I just have been handed a project which requires a few small proto pcbs to be made, fairly easy layouts. The budget is tight
so I was wondering what other folks have used for a layout/fab for small quantities?
pcbs are roughly 3"x2", 4 layer.

Thx.

 

https://jlcpcb.com/

 

Go with double sided instead of four layers.

 

I would like to do the layout myself. The first two boards will be connector breakout boards, for test and debug. Basically mount a single fine-pitch connector and break it out to test pins etc for testing other bards.

I figure I can crank out the layout in an afternoon and supply gerber files to a fab house.
I've used Expresspcb years ago but they aren't the cheapest.

I can go 2 layer as well.
Thx

 

I have been very happy with JLCPCB. But it does take over a week. And even with $20 shipping for a $5 order, the price is far better than anyone in the US.

 

exactly... and the pricing is the same for 2,4 or 6 layers.

 

with JLCPCB do you send just gerbers or use their layout tools (EasyEDA etc)?

I need to get this out soon so, am looking for the least learning curve.

 

with JLCPCB do you send just gerbers or use their layout tools (EasyEDA etc)?

I need to get this out soon so, am looking for the least learning curve.

You can send gerber files or design using EasyEDA and submit PCB design info
I use my preferred PCB design tool and just send the gerber files.

 

everyone uses gerber files... for my EDA work i use KiCad. While fabrication files are easily generated in any number of ways, these days i simply click on Fabrication Toolkit and drop the ZIP file on JLC website. cannot be simpler...

it is similar for other files (if using assembly service...)..
another really handy thing is interactive BOM

 

Also, before sending off your gerber files, it would be wise to check it on a gerber viewer. Sometimes strange artifacts will appear.

 

You can contact PCBway. They are good for low-cost, small-quantity prototypes.
https://www.pcbway.com/project/shar...st_Circuit_Board_for_Prototypes_63ca9dfe.html

 

I have used a few of the cheap/popular Chinese sources, lately have been using JLCPCB. If you don't mind waiting a little longer , they offer to ship ordinary mail.
Kicad produces all the PCB house files you need.

 

I have used both JLCPCB and OSHPARK.

 

I am using EasyEDA for circuit and PCB design and JLCPCB for fabricating my custom PCBs. I think JLCPCB is the most affordable option right now in the market and serves very good quality PCBs. I used the service with my Class D amplifier PCB and it took just $2 for 5pcs.

 

I tried playing with EasyEDA and I like it. Simple, intuitive. It actually had the SM connector I use in its library. KiCad did not.
So, I will stick with EzEDA for this job and when I have more time, I will learn KiCad better.

Thx all.

 

It actually had the SM connector I use in its library. KiCad did not.

Was it the latest 8.0.4 ver?

 

think so