Short answer: A prototype PCB assembly run of 5–20 boards in Finland typically costs €800–€3,000 in total, dominated by one-off costs (stencil, programming, setup) and expedited components. In series production the unit price is usually 60–75 % components, 10–20 % bare PCB and only 10–20 % assembly labour and test. The fastest way to lower cost per board is a manufacturable design and a BOM with alternates, not a cheaper assembly shop.
What is included in a PCB assembly price?
A complete quote from an EMS (electronics manufacturing services) partner covers four buckets. Understanding them explains why two quotes for the “same” board can differ by 40 %.
| Cost bucket | Typical share of unit cost | What changes it |
|---|---|---|
| Components (BOM) | 60–75 % | Part selection, alternates, MOQ, reels vs cut tape, market allocation |
| Bare PCB fabrication | 10–20 % | Layer count, stack-up, surface finish, panel utilisation, tolerances |
| Assembly labour & test | 10–20 % | Number of placements, THT vs SMT, double-sided, test coverage |
| NRE (one-off) | €300–€1,500 per revision | Stencil, machine programming, test fixture, first-article inspection |
What does a prototype run cost?
For a typical industrial controller board (150–400 components, 4–6 layers, 5–20 pieces) we see totals of roughly €800–€3,000. About half is NRE and expedited part buying, which is why the second revision is almost always cheaper than the first.
What does series production cost per board?
In series the NRE is amortised and component pricing improves with full reels. For the same board at 500–2,000 pieces per year, assembly and test typically fall to €4–€15 per board, and the component cost becomes the number worth negotiating.
Five levers that lower the price per board
- Design for manufacturing (DFM): fewer part types, one-sided SMT where possible, standard footprints.
- BOM with approved alternates for every commodity part so buyers can avoid allocation pricing.
- Panelisation that fills the SMT panel; scrap borders are paid for but not shipped.
- Test strategy matched to volume: flying probe for small runs, fixture-based tests for series.
- Forecast: a 12-month rolling forecast lets the partner buy on reels and schedule production instead of expediting.
Key facts
- Rule of thumb: components ≈ 2/3 of series unit cost in industrial electronics.
- A second revision of the same board is typically 20–40 % cheaper than the first prototype run.
- Lead-free (RoHS) assembly no longer carries a price premium in Europe.
- Comtec Labs quotes include NRE as separate lines, so you can compare like with like.
How to get an accurate quote
Send the Gerber or ODB++ files, a BOM with manufacturer part numbers, the pick-and-place file and the quantities you actually expect over 12 months. See our checklist on what files a PCB assembly quote needs. Comtec Labs typically returns a prototype quote within two working days.
Frequently asked questions
Is PCB assembly cheaper in Asia than in Finland?
The assembly labour line is lower in Asia, but for low and mid volumes the landed cost is often equal or higher once freight, duties, travel, rework and inventory are included. For prototypes and series under a few thousand units per year, a European EMS is usually cost-neutral and faster.
What is NRE in PCB assembly?
Non-recurring engineering: one-off costs such as the solder-paste stencil, machine programming, test fixture and first-article inspection. NRE is paid once per board revision.
Does Comtec Labs have a minimum order?
No formal minimum. We build from one prototype upward; the price per board simply reflects the one-off costs of a small run.
How fast can I get a PCB assembly quote?
Usually within two working days when the file set is complete.
Ready to reduce PCB surprises?
Comtec Labs offers a full suite of services to streamline your workflow:
PCB design service
PCB prototyping service
PCB component sourcing
PCB component assembly
PCB testing service
PCB repair and modifications
Printed circuit board production
PCB mass production