Contents
- Highlights
- Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide: Definition and Scope
- Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide Rules and Specifications
- Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide Implementation Steps
- Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide Troubleshooting
- Supplier Qualification Checklist: How to Vet Your Fab
- Glossary
- 6 Essential Rules for Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide (Cheat Sheet)
- FAQ
- Request a Quote / DFM Review for Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide
- Conclusion
In the world of hardware development, "Quick Turn" is more than just a marketing term—it is a specific manufacturing track designed to compress weeks of fabrication into hours. As a Senior CAM Engineer at APTPCB, I define a quick turn pcb lead time and pricing guide not merely as a price list, but as a strategic framework for balancing speed, manufacturability, and cost. It involves understanding how specific design choices (like via structures or surface finishes) physically alter the production line schedule and exponentially impact the final invoice.
When you request a 24-hour turn, you aren't just paying for priority; you are paying for a dedicated engineering review, immediate material allocation, and often, the interruption of standard production queues. This guide breaks down the mechanics of lead times and pricing, ensuring your NPI (New Product Introduction) hits the bench on time without blowing the budget.
Quick Answer
For engineers and procurement managers needing immediate clarity on quick turn pcb lead time and pricing guide, here are the critical parameters:
- Standard vs. Quick Turn: Standard production is typically 5–10 working days. Quick turn ranges from 24 hours to 72 hours depending on layer count.
- The Pricing Multiplier: Expect a premium of 30% to 100% over standard pricing for turns under 48 hours due to expedited labor and machine time.
- The #1 Delay Factor: Engineering Queries (EQ). If your data is unclear, the clock stops. A 24-hour turn becomes 48 hours if we wait 4 hours for a clarification on impedance.
- Material Stock Rule: To guarantee speed, stick to standard FR4 (TG150/170) stocked by the fab. Exotic materials (Rogers, Teflon) often have procurement lead times that negate quick turn fabrication speeds.
- Layer Count Threshold: 2-layer boards can reliably be done in 24 hours. 4-6 layers usually require 48 hours. High-layer counts (8+) or HDI designs typically require 72+ hours minimum due to lamination cycles.
- Cut-off Times: Most factories (including APTPCB) have a daily cut-off (e.g., 10:00 AM or 2:00 PM). Files received after this are counted as "Day 0" starting the next business day.
- Verification: Always run a DFM check before submission to prevent "Data Holds."
Highlights
- Cost Drivers: Learn how layer count, surface finish (ENIG vs. HASL), and copper weight directly dictate the expedite fee.
- The "Clock" Mechanics: Understand exactly when the lead time clock starts (EQ confirmation) and stops (shipment), and how weekends affect the count.
- Design for Speed: Specific layout techniques (like avoiding blind/buried vias) that physically allow the board to move faster through the factory.
- Batch Size Impact: Why ordering 5 prototypes is significantly faster and cheaper per unit of time than ordering 50 quick-turn boards.
- Hidden Bottlenecks: Identifying process steps like soldermask curing and silkscreening that cannot be rushed without compromising quality.
Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide: Definition and Scope
To navigate the quick turn pcb lead time and pricing guide effectively, one must understand the manufacturing reality behind the timeline. "Lead time" in PCB fabrication refers strictly to the production time—from the moment the engineering questions (EQ) are resolved to the moment the boards are packed for shipment. It does not include shipping transit time.
In a standard flow, boards are batched on large panels to optimize material usage. In a Quick Turn flow, your boards are often processed on dedicated panels or prioritized in the queue. This segregation is why pricing increases; we are often sacrificing material utilization efficiency for speed.
The scope of quick turn pricing is heavily influenced by "process complexity." A standard 2-layer board involves drilling, plating, etching, and masking. An HDI board involves sequential lamination—meaning the board must go through the press, drill, and plate cycle multiple times. Each cycle adds mandatory hours for heating, cooling, and curing that physics dictates cannot be skipped.
The Cost-Speed-Complexity Triangle
Pricing is generally calculated as: $$ \text{Total Price} = (\text{Base Cost} + \text{Engineering Fee}) \times \text{Expedite Multiplier} $$
The Expedite Multiplier is sensitive to risk. A 24-hour turn on a complex 8-layer board carries a high risk of yield loss. If a defect is found at the electrical test stage (hour 22), there is no time to remake it. Therefore, the pricing reflects both the speed and the risk mitigation required.
