BatchPCB and 8 mil

The latest PCB proto I have received from BatchPCB has a broken trace (8 mil wide). I had ordered other boards before using 8 mil traces and had no problem.

Is it an incident or is 8 mil not recommended with BatchPCB?

I have always assumed that their suppliers did test the panels but this doesn’t seem to be the case :frowning:

The more up-market PCB suppliers provide board testing as an option. I don’t think that it is offered by Batch PCB. 8 mil shouldn’t be a problem, I can do 8/8 mil boards at home.

pichenettes:
The latest PCB proto I have received from BatchPCB has a broken trace (8 mil wide). I had ordered other boards before using 8 mil traces and had no problem.

Is it an incident or is 8 mil not recommended with BatchPCB?

I have always assumed that their suppliers did test the panels but this doesn’t seem to be the case :frowning:

This was a simple process error. It does happen. BatchPCB’s are not electrically checked. They are only visually inspected.

8/8 is their standard, so it normally isn’t a problem.

You will need to contact BatchPCB directly (email) and let them know you received a bad board. They should run you another for free. That won’t help if you are in a time crisis.

James L

No I do not work for Sparkfun or BatchPCB.

It may not be pretty, but in the meantime, if it’s possible you could try using a conductive pen to complete the trace. (or scratch off the solder mask and bridge it with solder)

Thanks all, I’m glad to know I won’t have to rework my design to 10 mil!

I’ve just soldered a piece of wire on the pads at both ends of the damaged trace. Since this was to validate a proto and that I found flaws in the design, I won’t need a replacement…

I plan to release my project as a kit and will have to order 10 PCBs (either from Golden Phoenix or PCBcart) - So I will remember to require electrical testing!