 layer PCB, as the name suggests, consists of two conductive layers – a top layer and a bottom layer. These layers are typically made of copper and are separated by an insulating material, such as FR-4. The components are mounted on one side of the board, while the other side is used for soldering and connecting the components.

2 layer PCBs are suitable for a wide range of applications, including:

• Simple electronic devices
• Low-power circuits
• Prototypes and small-scale production runs

Compared to multi-layer PCBs, which have additional inner layers, 2 layer PCBs offer several advantages:

• Lower manufacturing costs
• Shorter lead times
• Easier design and assembly processes

Factors Affecting 2 Layer PCB Cost

The cost of a 2 layer PCB depends on several factors, each of which can have a significant impact on the final price. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions when designing and ordering your PCBs.

1. Board Size

The size of your PCB is one of the primary factors that determine its cost. Larger boards require more material and take up more space during manufacturing, resulting in higher costs. PCB sizes are typically measured in square inches (sq in) or millimeters (mm).

Common PCB sizes and their approximate costs:

PCB Size (mm)	PCB Size (sq in)	Approximate Cost (USD)
25 x 25	0.98 x 0.98	$5 – $10
50 x 50	1.97 x 1.97	$10 – $20
100 x 100	3.94 x 3.94	$20 – $40
150 x 150	5.91 x 5.91	$40 – $60

Please note that these prices are rough estimates and may vary depending on other factors such as quantity, lead time, and additional features.

2. Quantity

The number of PCBs you order can significantly impact the cost per unit. Manufacturers often offer discounts for larger quantities, as it allows them to optimize their production processes and reduce setup costs. This is known as economies of scale.

Typical price breaks for 2 layer PCBs:

Quantity	Price per PCB (USD)
1 – 10	$50 – $100
11 – 50	$30 – $60
51 – 100	$20 – $40
101 – 500	$10 – $25
500+	$5 – $15

These prices are approximate and may vary based on other factors such as board size and complexity.

3. PCB thickness

The thickness of your PCB, measured in millimeters (mm), can also affect its cost. Thicker boards require more material and may be more challenging to manufacture, leading to higher prices. Standard PCB thicknesses range from 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm, with 1.6 mm being the most common.

Approximate costs for different PCB thicknesses:

PCB Thickness (mm)	Approximate Cost Increase
0.8	Baseline
1.0	+5%
1.2	+10%
1.6	+15%
2.0	+20%

These percentages are rough estimates and may vary depending on the manufacturer and other factors.

4. Copper Weight

The copper weight, or the thickness of the copper traces on your PCB, is another factor that can influence the cost. Copper weight is measured in ounces per square foot (oz/ft²), with common options being 1 oz/ft² and 2 oz/ft². Thicker copper traces can carry more current and provide better signal integrity but also increase the cost of the PCB.

Approximate costs for different copper weights:

Copper Weight (oz/ft²)	Approximate Cost Increase
1	Baseline
2	+10%

These percentages are rough estimates and may vary depending on the manufacturer and other factors.

5. Solder Mask and Silkscreen

Solder mask and silkscreen are optional features that can add to the cost of your 2 layer PCB. Solder mask is a protective coating applied to the copper traces to prevent short circuits and improve the durability of the board. Silkscreen is a printed layer that adds text, logos, and component outlines to the PCB, making it easier to assemble and troubleshoot.

Approximate costs for solder mask and silkscreen:

Feature	Approximate Cost Increase
Solder Mask	+10%
Silkscreen	+5%

These percentages are rough estimates and may vary depending on the manufacturer and other factors.

6. Lead Time

The lead time, or the time required to manufacture and deliver your PCBs, can also impact the cost. Faster lead times often come at a premium, as manufacturers may need to prioritize your order over others or use expedited shipping methods.

Approximate costs for different lead times:

Lead Time	Approximate Cost Increase
Standard (2-3 weeks)	Baseline
Expedited (1-2 weeks)	+20%
Rush (3-5 days)	+50%

These percentages are rough estimates and may vary depending on the manufacturer and other factors.

