[sdiy] Where do I go to have PCBs made?

[limor]

On 8/1/07, John Luciani <jluciani at gmail.com> wrote:
> On 8/1/07, Jason Proctor <jason at redfish.net> wrote:
>
> > Advanced Circuits is another option for PCBs. i think they have a
> > cheap first-order deal or something like that. their service is
> > probably as good as anyone else's, but beware, they will pester you
> > via email and even phone.
>
> I know a few people that highly recommend Advanced Circuits (quality
> and service).
>
> The one issue I have is that they won't let your panelize your
> designs.

> I know a few people that highly recommend Advanced Circuits (quality
> and service).
>
> The one issue I have is that they won't let your panelize your
> designs.

Well... for the $33 each mask/silk 'special' you can panelize but
every once in a while they'll add a $50 cost per order ("array cost")
if they catch you  :)

still, if, say your PCB panel is 16 sq inches (4"x4") then 2 PCBs from
sunstone with silk/mask is $215 total ($108 each) at 2 day lead
http://www.pcbexpress.com/products/prices.php#2pricing

if you order from 4pcb, then you get 3 PCBs for: $100 + $50 panel fee
plus say $30 UPS shipping (ugh) = $180 ($60 each)
But since the $33 is a flat rate, and its 60 sq in max, you can tile 3
designs so you'd be receiving 9 PCBs for that price.
(im good with tinsnips so i tile designs a lot and just pay the $50
and put 3 or 4 designs in)
Only annoying thing, is its 5 day lead.

I think maybe if you're doing small PCBs (under 9" sq) it makes sense
to go with sunstone because you can get 2 for $100. but really at that
point it might be wiser to go with http://www.batchpcb.com/ where you
pay $10 + $2.50 sq in (takes a long time tho, 2 weeks at least)

maybe ill eventually post up a 'javascript pcb calculator' telling you
what it will cost, and how long, for each manufacturer on
http://www.ladyada.net/library/pcbdesign.html in all of that spare
time ive got :)

  limor