I normally used batchpcb for my projects but I have one that cannot wait that long. Does anyone have some recommendations for cheap board houses for single quantities? I know cheap and single are contradictory when talking about PCBs, maybe cheapest is the word I’m looking for. Preferably a place that doesn’t have an issue with multi design.
I use PCB-Pool a lot.
Leon
Thanks. I think the time required to deliver to the US would make it undesirable in my situation though.
Chupa:
I normally used batchpcb for my projects but I have one that cannot wait that long. Does anyone have some recommendations for cheap board houses for single quantities? I know cheap and single are contradictory when talking about PCBs, maybe cheapest is the word I’m looking for. Preferably a place that doesn’t have an issue with multi design.
Advanced Circuits has a deal for 3 boards for $99 in 5 days. That’s pretty cheap in my book. They’ll do 1 board for $33 if you’re a student.
NleahciM:
Chupa:
I normally used batchpcb for my projects but I have one that cannot wait that long. Does anyone have some recommendations for cheap board houses for single quantities? I know cheap and single are contradictory when talking about PCBs, maybe cheapest is the word I’m looking for. Preferably a place that doesn’t have an issue with multi design.Advanced Circuits has a deal for 3 boards for $99 in 5 days. That’s pretty cheap in my book. They’ll do 1 board for $33 if you’re a student.
its http://www.acircuits.com/ or 4pcb.com?
3 for $99 in 5 days sounds pretty good to me.
Chupa:
NleahciM:
Chupa:
I normally used batchpcb for my projects but I have one that cannot wait that long. Does anyone have some recommendations for cheap board houses for single quantities? I know cheap and single are contradictory when talking about PCBs, maybe cheapest is the word I’m looking for. Preferably a place that doesn’t have an issue with multi design.Advanced Circuits has a deal for 3 boards for $99 in 5 days. That’s pretty cheap in my book. They’ll do 1 board for $33 if you’re a student.
its http://www.acircuits.com/ or 4pcb.com?
3 for $99 in 5 days sounds pretty good to me.
http://4pcb.com/index.php?load=content&page_id=130
Though it looks like they’ve changed the deal - I think it’s now 132 for 5 boards in 5 days.
You want www.4pcb.com. They also have a “barebones” deal that’s cheap and fast. No silk or mask, but the boards ship in one day. You can do a quick quote at barebonespcb.com for your board size and quanitity.
awesome. thanks guys
While we are at it…does anyone know of a deal like that …which includes blind via’s? (4 layer)
James L
Why do you need blind vias?
Leon
leon_heller:
Why do you need blind vias?Leon
Because I designed a very small 4 layer board that would have been near to impossible with through hole via’s. The size is important, as well as the components contained.
James L
None of the quick prototyping companies will do blind vias.
Leon
leon_heller:
None of the quick prototyping companies will do blind vias.Leon
I’m checking with Gold Phoenix to see if I can get a panel of boards with blind via’s.
It is pricey…but better than having to make the item in a size that can not be tested. The size is important to it’s function.
James L
Just out of curiosity (I’ve never done anything that needed more than 2 layers), how does one even specify blind vias in the files you send to the board house? Multiple drill files, I assume?
The Pulsonix software I use does it automagically for blind and buried vias. It generates separate drill files for the appropriate layers.
I just tried it, out of curiosity. I added two layers to a double-sided PCB of mine, specified the top two as a separate layer span, and unrouted the design. I then placed a track on the top layer, continued it on the upper inner layer, and then finished it on the top layer, giving me two blind vias. I then autorouted the rest of the design. Two additional drill files were generated for the top inner layer - one was for plated holes and one for unplated ones. The whole process was very fast and straightforward. They really were blind vias, as I had a track underneath one of them on the bottom layer and the board passed the DRC.
Leon
I'd be interested to hear how much it ends up costing. I've never had to get prices for boards with blind or buries vias.propellanttech:
leon_heller:
None of the quick prototyping companies will do blind vias.Leon
I’m checking with Gold Phoenix to see if I can get a panel of boards with blind via’s.
It is pricey…but better than having to make the item in a size that can not be tested. The size is important to it’s function.
James L
I would think, though - that in most situations it’d be possible to just go from, for example, a 4 layer to a 6 layer board and not have to use blind vias. The cost difference between those is so small - and something tells me that the cost of blind vias will be much higher.
jasonharper:
Just out of curiosity (I’ve never done anything that needed more than 2 layers), how does one even specify blind vias in the files you send to the board house? Multiple drill files, I assume?
Yes…you send a drill file for the different layers.
James L
leon_heller:
The Pulsonix software I use does it automagically for blind and buried vias. It generates separate drill files for the appropriate layers.I just tried it, out of curiosity. I added two layers to a double-sided PCB of mine, specified the top two as a separate layer span, and unrouted the design. I then placed a track on the top layer, continued it on the upper inner layer, and then finished it on the top layer, giving me two blind vias. I then autorouted the rest of the design. Two additional drill files were generated for the top inner layer - one was for plated holes and one for unplated ones. The whole process was very fast and straightforward. They really were blind vias, as I had a track underneath one of them on the bottom layer and the board passed the DRC.
Leon
I use Diptrace…and it is about the same…not complicated.
Blind/buried via’s are great when you have a very small board and chips with a large number of connections.
James L
NleahciM:
I’d be interested to hear how much it ends up costing. I’ve never had to get prices for boards with blind or buries vias.I would think, though - that in most situations it’d be possible to just go from, for example, a 4 layer to a 6 layer board and not have to use blind vias. The cost difference between those is so small - and something tells me that the cost of blind vias will be much higher.
The problem is when you have components on both sides…a very small board and a lot of high pin number chips. This formula ends only in one way (blind/buried via’s).
I tried with a 2 layer board…but no matter what I did, I could never connect all the traces and not have them conflict somwhere.
I’ll post on what results I get from the inquiry. I’m hopping it will not cost an arm or leg…although it might.
James L
Custompcb.com 5 days, $52 total for 2 4X5.5 two side boards. Apcircuits.com next day $75 total for two 3X4 two side boards.