Can fast turn PCBs meet tight deadlines?
fast turn PCBs
In a world where the shelf life of technology is measured in years and new innovations often outpace the manufacturing capabilities that support them, quick turn PCBs can be the silent enablers that help businesses to keep up—and sometimes even outpace—the rapid currents of tech development. But getting a prototype made fast isn’t just about speed, it’s about the quality of the finished product. Can fast turn pcbs meet tight deadlines?
The key to meeting tight deadlines with high-quality results is ensuring that the fast turn pcb manufacturer has advanced fabrication and assembly processes and equipment capable of keeping pace with your project. To find this kind of partner, evaluate their quality system certifications (e.g. ISO 9001), process details, and reviews from past customers. They should be able to demonstrate how they’ve successfully kept their standards up, even when working on super-expedited orders.
Once you’ve found a potential vendor, define your specifications in detail so that they can quote accurately. If you have the opportunity to review the PCB design in advance, that can help you understand if it is feasible to work with in the timeframe required by your tight deadline.
Can fast turn PCBs meet tight deadlines?
A good PCB manufacturer will be willing to work with you on your design for manufacturability, helping you optimize it for fast turnaround production. They’ll also be able to give you detailed quotes with clear explanations of their processes, capabilities, and pricing structures so that there are no surprises down the line.
The cost of a fast-turn PCB depends on the complexity of the design, number of layers, size, and finishes needed, and components selected. Economies of scale in material purchase, efficient production techniques, and automated inspection and soldering can cut costs by reducing the amount of manual labor needed. A PCB manufacturer’s ability to source and ship parts quickly, and in a large volume, can also lower the overall price of the project.
One other factor to consider is how the fast-turn manufacturer handles revisions. If changes are requested after the initial prototype, it can cause delays in delivering the final product and introducing new issues that could require expensive re-designs. The best PCB manufacturers have robust revision management processes and can deliver the revised version in a timely manner without losing quality.
A quality PCB partner will provide you with a full range of services, from prototyping to assembly to delivery and logistics. Evaluate your options, including paying a premium for prioritized fabrication, air shipping, or sending staff to inspect in person. This will help you meet your tight deadlines while establishing a long term partnership with a quality PCB manufacturer who can deliver on their promises. Having the right PCB manufacturer for your critical projects will be well worth the extra investment over time.