Can anyone recommend a cheap, easy to deal with PCB manufacturer? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: seb1982
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 02:19:54 am
content: Hi all!So, I'm fed up with spilling chemicals everywhere, and am looking to get PCBs professionally made. I'm based in the UK, but am happy to use any manufacturer who'd have no problem dealing with my order. My requirements are as follows - any recommendations from you fine people would be most gratefully received:Turnaround time - not important, but preferably in the order of weeks rather than monthsCheap to order very low volumes from (in the order of < 5 boards at a time, and maybe even 1 or 2)Fine tolerances not important - just doing simple double-sided boards, mostly through-hole and larger surface mount componentsNeed to be able to drill additional holes for heatsinks etc.Would like soldermask.Thanks ever so much for your help, guys

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 02:43:03 am
content: I use three services.1) AP Circuits in Canada. These guys are awesome. They have barebones prototype which is without solder mask, but with plated through holes... then they have Proto Plus which has silkscreen and soldermask. They quote, IIRC, 3-4 days for Proto Plus, but if I order before noon Monday, the boards ship Wednesday. Most of my boards are small, I think for a 1-inch square (2.5cm square) board, it's about $25 for two with the Proto Plus service. Very high quality boards too. Shipping to me is $25 and I get them the next day. I probably do 1-2 orders a week with these guys, they are as reliable as a rock.2) Myro. Very good quality, price is pretty decent, although I would not expect them to be all that competitive with guys like PCB Cart for 10 unit orders. But if you are at 50-100+, they are very good. Plus a full featured online tool to quote which even does stuff like fiducials, panelization, aluminum core, 2oz+ copper weights, ENIG/HASL, etc, and lets you choose your solder mask and silkscreen colors. Their prices have risen over the past couple years though.3) Ultimate PCB. Lower priced than Myro, but not by a ton. But excellent quality (in Canada) and they have EE's on staff who will add services at no charge like panelization and such if you need it.Also check out PCB Cart.

author: ptricks
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 02:55:09 am
content: OSH Park, used to be dorkbotpdx . It started as hobbyist looking to pool their boards together into a panel to get them made cheaper and became so popular it split off into its own service. Probably the cheapest place I have found.2 layer cost is $5 a square inch and you get 3 boards, so 2inch x 2inch = 4 square inches, total $20 for 3 boards, takes 12 days.4 layer cost is $10 a square inch, 3 boards, takes 14 days.They have a lot of boards that are already open source that others have allowed to be shared as well.http://oshpark.com/

author: lgbeno
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 03:19:59 am
content: Seeed studio, itead, elecrow, smart-prototyping all have cheap services.Elecrow has free soldermask color.Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 2

author: Jon Chandler
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 06:47:21 am
content: PCB Fabrication Sourcesis a reasonably up-to-date listing of fab houses I have used or otherwise know well.Read the comments for the latest information.

author: Rufus
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 07:48:27 am
content: Quote from: seb1982 on August 15, 2013, 02:19:54 amhttp://www.eurocircuits.com/Is worth a look. EU source means no import duty or danger of getting hung up in customs. They offer a limited technology prototype service for 1, 2, or 5 boards. They have an excellent web based board data analysis tool, worth creating an account just to use that tool. Pretty sure they will be more expensive than Chinese sources, but, not that much more.

author: bookaboo
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 08:56:18 am
content: I use PCBCART, never had a problem and their tech support is surprisingly good for China. Also Eurocircuits are not bad either.

author: IanJ
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 11:19:55 am
content: Hi,http://www.custompcb.com/Quite good price, delivery to UK quite fast.Ian.

author: seb1982
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 12:00:46 pm
content: Wow - I wasn't expecting such great replies! Thank you *so* much, everyone - I'll have an enjoyable lunch hour looking at all these, now!Thanks again

author: EEVblog
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 12:46:50 pm
content: Almost any PCB house will do what you want, it's just price that varies.I've used PCBcart forever, for lots of unusual stuff too, and no problems. Not as cheap as they used to be, but their shopping cart/quote system is nice, and the service and quality is fine.

author: alank2
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 01:31:47 pm
content: Itead has been good to me. Consistent quality and I sometimes get 1 or 2 extra boards.

author: BurtyB
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 15, 2013, 07:01:08 pm
content: Itead have been good for me too. I've had one batch with a slightly misaligned silkscreen but nothing worth complaining about (especially for the price).

author: Atifplus
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 21, 2013, 03:32:27 pm
content: Hi,If you want you can send me the design of your board and I can provide you quotes as well. I am an electrical engineer and work very closely with manufacturer to address manufacturing related issues. Feel free to contact.Note: I joined the business 4 months ago and looking for new clients to provide manufacturing services. We do have store on ebay as well so you can look at the feedback we got from other clients.Site under constructionbotechcircuits.comEbay store link can be accessed through site.

