Understanding PCB Panelization and Its Impact on Cost
I was ordering a PCB from JLCPCB with a size of 8cm*4cm, 4 layers board. When I placed an order for 15 pieces it came out about $20. But when I increased the amount of PCB to 20 pieces, the board price increased drastically to about 40 dollars. When I ask they said it's pcb panelization. How does this affect the cost. @PCB & Analog
Solution:Jump to solution
In other terms :
PCB panelization involves placing multiple PCB designs onto a single larger panel for manufacturing efficiency. When you increase the quantity from 15 to 20 pieces, it might exceed the maximum number of PCBs that can fit on a single panel efficiently, requiring an additional panel. This can result in higher manufacturing costs, thus increasing the price per board. Essentially, you're paying for the additional material and manufacturing process required for the extra panel(s)....
5 Replies
I think it's related to Copper plate that should enter the machine for manufacturing, 15 seems to use only one plate and for 20 they'll be using 2 of them and the second one the majority of it will be thrown as Droppings
Try increasing the amount to 29 for example and it will stay nearly 40$
Solution
In other terms :
PCB panelization involves placing multiple PCB designs onto a single larger panel for manufacturing efficiency. When you increase the quantity from 15 to 20 pieces, it might exceed the maximum number of PCBs that can fit on a single panel efficiently, requiring an additional panel. This can result in higher manufacturing costs, thus increasing the price per board. Essentially, you're paying for the additional material and manufacturing process required for the extra panel(s).
Most times PCB fabricators do produce there PCB boards in panels which are of various sizes. When do do pay you pay more for the panel not just the design itself. So for your design the extra 5 pieces you added increased the number of panels. Let's say to two panels, which then increased cost.
It's always adviceable to know how your fab house do there panelization and with you can determine the size of your board to the number of boards that will be produced to reduce cost