Tech / Decision Lever → Practical Impact
| Decision Lever / Spec | Practical Impact (Yield/Cost/Reliability) |
|---|---|
| Layer Count (2L vs. 6L+) | 2L can be etched instantly. 6L+ requires lamination (heat/pressure cycles), adding min. 12-24 hours to the physical limit. |
| Surface Finish (HASL vs. ENIG) | HASL is fast (minutes). ENIG requires a chemical line process that takes longer and costs more due to gold prices. |
| Via Tech (Through vs. Blind/Buried) | Blind/Buried vias require sequential lamination. This doubles or triples the production time and increases price by 50-100%. |
| Testing (Flying Probe vs. Fixture) | For prototypes (<10 units), Flying Probe is faster (no setup). For volume, fixtures are faster but take days to build. |
Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide Rules and Specifications
When designing for speed, you must adhere to "safe" specifications. Pushing the limits of manufacturing capabilities (like 3mil traces) increases the chance of inspection failures, which kills lead time.
For a detailed look at our standard capabilities, visit our PCB Capabilities page.
| Rule | Recommended Value | Why it matters | How to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material Selection | Standard FR4 (TG150) | Stocked immediately. Exotic materials (Rogers, Polyimide) may need ordering (3+ days). | Check Materials Inventory before ordering. |
| Trace/Space | ≥ 5mil / 5mil | Tighter spacing (3-4mil) requires slower etching and higher AOI scrutiny, risking delays. | Run DRC in CAD with 5mil min constraints. |
| Via Structure | Through-hole only | Eliminates sequential lamination cycles required for HDI (Blind/Buried). | Visual check of stackup; ensure no drill pairs span partial layers. |
| Solder Mask | Green | Green cures the fastest and is always on the coating line. Colors like White/Black require line flushing. | Specify "Green" in fabrication notes. |
| Silkscreen | White | Standard contrast with Green mask; cures reliably. | Specify "White" in fabrication notes. |
| Surface Finish | HASL (Leaded or Lead-Free) | Fastest application process. ENIG or Hard Gold adds processing time. | Select HASL for <48h turns unless flatness is critical (e.g., BGA). |
Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide Implementation Steps
Achieving a true quick turn requires synchronization between the designer and the manufacturer. It is not enough to just select "24 Hours" on a web form; the data must be pristine.
Implementation Process
Step-by-step execution guide for NPI speed
Before routing, confirm the manufacturer has your desired laminate thickness and copper weight in stock. Use a standard stackup (e.g., JLC04161H-3313) to avoid custom pressing delays.
Submit Gerber files for a "DFM Only" check 24 hours before the final PO. This identifies missing drill files, annular ring violations, or ambiguous notes without stopping the production clock.
Once ordered, monitor your email/portal intensely for the first 4 hours. Engineering Queries (EQ) pause the timer. Provide a 24/7 contact number for the CAM engineer to resolve issues instantly.
Manufacturing speed is useless if shipping is slow. Select "Priority International" (DHL/FedEx Priority). Ensure your commercial invoice value is accurate to prevent customs holds.
Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide Troubleshooting
Even with the best planning, delays happen. Here are the most common failure modes in quick turn fabrication and how to fix them.
1. The "Ambiguous Stackup" Hold
Problem: The designer specifies "controlled impedance" but doesn't provide a stackup table or target dielectric thickness. Fix: Explicitly state: "Use vendor standard 4-layer stackup for 50-ohm impedance on 5mil traces." Or, provide the exact dielectric thickness required. Resource: Use our Impedance Calculator to verify your trace widths match standard stackups.
2. The "Via-in-Pad" Surprise
Problem: The design has vias placed in component pads (Via-in-Pad) but the PO doesn't request "POFV" (Plated Over Filled Via). Fix: The CAM engineer will hold the job to ask if you want to pay for filling (expensive/slow) or move the vias (design change). Prevention: If you need speed, fan out vias away from pads (dog-bone style). If you need HDI PCB features, accept the longer lead time.
3. Solder Mask Clearance Violations
Problem: Mask openings are too large, exposing adjacent copper traces, or too small, covering pads. Fix: Set a global rule of 2-3mil (0.05mm - 0.075mm) expansion. Do not set it to 0 unless you are using defined pads, which requires clarification.
Supplier Qualification Checklist: How to Vet Your Fab
Not all manufacturers who claim "24-hour turn" can deliver it reliably. Use this checklist to vet your partner.
- Shift Structure: Does the CAM engineering team work 24/7 or at least overlapping shifts? (Crucial for resolving EQs overnight).
- Lamination Capacity: Is lamination done in-house? (Outsourced lamination guarantees a minimum 3-day lead time).
