This topic has probably been discussed to death, but Search isn't returning anything useful.
I'm looking at getting a small board made, 2 layer, no bigger than a postage stamp, and low quantity, maybe 10 of., and no urgency.
What/where is the cheapest way/place to do it? Getting it done in UK is preferable but as in a cheapskate, don't mind getting it in China, depending on the cost.
I'm looking at getting a small board made, 2 layer, no bigger than a postage stamp, and low quantity, maybe 10 of., and no urgency.
What/where is the cheapest way/place to do it? Getting it done in UK is preferable but as in a cheapskate, don't mind getting it in China, depending on the cost.
In the USA those would be around $1.25 per three boards, with free USPS shipping to the US, from Osh Park.
International First Class mail is also free, but it takes a while, 2-4 weeks.
https://oshpark.com/
International First Class mail is also free, but it takes a while, 2-4 weeks.
https://oshpark.com/
JCLPCB - if you stick to the prototype size, you'll be able to get it cheaply and a lot of them.
What I will do is design with a number of designs on one prototype board separated with a wide boarder, then when it arrives I will have 10 protoboards with 1-4 copies of the design on each board. Hack saw along the separator (no copper makes it easy) and that's that. 40 boards on the cheap.
What I will do is design with a number of designs on one prototype board separated with a wide boarder, then when it arrives I will have 10 protoboards with 1-4 copies of the design on each board. Hack saw along the separator (no copper makes it easy) and that's that. 40 boards on the cheap.
At jlcpcb You can specify v-score or v-groove as an easier way to separate boards. They charge you extra for v-scoring and multiple designs on one pcb.
To add, you can submit your design for review, once reviewed they will update the cost and then you can proceed to pay and onto production.
To add, you can submit your design for review, once reviewed they will update the cost and then you can proceed to pay and onto production.
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JLCPCB will ususally kill you with the shipping which will be much higher than just the 10 boards.
Combining orders for larger orders is good advice.
With V-scoring or grooving no need to hack them apart, you can just break them off.
Jan
Combining orders for larger orders is good advice.
With V-scoring or grooving no need to hack them apart, you can just break them off.
Jan
For me it usually means the pcb and shipping costs are on par if I use the post. If I use DHL it’s more. Still a good deal imo.
Now I have pcbs stuck in the postal strike, good thing I can wait for them if not reorder and pay the DHL premium
Now I have pcbs stuck in the postal strike, good thing I can wait for them if not reorder and pay the DHL premium
For larger boards I find no one beat JL, but smaller as Jan says, shipping will cost more than the item. You'll have to price it with shipping for sure.
JLCPCB offer a choice of delivery carriers - you can select Global Standard Direct, which is the cheapest by far - and it includes VAT and import duty.
It does take longer, but I normally receive parcels in the UK in about 7-10 days. They must send them in bulk to a local delivery agent who then forwards them to you via the normal UK Royal Mail tracked postal service.
Very efficient and very good value for money.
It does take longer, but I normally receive parcels in the UK in about 7-10 days. They must send them in bulk to a local delivery agent who then forwards them to you via the normal UK Royal Mail tracked postal service.
Very efficient and very good value for money.
At JLCPCB you can make not only nude PCB but also full assembly - a nice feature for smd components. I use it for a long time because it costs only $11.5 for a 5 of phono preamps - https://photos.app.goo.gl/gFGqPj3UmW8LMw748 https://www.patreon.com/posts/chtob-jlcpcb-i-116078897 https://www.patreon.com/posts/gerbers-bom-dlia-115982203
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Well, yes. But if they didn't because you didn't then you can, with that neat and nifty Tamiya tool...
JLCPCB give an option of about 5 different postal services.
Its expensive if you want them in 3 days.
I usually go for 12 day option and its just a few $
I use PCBWAY - $5USD + shipping for 10 double sided boards. SMD templates are good value too.
You can spend a bit extra on shipping and have the boards in your hands a couple of days via Fedex or DHL, or wait a bit longer and have China Post deliver.
I've used JLCPCB before and they are fine too.
PCBShopper.com is a good suggestion.
You can spend a bit extra on shipping and have the boards in your hands a couple of days via Fedex or DHL, or wait a bit longer and have China Post deliver.
I've used JLCPCB before and they are fine too.
PCBShopper.com is a good suggestion.
I like JLCPCB's ordering system.
I upload zipped gerber files and it sorts out the rest like pcb size etc.
It even shows pictures of pcb so you can see what has been uploaded.
I hate going to other sites who want loads of information sent before they will quote.
I upload zipped gerber files and it sorts out the rest like pcb size etc.
It even shows pictures of pcb so you can see what has been uploaded.
I hate going to other sites who want loads of information sent before they will quote.
I've only used jlcpcb and found the postage rates to be reasonable, but I tend to batch up my orders and can wait. The only thing that irks the the multiples of 5 thing when I'm ordering stereo pairs of boards. I'd prefer min 5 and be able to order 6.
Otherwise I think the service is excellent.
Otherwise I think the service is excellent.