Rogers 4003 PCBs remain one of the most trusted materials in 2025 for high-frequency and RF circuit applications. Their excellent electrical performance, thermal stability, and compatibility with standard FR4 processes make them a popular choice for microwave, radar, and advanced communication designs.
But how much should you expect to pay for Rogers 4003 PCBs today? This guide will walk you through the real costs based on various specifications and order volumes. We’ll also share pricing tips to help you reduce your cost per unit without sacrificing quality.
1. Why Rogers 4003 Still Matters in 2025
Rogers 4003 is highly valued in RF design for the following reasons:
- It offers a stable dielectric constant of approximately 3.38 across a wide frequency range.
- The dissipation factor is very low—about 0.0027 at 10GHz—minimizing signal loss.
- It behaves similarly to FR4 during manufacturing, reducing processing difficulty.
- It’s ideal for RF circuits, antennas, filters, and satellite communications.
2. What Is Rogers 4003 Material?
Rogers 4003, also known as RO4003C, is a hydrocarbon ceramic-filled laminate engineered for performance in high-frequency PCBs. It provides:
- Consistent impedance control
- Minimal signal loss
- Compatibility with multi-layer structures
- A good balance between performance and processability
It is often used in microwave and RF designs, especially where signal integrity is critical.
3. Average Rogers 4003 PCB Price in 2025
Here are typical prices you can expect:
- A 2-layer Rogers 4003 PCB with standard specs (1.6mm thick, 1oz copper) costs between $180 and $250 per square meter for small quantities.
- If you order in volume (e.g., 100 pieces or more), the price drops to about $90 to $120 per square meter.
- A small prototype (for example, a 50mm x 50mm board) typically costs $12 to $18 per piece, depending on the finish and layer count.
- A 4-layer version may cost between $280 and $400 per square meter at low volume, and around $160 to $220 per square meter for bulk production.
4. Key Factors That Influence Rogers 4003 PCB Price
Several technical and manufacturing-related factors directly impact the final price of a Rogers 4003 PCB:
- Copper Weight: Standard is 1oz, but upgrading to 2oz copper typically increases the cost by $15 to $25 per square meter.
- Board Thickness: Common thickness ranges from 0.813mm to 1.6mm. Boards thicker than 2.0mm may add $10 to $18 per square meter.
- Controlled Impedance: This requirement increases complexity and usually adds a setup fee of $20 to $35, along with a per-unit increase of $5 per square meter.
- Surface Finish: ENIG finish is popular for Rogers boards and adds about $16 to $25 per square meter.
- Drilling Requirements: Using laser drills or microvias adds an extra $60 to $100 per order.
For example, if you use 2oz copper, ENIG finish, and require controlled impedance, the price of a 4-layer board can quickly reach $350 to $450 per square meter.
5. Rogers 4003 vs FR4: Price and Performance Comparison
Here’s how Rogers 4003 compares to standard FR4:
- Rogers 4003 offers significantly better high-frequency performance due to its low dielectric loss.
- In contrast, FR4 is more cost-effective but unsuitable for precision RF applications.
- While FR4 boards cost around $40 to $60 per square meter, Rogers 4003 boards start at $180 to $250, depending on the design.
- For RF-critical designs, the investment in Rogers 4003 is well worth the added cost.
6. Global Pricing Comparison: China vs USA vs Europe
In terms of international pricing trends in 2025:
- China remains the most cost-effective, offering 2-layer Rogers 4003 PCBs (100mm x 100mm) for $14 to $20 per piece with a lead time of 5–7 days.
- United States manufacturers typically charge $28 to $45 per piece, with delivery in 7–10 days.
- Europe is the most expensive region, with costs ranging from $32 to $50 per piece and lead times between 7–12 days.
Ordering from Asia remains the best option for cost-sensitive projects.
7. Bulk Order or Prototype? Price Differences Explained
Pricing changes significantly based on order quantity:
- For prototypes under 10 pieces, expect to pay $15 to $22 per unit, depending on size and complexity.
- For small batch orders of 100 pieces, the price drops to about $7 to $10 per unit.
- For mass production orders (1,000+ pieces), pricing falls even further to $3.80 to $6.50 per unit.
The larger the batch, the lower the per-unit cost, thanks to amortized setup and tooling expenses.
Beyond the base price, keep an eye on additional charges that could impact your budget:
- Tooling or setup fees are often charged once per design and range from $30 to $80.
- Panel waste from inefficient layout may increase cost by $8 to $15 per square meter.
- Premium surface finishes like ENIG can raise prices by $16 to $25 per square meter.
- Custom packaging for export may cost $20 to $40 per order, especially for anti-static handling.
- Shipping fees via DHL or UPS vary, typically adding $35 to $100 based on volume and region.
- Import duties for destinations like the US and Europe range between 5% and 12% of the declared value.
For instance, if you order 10 prototype boards from China, your total hidden logistics and packaging costs may add up to $40 to $60.
9. How to Get the Best Price for Rogers 4003 PCBs
Here are tips to help you save money on Rogers 4003 PCBs without compromising quality:
- Always provide clear and complete design specifications, including copper weight, layer count, board thickness, impedance needs, and preferred surface finish.
- Choose HASL finish for prototypes instead of ENIG if cost is a priority. This could save $12 to $18 per square meter.
- Stick to standard copper thickness (1oz) unless higher current capacity is needed. Upgrading to 2oz costs more.
- Use standard panel sizes, like 250mm x 250mm, to reduce fabrication waste and cost.
- Request tiered quotes to see how much you can save by increasing your order quantity.
At KingSunPCB, for example, a 2-layer Rogers 4003 board measuring 50mm x 50mm costs:
- $16 per unit for 10 pieces
- $6.80 per unit for 100 pieces
- $3.90 per unit for 1,000 pieces
Volume discounts can dramatically lower your average cost.
10. Why Choose KingSunPCB for Rogers 4003 PCB Manufacturing?
Here’s what makes KingSunPCB a trusted partner for RF and high-frequency PCB manufacturing:
- Rapid lead times—just 2–5 days for prototypes
- Competitive factory-direct pricing
- Free DFM analysis and impedance consultation
- Advanced capabilities including ENIG, HDI, and laser drilling
- Global logistics network covering 50+ countries
11. Conclusion: Making Smart PCB Cost Decisions in 2025
Choosing Rogers 4003 over standard materials ensures superior signal performance for RF applications, but it comes at a higher price. By understanding the key cost drivers and ordering smartly, you can balance performance and budget effectively. Whether you’re ordering a prototype or going into full production, getting the details right will help you minimize costs and maximize value.
12. FAQ: Common Questions About Rogers 4003 PCB Pricing
Q1: Is Rogers 4003 necessary for all RF applications?
Not always, but it’s highly recommended when signal integrity is critical above 1GHz.
Q2: What causes cost differences between suppliers?
Experience with Rogers materials, drill technology, volume capability, and panel utilization all play a role.
Q3: Can I avoid tooling fees on repeat orders?
Yes, most manufacturers charge tooling once per design unless the Gerber files change.
Q4: Do I need ENIG for Rogers PCBs?
It depends. ENIG is often preferred for RF boards, but HASL is acceptable for non-critical uses.