It's Only Common Sense: Leveraging AI in Your Sales Strategy
Dan’s Biz Bookshelf: 'Hidden Potential: The Science of Achieving Greater Things'
Trouble in Your Tank: Minimizing Small-via Defects for High-reliability PCBs
PCB007 Magazine: November 2024—Engineering Economics
November 18, 2024 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamEstimated reading time: Less than a minute
The real cost to manufacture a PCB, often referred to as the "loaded cost," encompasses everything that goes into making that final circuit board product: the materials and other value-added supplies, machine and personnel costs, and most importantly, your quality.
Sometimes called "Engineering Economics," there are many things one should be aware of to truly understand real costs. But of course, yield is everything in this business and building more accuracy into our boards as well as finding defects before too much cost is built into the boards is critical to a PCB fabricator’s success.
In the November 2024 issue of PCB007 Magazine, we examine the real cost of manufacture through several different lenses. Featured are Richard Koensgren of ICAPE, Matt Stevenson and Doug Palladino of ASC Sunstone, Dr. Pat Valentine of Uyemura, Happy Holden, and Dan Beaulieu.
Share on:
Testimonial
"Our marketing partnership with I-Connect007 is already delivering. Just a day after our press release went live, we received a direct inquiry about our updated products!"
Rachael Temple - AlltematedSuggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
08/15/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007In our industry, my top reads include Prashant Patel’s overview and argument for reshoring, which I found to be a great general overview and breakdown. In further support of the onshoring/reshoring message, I’m highlighting Nolan Johnson’s interview on the survey and report by the Reshoring Initiative. Check out my interview with USPAE’s Jim Will on the state of the flat panel display (FPD) industry and the risks associated with it for U.S. defense and critical infrastructure products.
Global Electronics Industry Remains Under Pressure from Rising Costs
08/04/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationThe global electronics manufacturing supply chain remains under pressure from rising costs, with 61% of firms reporting higher material costs and 54% noting increased labor expenses. according to the Global Electronics Association’s Sentiment of the Global Electronics Manufacturing Supply Chain Report.
Statement from the Global Electronics Association on the July 2025 Tariff on Copper Foil and Electronics-Grade Copper Inputs
07/31/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationWe are disappointed by today’s decision to impose a 50% tariff on imported copper foil and other essential materials critical to electronics manufacturing in the United States.
Direct Metallization: A Sustainable Shift in PCB Fabrication
07/31/2025 | Jim Watkowski, Harry Yang, and Mark Edwards, MacDermid Alpha Electronics SolutionsThe global electronics industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for more resilient supply chains and environmentally sustainable manufacturing practices. Printed circuit boards (PCBs), the backbone of interconnection for electronic devices, are at the center of this shift. Traditionally, PCB fabrication has relied heavily on electroless copper, a process that, while effective, is resource-intensive and environmentally hazardous. In response, many manufacturers are turning to direct metallization technologies as a cleaner, more efficient alternative.
Considering the Future of Impending Copper Tariffs
07/30/2025 | I-Connect007 Editorial TeamThe Global Electronics Association is alerting industry members that a potential 50% tariff on copper could hit U.S. electronics manufacturers where it hurts.