20 layers PCBs are essential for complex, high-density electronics, commonly used in industries like telecommunications and medical devices. The cost of manufacturing these PCBs can vary based on factors like material, size, and production processes.
In this guide, we’ll break down what impacts the price and provide practical examples to help you make informed decisions when ordering in bulk.
1. Introduction to 20 Layers PCB
A 20 layers PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is an advanced multi-layer circuit board with 20 individual conductive layers. These boards are often used in high-performance electronics where complex and high-density circuits are necessary, such as in telecommunications, medical devices, and consumer electronics.
Advantages of 20 Layers PCB:
- Compactness: High layer count allows more components to be placed in a smaller area.
- Improved Signal Integrity: Multiple layers enable better routing of signals with minimized interference.
- Enhanced Power Distribution: Power and ground planes are more efficiently distributed, reducing noise and heat.
Common Applications:
- Smartphones
- Computers and Servers
- Automotive electronics
- Medical devices
2. Factors Influencing the Price of 20 Layers PCB
The price of a 20-layer PCB is influenced by several factors, including materials, size, complexity, and additional features like vias and surface finishes.
Material Selection:
Base Material: The most common material used for 20-layer PCBs is FR4 (epoxy fiberglass), but other materials like high-frequency laminates and ceramic can increase the price.
- FR4 material: $5 – $10 per square foot
- High-frequency laminates: $15 – $30 per square foot
Board Size and Dimensions: The cost is generally calculated based on the total board area. Standard sizes such as 300mm x 300mm tend to cost less, while custom sizes can increase prices.
- Standard 300mm x 300mm board: $150 – $300 for a 20-layer PCB
- Custom sizes: $400 – $800 depending on complexity and size
Layer Count and Complexity: The number of layers significantly impacts the price. The more layers you have, the more manufacturing time and resources are required.
- Additional layers: Each additional layer can add approximately $10 to $50 per unit, depending on the complexity.
Surface Finishing Options: Surface finishes protect the PCB and affect both performance and cost.
- HASL (Hot Air Solder Leveling): Basic option, cost-effective, $2 – $5 per board.
- ENIG (Electroless Nickel Immersion Gold): More expensive, offers better performance, $10 – $20 per board.
- OSP (Organic Solderability Preservative): Eco-friendly and cheaper, $3 – $8 per board.
Drilling and Via Technology: Drilling and vias (holes for connections between layers) increase complexity and cost. Blind and buried vias (vias that do not go through all layers) are more expensive.
- Through-hole vias: $1 – $3 per via
- Blind vias: $5 – $8 per via
- Buried vias: $7 – $12 per via
Testing and Quality Assurance:
- Electrical Testing (ICT): $0.50 – $2 per board.
- Automated Optical Inspection (AOI): $1 – $3 per board.
3. Price Breakdown for 20 Layers PCB
The overall cost of a 20-layer PCB depends on the order quantity, material choices, and additional features. Here’s a typical price breakdown:
Small Batch Orders (50 units):
- Material cost: $5 per square foot
- Manufacturing cost (including drilling, vias, testing): $100 per unit
- Additional surface finish (ENIG): $10 per unit
- Total cost per unit: $200 – $250
Large Bulk Orders (1,000 units):
- Material cost: $4 per square foot (bulk discount)
- Manufacturing cost: $80 per unit
- Additional surface finish (HASL): $5 per unit
- Total cost per unit: $150 – $180 (bulk discount applied)
Additional Costs:
- Shipping: International shipping for 1,000 units might cost around $500 – $1,500, depending on the region.
- Taxes and Duties: Import duties vary based on the country but typically range from 5% to 15% of the total order value.
4. How to Get the Best Price for 20 Layers PCB
Choosing the Right Manufacturer: To get the best price for your 20-layer PCBs, you should work with reputable manufacturers known for providing good value for money without compromising on quality.
