Almost all electronic devices contain printed circuit boards, and the number of new electronic devices entering the market is constantly increasing. As a result, the demand for electronic components continues to grow, with some companies requiring prototypes and small batches, while others require larger quantities.

To stay competitive and relevant, companies are constantly seeking new and innovative products. They recognize the need to develop and launch products faster than ever, which is why producing in small batches has become more important than ever. Additionally, more and more companies are designing custom electronic solutions to very different problems, requiring only a small number of units to be produced.

This article identifies and explores the benefits that low-volume production can bring to your company.

Quick Response

Getting your product to market faster than your competition is critical. Therefore, turnaround time can be a key requirement when selecting a PCB assembly partner. We all know that producing smaller batches means less production time, which applies to build settings and assembly execution itself. Small batches can give you the momentum you need to be ready for mass production. Using small batches means we can release the first batch of new/improved products earlier than our competitors. It is also an invaluable tool for obtaining a large number of prototype boards for evaluation.

Cost-Effectiveness

Small batch production is different from mass production. Companies that offer high-volume production are often reluctant to change processes to facilitate low-volume production. Or, if adjustments are made, there are substantial one-time costs associated with them. High-volume manufacturers often charge a much higher minimum order quantity (MOQ) than the number of boards required. The price per board has dropped significantly, but is overshadowed by the number of "useful" boards. It is not wise to produce thousands of boards at a time if you can only sell a few hundred a month. The costs associated with managing small batches are much lower than processing large batches.

Design Flexibility

Small batches are great for design changes. Companies that produce circuit boards in low volumes have a higher level of agility and flexibility. It is not impossible to change the design during the setup phase or during actual operation. Likewise, low-volume companies are often able to accommodate special requests. Keeping the batch size low is especially important when the design is still a work in progress and further changes and improvements may be imminent. With the ever-increasing demand for new technology, it does not make sense to associate oneself with a particular iteration of their design through mass production.

Risk Reduction

There is often a concern that a particular design may not work as expected. Minor changes to prototypes may be required, but not fully understood, and low-volume production could be a good stepping stone to mass production. Fifty units could be produced to evaluate product performance and functionality.