Author Topic: Experiences with pcb manufacturers? (Read 3488 times)

SmAsH · « **on:** December 29, 2009, 01:01:35 AM »

Hi all, i was just wondering if anyone here has had experience in getting pcbs manufactured in low quantity.
I have a board that is about 64x64mm double sided and i am trying to figure out whether i should go for a manufacturer to make my pcb's or whether i should just make them myself. I only need 2 or 3.

I have been looking around at many different pcb houses and the cheapest i could find was sparkfuns pcb service coming in at about $15 a board...

Please, if you have any experience in this area please let me know who you used, how many boards and how much it cost.

Regards,
James.

Joker94 · « **Reply #1 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:06:55 AM »

well the biggest problem is the set up fee. I contacted one once but it was really expensive about 50 a board.

By the way what are you making/ designing.

Joker94

SmAsH · « **Reply #2 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:18:41 AM »

I'm just looking at designing a board based around the mega32...
The setup fee isn't too bad at sparkfun, actually... I don't think there is one...
It's just a flat $2.50/sq" but the shipping would kill me, hence why it isn't recommended for international customers.

Joker94 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:22:00 AM »

when put some thing into my carrt it was only 3.44 shipping

i'l have a look around to

is it cheaper to get more?

Joker94

Joker94 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:26:21 AM »

do you want silk screen?

SmAsH · « **Reply #5 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:53:15 AM »

Nah, silkscreen wont be needed, its only a prototype...
The boards price comes down the more you order.

Joker94 · « **Reply #6 on:** December 29, 2009, 01:56:43 AM »

well if you want send me the design, i'll have a look and if i like it i'll buy a couple to have a play with.

What do you think.

Joker94

oh and i checked futurlec and there prices are crazy.(18 buck setup)

SmAsH · « **Reply #7 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:05:44 AM »

Yeah, when im finished the design ill send you a copy..
I gotta get used to the chip first.

Joker94 · « **Reply #8 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:26:28 AM »

how many pins 44?

SmAsH · « **Reply #9 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:30:42 AM »

Joker94 · « **Reply #10 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:41:34 AM »

i found this place in SA. I expect it is expensice but when you have finishe the design email them with all the details. I have contacted them before and they ask -finish-silk screen- holes-assembly etc.

i wouldnt know how expensive they are but they are australian based so you never know.

http://www.imppc.com.au/

Joker94

Joker94 · « **Reply #11 on:** December 29, 2009, 02:49:50 AM »

found another Au based place.

and a very detailed free quote system and you can choose colour and every thing, againg i dont know about the price but its worth a look.

http://www.pcbws.com.au/

Joker94

SmAsH · « **Reply #12 on:** December 29, 2009, 03:55:22 AM »

Well, ive looked at about 10-15 different places over the past few days and decided i might just etch the first few designs myself as that will cost me a couple of bucks and i get to evaluate and change the design wherever i want.'
If that fails im just going to go with Batchpcb as they will only come out to $15-$20 plus shipping.

Joker94 · « **Reply #13 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:01:12 AM »

thats a good idea.

I would still greatly appreciate a copy of the design if that is possible.

Thanks Joker94

SmAsH · « **Reply #14 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:11:55 AM »

Yeah, ill send one to you when im done making it.
Just a question, how long did your last futurlec order take to get to you and how much did you spend?

Joker94 · « **Reply #15 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:34:11 AM »

well both orders pretty much 10 working days.

1st order 96

2nd order 48

Why the cost?

SmAsH · « **Reply #16 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:45:40 AM »

Well, i figured bigger orders would take longer in transit...
That's good, I'm hoping all of my stuff gets here before i leave for Sydney...
I'm going to get angry if it arrives while i'm away...
So far the stuff I've got coming that week are:
Ipod touch screen
Parkway Drive tickets
Programmer
And my futurlec order so I'm praying it all comes before the 7th of jan $:-\$

Joker94 · « **Reply #17 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:49:37 AM »

well i hope it does. If it doesnt it will be at the post office when you get back.

SmAsH · « **Reply #18 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:51:00 AM »

Do you know how long aus post keeps items before sending them back?

Joker94 · « **Reply #19 on:** December 29, 2009, 04:55:23 AM »

no sorry i dont. how long will you be away for.

SmAsH · « **Reply #20 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:00:57 AM »

About 4 days. I'm sure they'll keep it.

Joker94 · « **Reply #21 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:02:16 AM »

yeah that should be fine

Razor Concepts · « **Reply #22 on:** December 29, 2009, 10:50:50 AM »

BatchPCB??? Its only $2.50 per square inch of PCB, $10 setup fee, and like $5 shipping. The only bad thing it takes 2-3 weeks.

SmAsH · « **Reply #23 on:** December 29, 2009, 05:36:42 PM »

International shipping?
About 4-5 sq inch of pcb for one board... Am i right that a board 2.5x2.5" would be 6.25"sq?

Hehe, samtec samples just got here

one down, five to go!

News:

Author Topic: Experiences with pcb manufacturers? (Read 3488 times)