Who is the Best Low Volume PCB Manufacturer?
Small quantity Assembly of PCBs in the range of 25-5000 Pcs with Design for Manufacturability (DFM), and Design for Testability (DFT)
Introduction
For companies needing specialized printed circuit boards (PCBs) produced in small quantities, identifying the right low volume PCB manufacturing partner is critical. This article evaluates the capabilities, services and solutions offered by leading providers of prototype to low volume PCB fabrication and assembly.
We assess key criteria such as production capabilities, engineering support, quality, reliability, cost, lead times and customer service when ranking the top low volume PCB suppliers. A comparison table summarizes the offerings of the major low volume manufacturers.
What to Look for in a Low Volume PCB Manufacturer
Based on the criteria outlined above, here are the leading low volume PCB manufacturers:
RayMing PCB & Assembly
RayMing Technology is the premier low volume PCB manufacturer providing seamless prototype to pilot production solutions. With cutting-edge facilities in China, RayMing offers:
- Low volume production from 5 to 1,000 pieces
- Multilayer, HDI, rigid-flex and advanced SMT assembly
- Quick-turn fabrication and assembly in 3-15 days
- Rigorous quality inspection and testing
- Proactive engineering collaboration and DFM analysis
- Cost optimization with competitive low volume pricing
- Excellent customer service and order tracking visibility
RayMing produces high quality boards with complex requirements for diverse industry applications. Their engineering expertise, advanced manufacturing and responsive support makes RayMing the best option for low volume PCB production needs.
PCBWay
PCBWay specializes in low volume, quick-turn PCB prototyping and fabrication. They provide:
- Production volumes from 5 to 1,000 pieces
- 1 to 6 layer standard, HDI and rigid-flex boards
- SMT assembly with lead times from 2 to 4 days
- DFM analysis and engineering support
- High quality boards with fast delivery in 24 hours
- Order online with interactive quoting and design tools
- Cost effective prototypes and pilot runs
PCBWay serves over 500,000 customers worldwide with their rapid low volume PCB production. They are a reliable choice for validating designs quickly before higher volume manufacturing.
JLCPCB
JLCPCB provides 24 hour quick-turn fabrication of PCBs in small batches. They offer:
- Low volumes from 5 to 1,000 pieces
- Prototype boards within 24 hours
- Single & double layer designs with basic SMT assembly
- Low cost boards starting from just $2
- Online Gerber viewer and quoting
- Limited engineering collaboration
- Production facilities based in China
JLCPCB is one of the most cost competitive options for ultra-fast PCB prototyping in very low quantities. Their online tools make ordering quick and convenient.
ALLPCB
ALLPCB manufactures prototype and low volume PCBs with competitive pricing and lead times. They provide:
- Quantity runs from 1 to 1,000 pieces
- Support for HDI boards up to 12 layers
- SMT assembly with lead times from 3 days
- Dedicated engineers for DFM analysis
- Rigorous quality testing and inspection
- Cost effective prototype through pilot production
- Manufacturing facilities in China
ALLPCB produces quality, affordable PCBs in small batches suitable for verifying designs before mass production.
Advanced Circuits
Advanced Circuits is an American PCB manufacturer capable of quick-turn fabrication of prototype and low volume boards. They provide:
- Low volume batches from 25 to 1,000 pieces
- Production in as fast as 24 hours
- 1-16 layer PCBs with basic assembly
- Engineering support and DFM analysis
- Testing and quality inspection processes
- Higher costs than offshore options
- ITAR registered and domestic US facilities
For American companies wanting locally produced low volume PCBs, Advanced Circuits is a reliable domestic manufacturer with rapid delivery.
Sierra Circuits
Sierra Circuits offers fast fabrication of PCB prototypes and short-run production. They provide:
- Low volumes from 10 to 1,000 pieces
- Manufacturing in two to fifteen days
- Complex board support – flex, HDI, high layer counts
- Qualification testing and analysis
- Pricing is generally higher than Asian fabs
- ITAR registered manufacturer based in USA
Sierra Circuits produces quality boards meeting rigid standards, ideal for defense, aerospace, medical and other specialized industries.
Sunstone Circuits
Sunstone Circuits provides quick-turn fabrication of prototype through low volume PCB production runs. They offer:
- Low volume batches from 25 to 500 pieces
- Lead times ranging from 5 to 15 days
- 1 to 12 layer designs with basic assembly
- Limited engineering engagement
- Instant online quoting and ordering
- Manufacturing facilities in the USA
Sunstone Circuits delivers fast, affordable prototype boards to verify functionality before mass production.
Comparison of Low Volume PCB Manufacturers
Here is a summary of the key capabilities of the top providers of low volume PCB fabrication and assembly:
| Company | Location | Volume Range | Layers | Lead Time | Assembly | DFM Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RayMing PCB & Assembly | China | 5 – 1,000 | 16+ | 3 – 15 days | Advanced | Full team |
| PCBWay | China | 5 – 1,000 | 6 max | 1 – 5 days | Basic | Limited |
| JLCPCB | China | 5 – 1,000 | 2-4 | 24 Hours | Basic | Minimal |
| ALLPCB | China | 1 – 1,000 | 12 max | 3 – 5 days | Basic | Dedicated engineer |
| Elecrow | China | 5 – 1,000 | 2-4 | 24 Hours | None | Minimal |
| Advanced Circuits | USA | 25 – 1,000 | 16 max | 24 Hours | Basic | Included |
| Sierra Circuits | USA | 10 – 1,000 | 16+ | 5 – 15 days | None | Included |
| Sunstone Circuits | USA | 25 – 500 | 12 max | 5 – 15 days | Basic | Minimal |
Conclusion
Validating PCB prototypes and producing initial pilot volumes requires selecting an expert low volume manufacturing partner. This article reviewed the key capabilities offered by leading providers of small batch PCB fabrication and assembly.
Based on production expertise, engineering support, quality, cost and customer service factors, RayMing PCB & Assembly stands out as the premier low volume PCB manufacturer. Their advanced manufacturing facilities combined with skilled engineering resources make RayMing the ideal partner for low volume circuit board production needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about low volume PCB manufacturing:
Q: What are typical volume ranges considered “low volume” PCB production?
Low volume PCB production typically refers to quantities from 1 to 1,000 pieces, sometimes up to 5,000 pieces. This range is suitable for prototyping and initial short-run manufacturing.
Q: What types of PCBs can be produced in low volumes?
Nearly any PCB design from single-sided boards to advanced multilayer, HDI, flexible and rigid-flex can be produced in low volumes. The key is finding a manufacturer capable of supporting the design complexity in short runs.
Q: How are lead times for delivery of low volume PCB orders?
Lead times can range from 24 hours for rush fabrication of simple boards to 15 days for complex multilayer designs. Assembly lead times are typically 3-5 days beyond PCB fabrication time.
Q: What are the cost differences between low and high volume PCB production?
Low volume PCBs typically cost significantly more per unit than high volume orders. Small batches sizes cannot take advantage of larger volume pricing discounts.
Q: Are there quality or reliability risks with low volume PCB production?
There should be minimal risks if working with a proven, high quality manufacturer. Reliable suppliers will utilize the same standards and processes regardless of order quantities.