With the rapid development of electronics technology in China, more and more China PCB manufacturers are providing their best service to customers around the world. But what we need to know about Chinese PCB manufacturer when dealing with them?
1. Why to Choose PCB Manufacturers in China
1) High Quality with Lower Cost
One of the main reasons why customers in need of high-quality PCBs turn to China is the affordable cost that allows them to get more for less. This way, they can lower the overall cost of production without compromising on the volume of output.
2) Technology, Capability and Systematization
China’s PCB manufacturers have accumulate advanced technology used to make complex and innovative circuit boards. PCB manufacturing, as a labor-intensive traditional industry in China, can provide highly capable engineers and assembly teams and systematic production.
3) Lead Time and Delivery
China’s high effective logistic system can fasten the delivery of goods.
2. What to Know When Choosing PCB Manufacturers in China
1) Service Field
There’re many kinds of PCB manufacturer in China you can choose, but not all supplier can support your projects very well.Some manufacturers can provide turnkey service including PCB manufacturing and other PCB-related services, such as components procurement, assembly, function test, enclosure customized, finished-product assembly… Some specialize in bare-board fabrication, while others provide assembly or a wider turnkey service. So, you’ll have consider which service you focus on.
2) Order Volume
You’ll have to consider if the supplier supports both prototyping or mass production. For some big companies, maybe they don’t provide prototyping service, while some small companies cannot support mass production. So you need to choose it as per your volume of order you might place.
3) The Control of Quality
Quality is the core of the products, especially in PCB industry, which is customized and assembled with a complicated process. Even a minor mistake in components or circuit will cause the big problem.
Ask a shortlisted bare-board fabricator for the proposed stackup and material grade, finished-copper and hole requirements, fabrication tolerances, electrical-test scope, inspection records and lot traceability. Request evidence for the specific construction you intend to order, then agree a sample-build acceptance plan. For an assembled-board supplier, also review the PCBA supplier checklist.
4) Lead Time and Cost
Compare quotations against the same drawing revision, quantity, stackup, finish, inspection scope and delivery terms. Separate tooling, test fixtures, expedited processing and freight. Confirm when the production lead time starts and how engineering questions or component changes affect it; price alone does not establish quality.
Recommended Manufacturer: PHILIFAST
If PHILIFAST is on the shortlist, use the same capability, sample-build and documentation checks applied to other suppliers. Confirm the actual manufacturing site, which operations are outsourced, and who will close engineering questions before placing a production order.
About the author
Cindy Lee
Founder, FLJ PCB / Philifast
Cindy Lee is the founder of FLJ PCB / Philifast, a Shenzhen-based PCB fabrication and assembly company established in 2005. She shares practical perspectives on PCB manufacturing, assembly and working with production teams.
Connect on Facebook (opens in a new tab)