Rigid printed circuit boards or PCBs are circuit boards used in electronic devices to connect components and mechanically control electrical currents of the device. Rigid PCBs are more dependable and less expensive to manufacture than other technology, such as point-to-point circuits. However, PCBs take longer to design. The money saved in manufacturing rigid PCBs will outweigh the time spent creating a rigid printed circuit board.

There is one basic discussion that all companies needing rigid PCBs must have; how many layers does the PCB need? The layers of the circuit boards dictate the amount of connections and the amount of complexity the circuit board can withstand. There are three sets of layers which your company can choose from: two to six layer boards, boards with eight to 14 layers and boards with 16 or more layers. Discuss your options and choose an amount of layers from the list below.

1. Locate suppliers of two to six layer rigid PCBs.

2. Buy rigid PCBs with eight to 14 layers.

3. Find rigid PCB manufacturers for 16 or more layered PCBs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Buy rigid PCBs with two to six layers

Two to six layer rigid PCBs are commonly used in prototypes or simple electronic devices. The initial design and manufacturing of this type of rigid PCB is the least expensive of the three types listed here.

I recommend: Locate rigid PCB fabrication for PCBs with two to six layers at Sunstone Circuits. Hughes Circuits is one of the leading rigid printed circuit board suppliers. Get a quote for a prototype of manufacturing from a major rigid PCB supplier at Screaming Circuits.

Locate eight to 14 layer rigid PCB suppliers

Suppliers of rigid PCBs with eight to 14 layers normally make both single and double side PCBs. These all use hot air leveling and multiple kinds of finishes to fit an array of PCB needs.

I recommend: Find rigid printed circuit boards with up to 12 layers at Printed Circuits. Advanced Circuits is one of the largest makers of rigid PCBs in the United States. A-FLEX creates rigid flex PCB and rigid PCBs with up to 12 layers.

Contact rigid printed circuit board suppliers for PCBs with more than 16 layers

These large layered rigid printed circuit boards are the most expensive of all the boards. However, these boards are designed to control large and complicated electronic devices.

I recommend: Buy rigid flex printed circuit boards with up to 28 layers at Circuit Express. Super PCB manufactures rigid printed circuit boards with up to 22 layers. Find rigid flex PCBs at Lenthor, with up to 30 layers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are in need of a rigid PCB and do not have the capabilities to design it yourself, most manufacturers will assist you in the design for a small fee.