What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

Preparing layout for manufacturing, Requirements, Verifications. PCB manufacturing process. Feedback about manufacturers.
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paynterf@gmail.com
Posts: 25
Joined: 19 Sep 2016, 15:09

What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#1 Post by paynterf@gmail.com » 14 Feb 2021, 06:59

Back in 2016 I designed a small amplifier board to help out a STEM project sponsored by my Alma Mater The Ohio State University. When I finished the design, I used the 'baked in' PCB manufacturing option to buy 5ea PCB's from Bay Area Circuits. I had planned to do the same thing with a new PCB design as shown below, but discovered that it would cost me a minimum of $150, no matter the size or quantity of board - WTF?
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Here's my order from 2016
Screenshot 2021-02-14 123813.jpg
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And here's the order form for the same company now:
Screenshot 2021-02-14 124427.jpg
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From $30 USD in 2016 to $150 USD in 2021 - WTF!?

I eventually found JLCPCB and discovered they have a very nice document that shows how to export the required files from DipTrace and upload them to their site. Took me about 30 minutes to go through the process the first time, and now I have my 5ea boards ordered for a grand total of about $15USD. Only a 10:1 ratio from BAC to JLCPCB. I can't imagine how BAC can stay in business, and I can't imagine why DipTrace has that company 'baked in' and not JLCPCB. DipTrack must be getting a heck of a kickback from BAC!

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Frank

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KevinA
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Joined: 18 Dec 2015, 08:35

Re: What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#2 Post by KevinA » 14 Feb 2021, 14:20

Yep, and you could have had 3 built in the US with free shipping for $19.57 - Go PCB shopping, you 'll be surprised. I'm looking at a PCB with blind buried micro (laser) VIA in 3mm pad, 3mil trace/space, 8 layer, you will not get that built in China.

Alex
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Posts: 3894
Joined: 13 Jun 2010, 23:43

Re: What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#3 Post by Alex » 15 Feb 2021, 20:48

We partner with Bay Area Circuits and they increased minimum order price. If you need more boards you can increase quantity and order more boards for the same price.

paynterf@gmail.com
Posts: 25
Joined: 19 Sep 2016, 15:09

Re: What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#4 Post by paynterf@gmail.com » 25 Feb 2021, 06:03

KevinA: Hmm, I did go PCB shopping, and I would love to 'buy American' if at all possible. Do you have a company name or a link to their website?

In the meantime, yesterday I received the 5 boards I ordered from JLPCB, and they appear to be very well made, and VERY fast (less than 10 days, from time of order to my doorstep).
IMG_4054.JPG
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Alex: Don't you think it is a little unrealistic to 'partner' only with a company with a $150 minimum - not too many of us 'makers' will ever want dozens of PCBs - more likely just 1 or 2 (in my case I only needed 2)? Why not 'partner' with the company KevinA referred to and give us some choices rather than having to 'roll our own' each time?

Alex
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Joined: 13 Jun 2010, 23:43

Re: What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#5 Post by Alex » 26 Feb 2021, 02:58

We will investigate adding more manufacturers to PCB Order in future.

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KevinA
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Joined: 18 Dec 2015, 08:35

Re: What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#6 Post by KevinA » 26 Feb 2021, 11:48

In the meantime, yesterday I received the 5 boards I ordered from JLPCB, and they appear to be very well made, and VERY fast (less than 10 days, from time of order to my doorstep).
You must have done DHL..
Look up https://oshpark.com/OSHPARK and https://www.oshstencils.com OSHSTENCILS they are good for one-of prototypes

kingbestech_
Posts: 1
Joined: 11 Oct 2020, 14:56

Re: What happened to PCB Manufacturing?

#7 Post by kingbestech_ » 14 Apr 2021, 10:21

KevinA wrote: 14 Feb 2021, 14:20 Yep, and you could have had 3 built in the US with free shipping for $19.57 - Go PCB shopping, you 'll be surprised. I'm looking at a PCB with blind buried micro (laser) VIA in 3mm pad, 3mil trace/space, 8 layer, you will not get that built in China.
Actually you can make HDI PCBs in China,but not PCB Shop.
We are making a blind buried with l1-2,l2-3,l3-4,3/3mil,if you want to know more, contact me please...

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