Prototype Printed Circuit Board (PCB): Where you buy, is as important

When buying a prototype PCB you will be ahead in the long run if you do your research and buy from a company that has experience in this area, understands the process, will help you make good buying decisions and will stand by their work (and you) in your time of need.

If it was easy, everyone would do it. It does not matter what the “it” is, this maxim holds true. For example, if it were easy to predict which stock was going to rise tomorrow, everyone would buy it today.

The same is true in prototyping a printed circuit board. Since everyone does not do this, it stands to reason that you want to work with a firm with experience in this area. The experience of the firm you are hiring will be a resource to you. They will help you through the prototype process and all the way through to manufacturing.

Their understanding of the nature of prototyping; the need for changes, the time pressures involved and the desire to smoothly move to production from a successful prototype, are important to you as you move through the process.

If you select the right company, they will also help you to make a good buying decision both when buying prototypes from them and when it comes to production runs. Have you ever found out, after you spent $1000, that for $50 more you could have had 10 prototypes instead of two prototypes. Or, that you could have gotten them in 1 week instead of three weeks? 

Have you ever been in a situation where the fix, to take your prototype from its present state to production ready will be easy. There is just one obstacle to tackle and it is easy. It will only take a few minutes and only cost a few dollars to reconcile. If you have been through this sort of thing, you know that this will be the most expensive part of your project.

Not only can they help you to make a good buying decision when you buy from them, they can also help you to make a good buying decision as your needs grow. Pick the right firm and you will have a resource.

Lastly, they should stand behind you, their manufacturing process and the product they produce for you.  You want a firm that will take ownership of the process. The last thing you want to hear is that their vendor was late to them, or that they are not responsible for that piece of the project. That is maddening and unprofessional.

All issues and responsibilities should be agreed upon up front. Your prototype house will not be able to make miracles or solve problems they are unaware of or did not contract to fix. But they should work with you to make you aware of potential pitfalls and help you to avoid them.

The best way to get this is to thoroughly interview a firm before hiring them. Tell them issues that are of concern and ask how they have handled them in the past.

Lastly make sure you both agree upon the scope of work before beginning. Don’t expect them to work for free or do work that is beyond the agreed upon scope of work. Do hold them accountable for the work they do and make them a partner in the prototyping process. It will pay dividends for you and reduce stress at the same time.

Author bio:-

Harris is the vice-president (Sales) – Liberty supply specializes in prototyping, designing and production of printed circuit board into many industries. Libertyaz also supplier of pressure gauges, alemite and grease guns.