author: makervier
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: October 29, 2013, 08:17:35 am
content: I think you can order the PCB board from China,the price is reasonable and the quality is quiet well also.here is a list of PCB manufacturers I recommend from China:http://www.goldphoenixpcb.comhttp://www.pcbcart.comhttp://www.wonderfulpcb.comhttp://www.kingbrother.comhttp://www.kingfordpcb.comhttp://www.xdpcb.comhttp://www.unitpcb.comyou can take a look,hope this can help

author: vivien
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 02:44:01 am
content: We exported kinds of PCB with high quality,competitive price and punctual time.We are a professional PCB and PCBA manufacturer more than 8 years.We are OEM supplier of PCB Design,Express Prototyping, Small/Medium volume Production and PCBA--a package service for customers globally.And help them reduce cost 15% in last 8 years.Certificated : ISO9001, UL.No MOQ requirement, both prototpe and mass production are acceptable .For enquiry, please send me Gerber files and I will feedback you timely.For further info, please visit our website atwww.kingcredie.com.Best regards,Vivien--------------------------------------------------------------------------------King Credie Technology LimitedAddress:Room 1801, Building A ,FuYong Chamber of Commerce Information Building,QiaoTou,FuYong,BaoAn District,Shenzhen,Guangdong,ChinaTel:+86-0755-23110700Phone:+86-15119474139Fax:+86-0755-23110701Email: sales03@kingcredie.comWebsite:www.kingcredie.comSkype:vivien.zhan@hotmail.com

author: strangelovemd12
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 29, 2013, 04:08:55 am
content: Quote from: vivien on November 29, 2013, 02:44:01 amI highly recommend this service- every order ships with a free can of spam.

author: UPI
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: November 30, 2013, 12:04:49 am
content: Quote from: IanJ on August 15, 2013, 11:19:55 amI have used Silver Circuits (www.custompcb.com) for hundreds of production ready boards. Service, communication and quality has been absolutely perfect.For small prototype batches, I have had good enough quality and service from ITEAD.

author: chrisc
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: December 05, 2013, 07:35:31 am
content: I don't know if a New Zealand firm is too far away for you but I'll mention them anyhow: I've been using PCBZone/Circuit Labs (pcbzone.net) since I heard about them here on eevblog. I am really happy with the results - I've put about ten jobs through and cannot fault them.I received my last job only a few hours ago; it was sent on Monday and had it not been for DHL stuffing up I would have had it yesterday. Their turnaround time is generally pretty quick and pricing is reasonable.

author: Unknown
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2015, 02:10:07 pm
content: NOTE: This message has been deleted by the forum moderator Simon for being against the forum rules and/or at the discretion of the moderator as being in the best interests of the forum community and the nature of the thread.If you believe this to be in error, please contact the moderator involved.An optional additional explanation is:

author: Corporate666
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 04, 2015, 06:02:31 pm
content: Quote from: Erin KOU on May 04, 2015, 02:10:07 pmI ordered several PCB's last week from these guys using their "2-3 day service". Today is (business) day #4 and all of them are still mid-process.I will update everyone with what happens... hopefully they are shipping imminently, but we'll see what they say.EDIT: Damn, Simon - you are fast!))Erin, I have an email in to you guys... let me know what the status of my PCB's is please.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 02:47:23 pm
content: Since you are in the UK you can choose to use Eurocircuits if you want boards within a week. They offer a wide variety of services, materials, board build-ups through their website. For projects which aren't in a hurry I always use Seeedstudio. Not as many options and limited boards sizes to choose from their website though.

author: TheAmmoniacal
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 22, 2015, 03:11:07 pm
content: For anything non-complicated I'd recommendhttp://dirtypcbs.comat only $14 for 10 boards (50x50 mm) and $25 for 10 boards (100x100 mm), regular HASL. +$15 for ENIG. +$29 for fast DHL shipping (Also free Hong Kong Airmail if you are willing to wait 14-30 days).At least I'm happy with what I got.

author: Vicos Shi
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: January 16, 2017, 07:47:58 am
content: Hi, how aboutEasyEDAPCB prototyping service. PCBs from EasyEDA is low price, fast delivery and top quality with precise tolerances on solder mask, absolutely no errors.You could follow thishttps://easyeda.com/orderto calculate your PCB quick online. You just choose the specifications you need, like Layer Quantity, PCB Quantity, PCB thickness, PCB Color, PCB Dimension Width and Length, then your PCB price will be calculated automatically.The cheapest option is for 10pcs of 50mmx50mm boards, which comes to 9.8USD.Economical price: It only costs you $9.8 to start prototyping your own design. Moreover, Invite Friends can gain a $5 coupon for PCB order;Number of Copper Layers 1-16PCB thickness selectable from 0.4mm – 2.0mm;Multiple choices in quantity,thickness and colors;PCB Material FR-4, FR4-Tg, FR4-High TgTotally free 100% E-test.