Calculating the Cost of Your 2 Layer PCB

To estimate the cost of your 2 layer PCB, you’ll need to consider all of the factors mentioned above and request quotes from multiple manufacturers. Many PCB manufacturers offer online quote calculators that allow you to input your specifications and receive an instant price estimate.

Here’s an example of how to calculate the cost of a 2 layer PCB:

• Board Size: 100 x 100 mm
• Quantity: 50 pieces
• PCB Thickness: 1.6 mm
• Copper Weight: 1 oz/ft²
• Solder Mask: Yes
• Silkscreen: Yes
• Lead Time: Standard (2-3 weeks)

Starting with a base price of $30 per PCB (based on the quantity and board size), we can add the cost increases for the selected options:

• PCB Thickness (1.6 mm): +15%
• Solder Mask: +10%
• Silkscreen: +5%

The estimated cost per PCB would be:
$30 * (1 + 0.15 + 0.10 + 0.05) = $39

For 50 pieces, the total cost would be:
$39 * 50 = $1,950

Please note that this is a simplified example, and actual costs may vary based on the specific manufacturer and other factors.

Cost-Saving Strategies

If you’re looking to reduce the cost of your 2 layer PCBs, consider the following strategies:

1. Optimize your board size: Design your PCB to be as small as possible while still meeting your functional requirements. Smaller boards are generally less expensive to manufacture.

2. Order in larger quantities: Take advantage of volume discounts by ordering more PCBs at once. If you anticipate future demand for your product, consider placing a larger order upfront to reduce the cost per unit.

3. Choose standard specifications: Stick with standard PCB thicknesses, copper weights, and lead times whenever possible. Custom options may increase the cost and lead time.

4. Consider alternative manufacturers: Compare quotes from multiple PCB manufacturers to find the best combination of price, quality, and lead time. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs and any import duties if ordering from overseas.

5. Design for manufacturability: Follow PCB design guidelines to ensure your board is easy to manufacture. This includes maintaining proper trace widths and clearances, avoiding unnecessary layers, and minimizing the number of unique components.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the minimum order quantity for 2 layer PCBs?

2. The minimum order quantity varies by manufacturer but is typically around 5-10 pieces. Some manufacturers may offer lower minimum quantities for prototyping purposes, but this often comes at a higher cost per unit.

3. How long does it take to manufacture 2 layer PCBs?

4. Standard lead times for 2 layer PCBs are usually 2-3 weeks, but this can vary depending on the manufacturer and your specific requirements. Expedited and rush options may be available for an additional cost.

5. What is the difference between 1 oz/ft² and 2 oz/ft² copper weight?

6. Copper weight refers to the thickness of the copper traces on the PCB. 1 oz/ft² is the most common option and is suitable for most applications. 2 oz/ft² copper is thicker and can carry more current, but it also increases the cost of the PCB.

7. Can I get a discount for ordering a large quantity of PCBs?

8. Yes, most manufacturers offer volume discounts for larger orders. The specific discount will depend on the quantity and the manufacturer’s pricing structure. It’s always a good idea to request quotes for different quantities to find the best price break.

9. What other factors can affect the cost of 2 layer PCBs?

10. In addition to the factors mentioned in this article, other aspects that can influence the cost of 2 layer PCBs include the type of finish (e.g., HASL, lead-free HASL, or ENIG), the number of unique components, and any special requirements such as controlled impedance or tight tolerances.

Conclusion

The cost of 2 layer PCBs can vary significantly based on factors such as board size, quantity, thickness, copper weight, solder mask, silkscreen, and lead time. By understanding these factors and how they influence pricing, you can make informed decisions when designing and ordering your PCBs.

To get the best price for your 2 layer PCBs, consider optimizing your design for manufacturability, ordering in larger quantities, and comparing quotes from multiple manufacturers. By following these strategies and working closely with your chosen manufacturer, you can ensure that you get high-quality PCBs at a competitive price point.