PCB scratches and rivet/nail signs and other visual imperfection questions pls - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Nrkb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 04:48:53 am
content: HelloI'm trying to find a pcb manufactuer that will make pcb with black matte ideally or gloss if matte isnt available, without scratches or any other visual imperfections on them.I use JLC PCB since a while now but for some project i just can't have their rivet/nail signs or small scratches or imperfections.They are about 128mm x 10 to 160mm depending of the design.As i can see when it's small boards under 10-20mm wide, jlc is fine but bigger than that they almost all have scratches or other stuff and it seem worse because there is no circuit or almost no circuit in theses designs. Even with the new jlc "superb quality" it's almost the same, they even forgot about it and superb quality was not in my order in their system even if i paid for it but they explained to me its the same process, they just take a bit more care in selecting them but it's really almost the same quality i don't see why someone would pay for this option, even more useless is the paper between pcb, i tried it once and it changed nothing about the look of the pcbsAnyway so i also checked pcbcart, they are more expensive but maybe a bit better, i'm not sure but they explained to me by email they can't guarantee 100% visually good pcb's.I also tried local pcb manufactuers but it's 10-15 times the price...I'm kinda stuck between ordering from theses in china and throwing away in the trash the ones that have visual imperfections, which is not good... i would throw away about 65-75% of them and the option of local manufactuers but it's so much expensive just can't.So my question... Is there one manufactuer that makes them without visual imperfections while staying at a good pricing? I'm not looking for absolute cheapest, i can pay more, but not crazy high prices...Thanks!

author: Nrkb
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 04, 2021, 05:22:12 am
content: Quote from: evb149 on September 04, 2021, 05:13:28 amThanks for your long answer,yes i know it's not the main usual purpose, but i like the look and i can do special stuff with it like you said, touch plates or led through the pcb material which would be hard to do with something else.I'm totaly open to try to fix them myself but i'm not sure how.I tried hot air on the scratch or rivet nail signs and it doesnt change, the soldermask is really hard.Did you try it? I don't find much about this on internet.I'm pretty sure all the options would make it obvious and maybe worse than it was before but i'm really curious, if something works it will solve my issue.I will try to find about polishing buffing online i didnt thing about it since the soldermask is hard...

author: DIYGUY Chris
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: September 12, 2021, 09:38:43 pm
content: HiThat's something interesting what you have detailed about the quality so let me just thank you first for the topicFirst verse I don't defend any manufacturer! I just came to tell you my thoughts regarding your issue.I've been using the China services since years and I wiselyselect the supplier depending on the needsyou mentioned that you are producing high volumes of PCBs! is it possible to define this "high volume" then you can find out if JLC is capable to perform perfection depending on the desired quantity.You said also that you have tried some other Chinese PCB manufacturers and you've almost got the same results, then let me tell you to make sure the other manufacturers you have tried they have their own factoriesif they are not then you will get random results, maybe the positive part of JLC that they have their own factories but about the quality control hummm I think that you need more communication with them!About the local manufacturers, the price is 10-15 times!! that's huge difference, I suggest to stick on Chinese manufacturers and try higher volumes and just take off the bad parts because the price of 10 pieces is basically the same price of 20 pieces in ChinaAs always if you share some photos about these "scratches" then maybe I can help you in a better way.Stay positive, stay creative..

author: asmi
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 15, 2021, 08:58:02 pm
content: My client is using matte black PCBs with yellow soldermask as a front panel for their product. I've been ordering them at wellpcb.com and my client never complained about cosmetics. So give them a try and see if what you get will be acceptable for you.