UK based PCB manufacturer - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 04:47:00 pm
content: I'm looking for a UK based PCB manufacturer. Hopefully with good bulk prices and with the ability to do cheap prototype boards.

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 05:14:32 pm
content: What sort of layer count, process geometry and quantities are you after?

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 05:15:13 pm
content: 2 layer, probably 100 at a time

author: Neilm
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 06:46:58 pm
content: I have usedhttp://www.pcbtrain.co.ukThey will give you a quote on line based on geometry vs how quick you want them. I used them for proto-type boards for work and they seemed OK.Neil

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 07:16:46 pm
content: I've used them too, though on a couple of occasions they've "corrected" my artwork which I could have done without. Also make sure you pay for bare board test, it's an option on 2 layer boards, and in my experience, absolutely necessary.

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 07:23:08 pm
content: Quote from: AndyC_772 on October 17, 2012, 07:16:46 pmWhat did they do to it?

author: AndyC_772
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 07:36:52 pm
content: Most recently, I specifically offset the pads from around a couple of connector pins in order to increase the creepage distance between them. The board came back with them concentric.On a previous occasion, silkscreen labels which I'd deliberately moved off the edge of the PCB reappeared on the board; not particularly important, but irritating.

author: mikeselectricstuff
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 17, 2012, 07:55:44 pm
content: I'd recommendhttp://www.screenbond.co.uk/Low tooling cost compared to most UK places, and decent pricing.

author: OndraSter
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 01:50:16 pm
content: I was today introduced to Spirit Circuits:http://www.spiritcircuits.com/- not sure how about pricing compared to other UK based fab houses, but they have one cool thing - prototypes without solder masks for free in 24 hours.

author: Simon
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: October 18, 2012, 02:00:07 pm
content: Quote from: OndraSter on October 18, 2012, 01:50:16 pmSMART MOVE - THANKS

author: paolo
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 06:30:33 am
content: Quote from: OndraSter on October 18, 2012, 01:50:16 pmThat sounds interesting. As a noob to board design, would I be foolish to try a prototype (to hand solder) without solder mask? The most tricky bit would be a HTSSOP surface mount package.i.e. No solder mask a false economy for my first board, or worthwhile to get my hands dirty?(I need another 15 or 16 boards once this is proven, and those I'd get done with solder mask and anything else to make them more professional)

author: 8086
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: November 24, 2012, 12:52:09 pm
content: Quote from: paolo on November 24, 2012, 06:30:33 amFor free, it's definitely worth it. Just make sure you don't have any fills around the pads or underneath components, give yourself clearances to work with and you will be a-ok.