Customers often ask how long it will take to get their PCBs manufactured from our factories in China. The answer is often quicker than they think, especially for small batch prototypes!
We have excellent partners in China whom we have built strong relationships with since we were formed in 1998. We visit the factories regularly to ensure our high quality standards are being adhered with.
Here we explain what the steps are for getting PCBs made in China, and how long it takes altogether.
Steps for manufacturing PCBs made in China
Step 1 – Quote
When a customer sends details of a part for a quote our UK team will dive into the data first and check what type of board is required. Depending on how complex the board is we will select which factory is best suited to the job. The delivery times are also key in choosing which of our suppliers to use. We can then send the customer a quote for the work, including how quickly it can be delivered.
Our delivery times are 6-10 days plus shipping from receipt of a confirmed order (with delivery of all Gerber data files) but it depends on the complexity of the board and how many are required.
Boards with more than 6 layers or where more than 100 are required can take longer, around 12-15 days plus shipping. Larger quantities of 1000-2000 can take an extra week or so.
Step 2 – Fine Tuning
If the customer wants to go ahead with the quote then they may raise engineering queries, which our technical team will respond to.
They help fine tune the board specification to ensure it is exactly what the customer needs, for example the panel size or any special requirements.
Step 3 – Place the Order
We can then place the order with the supplier who will go ahead and manufacture the boards. PCBs made in China use the latest technology and we can supply semi-flex, aluminium, RF and HDI PCBs, as well as traditional rigid boards.
Step 4 – Manufacturing Complete
When the boards have been completed they are shipped back to us from China. This can be by boat or plane, depending when the boards are required. To achieve our fastest delivery times the PCBs are usually sent by air. Larger orders are sent by sea, as they are not usually all required at once so are not so time-critical.
Step 5 – Inspection by UK team
When the boards are delivered to our UK base they will go through a full quality inspection. Any boards which fail our inspection levels will be added to a quarantine area.
Andy, our Quality Manager, will decide whether the issues with the board can be fixed or whether the panel needs to be scrapped.
Step 6 – Seal and Pack
The inspected boards are then sealed and packed, then placed into boxes. They are then sent to customers via DPD, who achieve a 90% one day delivery target.
Warehouse storage
If customers want to take advantage of lower prices for larger orders but don’t need all the boards immediately then we offer to deliver them when they are required. As we have a large warehouse we can store customers’ boards safely and deliver in multiple drops.
Contact us for a quote
If you are interested in PCBs made in China then call our UK team today on 01903 231901 or email sales@photronix.co.uk. Our team has decades of PCB manufacturing experience and can answer any technical queries you have.
There are currently issues worldwide sourcing high copper laminate 20z and above so we recommend that customers check delivery timescales with us as our usual timings may not be possible.