- Evaluate manufacturers based on experience, certifications (ISO, UL), and their ability to meet your specific design requirements.
- Request detailed quotes to compare not just pricing but also delivery times, customer service, and warranty terms.
Negotiation Tips for Bulk Orders:
- Bulk Discounts: When ordering larger quantities (1000+ units), ask for volume-based discounts. Manufacturers often offer price reductions of 10%-20% for larger orders.
- Long-Term Partnerships: Consider establishing a long-term relationship with your PCB supplier to secure better rates and priority production.
Optimizing Design for Cost Efficiency: Work with the manufacturer to ensure your design is as efficient as possible. Small design tweaks like reducing the number of vias or using standard sizes can lower the overall cost.
5. How Lead Time Affects 20 Layers PCB Pricing
Production Lead Time: Generally, a standard lead time of around 2-3 weeks is expected. However, faster production times (e.g., expedited service) can add up to 30%-50% extra to the base price.
- Standard lead time (2-3 weeks): No additional cost
- Expedited lead time (1 week): +30% to 50% of the total order cost
- Working with Manufacturers: When placing orders, clarify whether faster lead times are necessary and work with the manufacturer to balance speed and cost.
6. Regional Variations in 20 Layers PCB Pricing
Pricing for 20-layer PCBs can vary depending on the region where they are manufactured. Here’s a breakdown of typical cost variations:
Asia (China, Taiwan):
- Lower labor costs and material availability typically result in cheaper prices.
- A 20-layer PCB may cost between $150 – $200 per unit in bulk orders.
Europe:
- Labor and regulatory costs make PCBs more expensive, typically around $250 – $400 per unit in bulk.
North America:
- U.S. or Canada-based manufacturers can be more expensive due to higher labor and material costs, generally ranging from $250 – $500 per unit in bulk.
7. Market Trends Influencing 20 Layers PCB Pricing
- Global Supply Chain Disruptions: The ongoing global chip shortages and supply chain delays have led to increased costs for raw materials and components, impacting PCB prices.
- Material Price Increase: Prices for raw materials like copper and laminates have increased by as much as 10%-20% in recent years.
Technological Advancements: Automation and improvements in PCB manufacturing technology have helped reduce costs by streamlining production and reducing human error. - Environmental Regulations: As sustainability becomes more important, manufacturers may incur additional costs for eco-friendly materials and compliance with environmental standards, affecting PCB prices by 5%-10%.
8. Common Misconceptions About 20 Layers PCB Pricing
- Overestimating the Cost: Many buyers overestimate the price of 20-layer PCBs, thinking they are prohibitively expensive, when in fact, prices can be quite reasonable, especially in bulk.
- Underestimating the Complexity: While 20-layer PCBs may seem straightforward, their manufacturing involves complex processes such as multi-layer lamination and via creation, which significantly influence the price.
9. Price Calculation Examples for 20 Layers PCB
Example 1: Small Batch Order (50 Units)
- Board Size: 300mm x 300mm
- Material: FR4
- Surface Finish: ENIG
Price per Unit:
- Material cost: $5 x 1 square foot = $5
- Manufacturing cost: $100
- Surface Finish (ENIG): $10
- Total cost per unit: $200
Total for 50 units: $200 x 50 = $10,000
Example 2: Large Bulk Order (1,000 Units)
- Board Size: 300mm x 300mm
- Material: FR4 (bulk discount)
- Surface Finish: HASL
Price per Unit:
- Material cost: $4 x 1 square foot = $4
- Manufacturing cost: $80
- Surface Finish (HASL): $5
- Total cost per unit: $150
Total for 1,000 units: $150 x 1,000 = $150,000
10. Conclusion: Making the Right Investment in 20 Layers PCB
When investing in 20-layer PCBs, understanding the factors influencing price—such as materials, manufacturing processes, and regional differences—can help you make an informed decision. By optimizing your design and negotiating with manufacturers, you can secure competitive pricing for both small batches and bulk.