Ordering a single PCB: how quantity affects the price
Prototypes from 1 piece are the normal case; here is why the first boards cost more per piece and how to plan small orders.
Yes, from 1 piece
You do not need to order a minimum quantity. A single prototype board can be quoted and made like any other order, in the same choice of layers, materials, colours and delivery formats.
Why one board costs more per piece
Part of the work does not depend on how many boards you order: reading and checking the files, preparing the production data, setting up the machines and testing. That fixed part is shared by all the boards of the order, so with a larger quantity each board carries a smaller share of it. The material and the processing of each board stay the same.
See the effect in the calculator
The price calculator shows a table of prices by quantity for your configuration. Compare the price per board at your quantity with the next steps up: often a few more boards cost little more in total, and you have spares for testing and assembly mistakes.
Practical tips for small orders
- Order a few more boards than you need for the first assembly.
- Choose single boards when you assemble by hand; a panel helps when a machine assembles the boards (see panelization).
- Keep the specification of a prototype close to the one you plan for the series, so that the prices stay comparable (see from prototype to series).
- Check the files before you order, to avoid a second round (see the DFM checklist).
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum order quantity?
No. You can order from 1 piece, and the calculator shows the price for your quantity.
Why is the price of 10 boards not ten times the price of one?
Because the fixed work of preparation and setup is shared by all the boards. The price of the material and processing grows with the number of boards, but the fixed part does not.
Does a panel make small orders cheaper?
Not by itself: if you define a panel, the area of the whole panel counts. A panel is chosen for assembly reasons; see the panelization guide.
Browse the questions and answers →
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