Hi Gang,
I'm using ExpressPCB software and have my design ready. I was hoping someone here would know of a good company to get my boards made; looking for 6 or 7 copies right now.
Last year, I used Futurlec.com and they sent me some good boards for a really nice price; came out around $15 a board for three. The problem is they took almost six weeks to get them to me. Their site says they do a one week turnaround, but they didn't come close.
So, I'd like to find someone who can do a short run of prototype boards for a reasonable price and get them done relatively quickly; like a week or two.

Your thoughts?

Thanks!

- a -

 

AP Circuits has a prototyping service. I get my boards delivered in about three days.

http://www.apcircuits.com/

 

A friend of mine (and I believe he is also a member here) works at a PCB manufacturing company in China. His website is www.project-pcb.com. I have used their services several times and not once was disappointed. Their prices are average but the quality is excellent. I think they test the boards before shipping them out, to make sure there were no manufacturing problems. Also they ship very quickly. After sending in my designs I got the boards back within three days.

 

What am I missing?
Why not use express pcb?

 

The PCB market is very competitive. You can always do it at home with a reduction in quality, but most of us are on tight budgets. I use Express, but I always modify the finished output to my standards as to pad shapes when I finish up.

 

Just tried the China site.
A panel of 9 1.75" X 1" was $194
10 boards 1.75" X 1" from ex pcb was $94

Any tips on the www.project-pcb.com site to lower cost?
I just used the defaults and don't need silk screen etc.

 

I was never a fan of Express for various reasons, though the pricing is reasonable.

 

Just tried the China site.
A panel of 9 1.75" X 1" was $194
10 boards 1.75" X 1" from ex pcb was $94

Any tips on the www.project-pcb.com site to lower cost?
I just used the defaults and don't need silk screen etc.

Their customer service is great, they will email you one-on-one if you have any questions. You might ask them and see what they can do for you.

 

Test to see how this site displays a xpcb file

 

Their customer service is great, they will email you one-on-one if you have any questions. You might ask them and see what they can do for you.

tnx
I'll play around on the site. See if I can remove some options.

Never tried any other than xpcb except my own feeble attempts.

 

Once again, try contacting customer service. Mention the price you found elsewhere. They might be able to help you out.

 

Now I get it.

Thought a 1 panel of 9 boards would be a better option.
10 boards is only $91 and silk screen is free.

 

Don't we have a guy here that does circuit boards?

http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/member.php?u=64207

 

Don't we have a guy here that does circuit boards? Was it Mitch Electronics?

I believe Mitch was still working on perfecting the technique, and last I knew the solder masks weren't working right.

 

I use itead PCB services all the time. Quality is perfect so far and very cheap.. takes about 2 weeks or so to get boards from them in China.. Just need to send them gerbers which any PCB program should be able to output..
http://imall.iteadstudio.com/open-pcb/pcb-prototyping.html
$10 for 10 boards 5cm x 5cm
$25 for 10 boards 10cm x 10cm
etc...

 

I use itead PCB services all the time. Quality is perfect so far and very cheap.. takes about 2 weeks or so to get boards from them in China.. Just need to send them gerbers which any PCB program should be able to output..
http://imall.iteadstudio.com/open-pcb/pcb-prototyping.html
$10 for 10 boards 5cm x 5cm
$25 for 10 boards 10cm x 10cm
etc...

I am assuming those are the prices per board, so 10 boards 5cm x 5cm would actually be $100?

 

I am assuming those are the prices per board, so 10 boards 5cm x 5cm would actually be $100?

No its the price for 10 boards..like I said very cheap.. BUT great quality.. I've gotten 4 layer boards from them to pass UL EMI/EMC compliance on prototypes and have an order with them now for some interface boards for an arduino based "functional" test device for the products I design..

 

Is free software available that would work?

Xpcb may only work with there own manufacturing.

 

There's always programs like Eagle, KiCAD, DIPTrace, etc. Eagle has a free version which has a limited board size and only supports 2 layers, but is still useful. KiCAD and DIPTrace are also popular, free programs. All of them are able to export Gerber files, which most board houses accept.

 

FreePCB also. No size, layer or component count restrictions. Some of the free programs also support auto-routing; FreePCB does, but I'm not sure which others do.