As it says…I am facing a project and now need some prototypes to be printed fast…can anyone advise me where to get them? I have googled a bit and some pals told me from the other forum that online shopping is the easiest way out in this case. Does anyone know any good sites for them? I heard pcbfinpo and pcbexpress and pcbpool…can anyone advise which is better? Thx.
You didn’t mention where you are from so my recommendation is for US based businesses. When I need prototypes and I need them yesterday, I use the bare bones pcb service offered by Advanced Circuits. http://www.4pcb.com/index.php?load=content&page_id=132
These are 2 layer boards with no mask or silk screen which is perfect for prototyping.
-Bill
Yes, I am in Toronto, Canada. So, I guess your advice is helpful. But, I just tried www.4pcb.com and found out their pricing for 4 layer and 2 layer is slightly more expensive than www.pcbfinpo.com , also the lead-time is my main concern. If the quality is good, I’d still try them when I don’t have an urgent case waiting ahead. Thanks a lot for sharing your exp. :lol:
Key point in PCBs: you can have them FAST. OR you can have them CHEAP, but not both.
ieconnect.com in Chicago can get you great boards fast(3days), but you are looking at about $150 minimum for 3 boards. futurlec.com (in Thailand) can get you the same 3 boards for $40, BUT you will wait 3-4weeks.
4pcb I have never used.
firespirit:
But, I just tried http://www.4pcb.com and found out their pricing for 4 layer and 2 layer is slightly more expensive than http://www.pcbfinpo.com , also the lead-time is my main concern.
Finpo is in Taiwan and their instant quote prices seem high in my book. If lead-time is a concern, 4PCB can do same day turns on 2 layer boards and one day turns on 4+ layers. For a few of their services, you can order your boards on a Friday and have them in hand on Monday. I don’t know how Canadian customs plays into that though.
-Bill