recommendations for UK based PCB manufacturer

[skibum]

Hello,

Looking for feedback for a good PCB manufacturer that can also load my smd parts. Going to start with low quantities (3 boards) if possible but then move on to 20+ boards. All low quantity. First preference is UK based.

Thanks,

Skibum

[FurryAudio]

Professionally I always used leicester circuits, but never used them for low volume manufacture, that always goes straight to the far east or homemade for me.

[richie00boy]

Low quantity SMD is going to be pretty expensive as it's all machine loading.

We use these guys at work and I have had great service from them BW Electronics - Electronic Manufacturing

Also not used these guys, but identified them to do some low volume PCB production for me PCB Manufacture, PCB Manufacture from Circuit Technology

[akis]

For the past few years I have used "Andy" at this email address, the boards he makes are first rate, with silk screen, dual sided, silvered finished, drilled, in quantities of 1,2,3,4 - anything you'd wish for

Some of the larger size drill holes were a tad too small, but that's because I do not know how to use the software properly

lorimer888@tiscali.co.uk

[Garyepe]

I think you can find a factory in China. They can make sample order with cheaper price, and send it to you with air post parcel.

Gary

[skibum]

thanks for the replies. I really want to stay UK based. Language, time zone, etc. If the cost is a bit higher I can live with that. About to design my first board with Eagle and want it to be as simple as possible.

[maxw]

You will probably find that anything in the UK will cost a lot more. If you are ever after a simple service where you just email gerber files for small numbers of boards that is quite cheap I recommend seeedstudio

[Garyepe]

Just I have checked with the price of make samples, the price need 30USD-70USD (1days need 70, 3days need 30USD) + the original PCB side * units (160USD/m2)

if it is sent by Chinese air post parcel need about 16.5USD to Western Europe.(two weeks )
If it is send by TNT express need about 45USD - 50USD (3-5days)
You can compare it with UK.

By the way, In China just little factory can open the engle files, Because of they always use Protel 99se software .But all of the factory can make it if you have gerber files


Gary He

[wakibaki]

I used these when ordering boards for work...

Printed Circuit Boards ~ PCB suppliers ~ PCB Train.co.uk

w

[nigelwright7557]

Originally Posted by skibum

thanks for the replies. I really want to stay UK based. Language, time zone, etc. If the cost is a bit higher I can live with that. About to design my first board with Eagle and want it to be as simple as possible.

I didnt find the language a problem with China.

I got a quote for a pcb in the UK for around £300.
In China I got the same pcbs done for £70 and back to me within 2 weeks.

Personally I would build the smd boards myself and get the pcbs done in china.

Just make sure of turn around time before ordering. The first chinese company i used took 2 months to get the pcbs to me !!!!