PCB production

[S2central.net]

Anybody here in the business (or know of someone) of making PCBs - in low quantity for development & small scale project runs ?

[irishs2]

I used https://oshpark.com/ , they are quite quick and very cost effective for limited runs. The website is very good as it renders your gerber files so you can
see what your finished pcbs will look like.

I used them here:

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=42945&page=19

[mcandmar]

For larger jobs/quantities have a look at ExpressPCB. The offer a "ProtoPro" Service for two layer PCB's with a solder mask and silkscreen. For $166 you get four boards, each up to 21" squared in size. Boards are green however you can pay more for Red, White, Black, and Gold plating if you so desire. For small one off boards Oshpark would be the better option.

http://www.expresspcb.com/

[S2central.net]

Thanks guys - oshpark sounds like best for me. I have a wee little thing in mind first. Might need a 3D printer as well.

[Henkjan]

how about these guys:

http://imall.iteadstudio.com/open-pcb/pcb-prototyping.html

[diesel des]

Place I worked for just up the road from you did that sorta stuff. We had a small pc controlled milling machine that machined copper covered pcb and made the through holes. Call me if that sounds like what you want. Has a full electronic workshop etc...

[irishs2]

They seem to be good also, its just I like the streamlined webpage / order system of oshpark.

http://www.youritronics.com/seeed-studio-vs-itead-studio-vs-osh-park/

[S2central.net]

It's been absolute ages since I did such work - 1st step will be getting design software that creates files in the right format etc and getting into the way of things.

[irishs2]

Eagle http://www.cadsoftusa.com/ is the most common program and fairly standardised, and most firms provide rule files (DRC) for Eagle when outputting gerber files.
But the free version of Eagle is limited.

I started using KiCAD

http://www.kicad-pcb.org/display/KICAD/KiCad+EDA+Software+Suite

Its opensource and has no limits on PCB size or component count.

And following a few youtube vids I found it much easier and intuititve than Eagle. Its also easier to design your own parts in my opinion, like custom connector outlines. It has 3d render for your pcb too. With/without components.

[S2central.net]

I am having déjà vu moment - I think that I tried Eagle some years back. Lol

[Nuvo]

Ring any bells?

[S2central.net]

That's amazing. I had a vague recollection that I had been down this path but no memory of how far. Outrageous. That's what stress and old age does for your brain. Hopefully I can find the old files and not have to start from scratch.

[Jonas_R]

We do rapid prototyping where I work, so PM if you need something printed.