From Standard to Standout: Using Purple PCBs in Your PCBA Projects
In the world of electronics manufacturing, printed circuit boards (PCBs) are typically associated with traditional green. However, as aesthetics and branding become more significant in product development, purple PCBs are emerging as a bold and memorable choice for engineers and designers alike. In this article, we explore the appeal of purple PCBs and how they can elevate your PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) projects from standard to standout.
Why Are Most PCBs Green?
Before diving into purple, it’s worth understanding why green has been the industry norm. The green color comes from the solder mask, a protective layer applied over the copper traces of the PCB. Green became standard due to:
- Historical availability
- High visibility for inspection
- Cost-effectiveness in mass production
But as manufacturing technologies evolve and customization becomes more accessible, the choice of color is no longer limited to green.
The Rise of Purple PCBs
Purple PCBs are gaining attention not just for their unique look but also for what they represent—innovation, individuality, and brand personality. Companies like SparkFun helped popularize them, and many hobbyists and startups now use purple boards as a signature look.
Key Benefits of Purple PCBs:
- Brand differentiation: Stand out from competitors with a distinctive product look.
- User engagement: Aesthetic appeal can enhance unboxing experiences or make development kits more exciting.
- Prototyping visibility: Color-coded boards can help identify different project stages.
Are There Any Technical Differences?
Functionally, purple PCBs perform the same as green, blue, red, or black ones—assuming the solder mask material and thickness are consistent. However, it’s important to note:
- Cost: Purple may be slightly more expensive due to less common use.
- Availability: Not all PCB fabs offer purple solder mask by default.
- Contrast: Silkscreen readability on purple varies by the ink color used (white is usually best).
Using Purple PCBs in Turnkey PCBA Projects
At PCBasic, we support full turnkey PCBA services—including the option to fabricate custom-colored PCBs such as purple. Whether you’re launching a product, building a dev board, or crafting a prototype that stands out, we make it easy to customize both the form and function.
Our turnkey service includes:
- Custom PCB fabrication (including purple solder mask)
- BOM sourcing and procurement
- SMT and through-hole assembly
- AOI/X-ray/functional testing
- Fast lead times and worldwide delivery
Make a Statement with Color
In a market flooded with standard green boards, choosing a purple PCB for your next PCBA project isn’t just about looks—it’s about identity, creativity, and making a lasting impression. Whether you’re a startup looking to define your product’s image or an engineer creating a memorable dev kit, purple PCBs provide a vibrant path from standard to standout.
Ready to go purple?
Contact PCBasic for a turnkey solution that brings both performance and personality to your project.
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