Does anyone have suggestions for circuit board manufacturers? I am looking for inexpensive, short production runs.
I am currently using Gold Phoenix, the same company that BatchPCB uses. I am happy with their prices, turnaround time, and customer service. However, they seem to charge a lot for some options which seem unreasonable too me (more cuts, colored solder mask, minimum size).
I would like to find out what other companies are out there for short runs, international and domestic, that people have experience with.
Thanks!
I’ve used Olimex a bunch of times, and they are OK, and cheap if you just want a small number of boards:
PROS:
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Cheap for small PCB size (30 Euro for 25 square inches)
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You can panelise as many boards as you want for no extra charge.
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Gold plating standard (no extra cost).
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Faster than BatchPCB
CONS:
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Hole sizes are specified as BEFORE plating, which is the opposite of most places that specify FINISHED hole diameter.
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Accuracy (hole alignment & overlay in particular), although usable, is not as good as other places.
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They separate the boards by hand with guilotine, so rectangular PCBs ony, and the edges are a bit rough compared with CNC milled PCBs. Not a big problem though.
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They want you to fax credit card info on the order form they send you (yes, fax!). I’ve just scanned & emailed with no problems though.