- Stock Inventory: Do they keep high-frequency materials (like Rogers PCB) in stock, or order on demand?
- Cut-off Time Definition: What is the exact time zone and hour for the daily cut-off? (e.g., 2:00 PM GMT+8).
- Weekend Operations: Does "3 days" include Saturday/Sunday? (True quick turn shops run production through weekends).
- Expedite Refund Policy: If they miss the 24-hour target, is the expedite fee refunded?
Glossary
Cut-off Time: The daily deadline for file submission. Files received after this time are processed as if received the next business day. EQ (Engineering Query): A question raised by the manufacturer regarding discrepancies in the design files. The lead time clock is typically paused while an EQ is open. WIP (Work In Progress): The status of the PCB as it moves through various manufacturing stages (drilling, plating, etching). Panelization: The process of arranging multiple PCB designs or copies onto a large manufacturing panel. Quick turn often uses "shared panels" or dedicated "prototype panels." Turn-Time: The time from the start of production (after EQ approval) to the time the product is ready for shipping.
6 Essential Rules for Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide (Cheat Sheet)
| Rule / Guideline | Why It Matters (Physics/Cost) | Target Value / Action |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Materials Only | Ordering non-stock material adds 3-5 days before production starts. | FR4 TG150/170 |
| Limit Layer Count | Lamination cycles are the biggest time-sink. 2L is fastest. | 2 or 4 Layers (for <24h) |
| Standard Colors | Batching efficiency. Custom colors require line cleaning. | Green Mask / White Silk |
| Avoid Via-in-Pad | Requires extra plating/capping steps (POFV), adding ~24 hours. | Dog-bone fanout |
| Robust Spacing | Tight spacing risks shorts and requires manual rework/inspection. | ≥ 5mil / 0.127mm |
| File Format | Ambiguous formats cause CAM delays. | ODB++ or Gerber X2 |
FAQ
Q: How much more does a 24-hour turn cost compared to a standard 5-day turn?
A: Typically, you can expect a premium of 50% to 100% on the PCB fabrication cost. This covers the disruption to the standard production queue and dedicated handling. However, for small prototype batches, the absolute dollar difference might be small (e.g., $50 vs $100).
Q: Does the lead time include shipping?
A: No. Lead time is strictly "Ex-Works" (manufacturing time). Shipping time depends on the carrier (DHL/FedEx/UPS) and usually adds 2-4 days for international delivery.
Q: Can you do Quick Turn for Rigid-Flex PCB?
A: Yes, but "Quick" for Rigid-Flex is different. Due to the complexity of combining polyimide and FR4, a fast turn for Rigid-Flex is typically 5-7 days, whereas standard is 12-15 days. 24-hour Rigid-Flex is generally not physically possible due to adhesive curing times.
Q: If I order PCBA (Assembly) as well, does the PCB lead time apply?
A: Turnkey Assembly has two components: PCB Fab time + Component Procurement/Assembly time. While we can fabricate the bare board in 24 hours, component procurement usually dictates the final schedule. We offer "kitted" quick turn assembly where you supply the parts to speed this up.
Q: What happens if my files fail the DFM check?
A: The job goes on "EQ Hold." The clock stops. It restarts only when you provide the corrected files or authorize us to make the fix. This is why pre-order DFM is crucial.
Q: Can I get a quick turn on a weekend?
A: At APTPCB, our production lines run 24/7. However, shipping carriers often do not pick up on Sundays. A job finished on Sunday morning might not physically leave the dock until Monday evening. ---
Request a Quote / DFM Review for Quick Turn PCB Lead Time and Pricing Guide
Ready to move fast? To get an accurate quote and immediate DFM feedback for your quick turn project, please prepare the following:
- Gerber Files: RS-274X or ODB++ format (preferred).
- Drill File: NC Drill format with a tool list.
- Read Me / Fab Note: Specify Layer Count, Material (TG value), Copper Weight, Surface Finish, and Required Lead Time.
- Quantity: Be specific (e.g., "5 pieces for prototype").
Send these details to our engineering team via our Quote Page.
Conclusion
Mastering the quick turn pcb lead time and pricing guide is about managing trade-offs. By simplifying your stackup, using standard materials, and ensuring your data is error-free, you can reliably hit 24-hour or 48-hour targets without breaking the bank. Speed is a collaborative effort between the designer and the CAM engineer.
If you have a tight deadline, don't guess—ask us first. We can guide you on which specs to relax to ensure your boards fly through the factory.
Signed, The Engineering Team at APTPCB