author: neil t
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 16, 2017, 08:40:05 am
content: AllPCB (china easy to deal with they source from a number of manufacturers ) easy quoting system, reasonable prices ,I only have limited experience with them but no drama's so far. four week turnaround to Australia.

author: richardlawson1489
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 17, 2017, 11:21:56 am
content: USA PCB ManufacturerI use this for custom PCB manufacturing prototype and production. Quick PCB made within 24 hours to 3 days as per the customer requirements. No any hidden cost with easy delivery services.

author: technotronix
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: January 19, 2017, 04:29:40 am
content: Are you looking for Chinese manufacturer or US manufacturer? Or any other?

author: clack
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: March 24, 2017, 10:21:15 am
content: Quote from: seb1982 on August 15, 2013, 02:19:54 amBeing in the UK and only wanting 1-2 I would reccomend Ragworm, its a front for Stickleback PCB. Turnaround is suposedly 7 working days, at the moment i get about 9-10 working days though! Quality is good, gold plated, double layer, 1.6mm , silkscreen is ok not super fine a bit inconsistent, standard clearance rules. Price is great if you only want say a 30x60 board you can order just 1 and it would be £12 inc delivery if you want big or multiples its ££££ a chinese manufacturer would be better (use PCBshopper). I mainly use it because when I order 5 boards then find an error I have to bin them all! so I basically use it as the replacment for home etching.http://ragworm.eu/

author: dtf
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2017, 07:29:50 pm
content: www.allpcb.comif you are used to making your own boards you will be amazed at the time you've been wasting.

author: ohdsp
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: March 28, 2017, 10:12:24 pm
content: I would second DirtyPCB, even if you only want 1 or 2 PCBs the price for a protopack is cheap and they might make nice coasters?Quality of 2 and 4 layer boards is very good.

author: james_s
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 12:18:39 am
content: I've been using smart-prototyping.com for a few years now, never had any issues with them. The boards are reasonably good quality and tend to get produced in a few days. You can pay for fast shipping if you're impatient but I usually take the cheap route and get my boards in about 3 weeks.

author: donotdespisethesnake
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 10:41:35 am
content: http://pcbshopper.com/is quite useful for a quick look, they don't have every site (there must be thousands), but they also have a rating. Ratings can be gamed, but for the sites I am familiar with the ratings look right.

author: frozenfrogz
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2017, 11:07:15 am
content: I can no longer recommend Aisler. Somewhere something went terribly wrong with those guys. Bad people, bad karma. Stay away.

author: stmdude
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 06:45:57 am
content: Quote from: HM08 on September 01, 2017, 06:33:50 amThat's fascinating, considering that just 24 hours ago, you posted and asked if anyone has tried jlcpcb. In fact all (2) of your posts have been about jlcpcb... Suspicious at best.In fact, I _am_ a customer of JLCPCB already (and not the cheap $2 boards either), and unless I see a reasonable explanation, your "marketing" here just lost you a customer.

author: gnif
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 07:06:20 am
content: Quote from: stmdude on September 01, 2017, 06:45:57 amI banned the account, it was even registered using a jlcpcb.com email address. Obviously a disreputable company... personally I will steer very clear of them.

author: mrpackethead
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 01, 2017, 08:46:55 pm
content: Quote from: chrisc on December 05, 2013, 07:35:31 amInterestingly, i'm in New Zealand, but they dont' even come close to beating the price/time factor of buying out of china.

author: racemaniac
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 05, 2017, 11:57:04 am
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 22, 2015, 03:11:07 pmcan also confirm that.i've been making small 2 layer pcb's (but with lots on them, going right down to the finest traces, vias, ... they allow), and had great results so far.Also being allowed to panelize them for free with mousebites when it's 2 layer is awesome. plenty of boards to experiment on for hardly any money at all.After placing the order, it takes about a month for the boards to reach europe, not too bad.I also love how they give you no hassle at all. My first board with them (i was a beginner), had vias that were too small. They just manufactured it, no questions asked, not sure if they just went beyond their specs and used a smaller drill or so, but i got fully working boards.

author: Ice-Tea
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: January 18, 2018, 07:58:42 pm
content: Uhm, very old thread and stuff. I'm guessing the OP has moved on or, possibly, died in the meantime. Lord knows enough time has passed...

author: MrAureliusR
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: January 29, 2018, 01:22:24 pm
content: Quote from: TheAmmoniacal on August 22, 2015, 03:11:07 pmI can't believe DirtyPCB wasn't mentioned sooner in the thread. 10 10cmx10cm boards SHIPPED to Canada for under $30. TEN BOARDS! And they are IMMACULATE! They do rush orders too, but they arrived in less than 10 days if I remember correctly. As far as price they can't be beat. I will never use any other PCB manufacturer! Plus you are helping support Ian at Dangerous Prototypes, which is awesome.