On: PCB Placement Stencils

[eltoozero]

DirtyPCBs has never done me wrong, and they offer a cheap laser acrylic service, hmmm!

http://dirtypcbs.com/store/lasercut

[jdietrich → eltoozero]

If you're in the market for cheap PCBs, PCB Shopper is a fantastic tool - you can fill out one form and get quotes from 24 companies.

https://pcbshopper.com/

Prices for 4-layer boards and boards larger than 100x100mm have fallen significantly over the last year (driven mostly by JLCPCB), which has hugely expanded the possibilities for hobbyist electronics.

[mchahn → jdietrich]

No need to compare. Go to easyeda.com. You can get 10 boards for $2 (!). I have gotten a dozen or so sets of boards and they have gotten here in less than a week. (Not affiliated, yadda yadda yadda).

[ssl232 → mchahn]

I've used them too about 10 times, and I've only had positive experiences. So cheap!

Not affiliated either.

[archi42 → mchahn]

Last time I checked that offer wasn't available anymore. Did it come back?

[jdietrich → archi42]

EasyEDA have rebranded their PCB service as JLCPCB. They still offer the $2 service for standard 100x100mm 2-layer boards (plus shipping).

https://jlcpcb.com/

[pathartl → eltoozero]

Agrreeeeeed. I just did a run of 300 boards through DirtyPCBs and their quality was actually surprising. I feel like OSH Park is a bit higher, but being able to choose the soldermask and the amount of options available is crucial in some of my projects.

[eltoozero → pathartl]

OSH will let you get one board cheaper than you can get a 10 board minimum proto-pack order from DPCBs.

But if you need more than a one-off the savings are clear.

[bacon_waffle → eltoozero]

Same here, DirtyPCBs is great! I particularly like that you can update orders right up until they have started in production.

The SLA printing service is a real game changer too.

[antoniuschan99 → bacon_waffle]

What's unique about their SLA service?

Been using 3D Print UK and have been thinking of using digits2widgets and eventually getting a Form 2 to SLA print in house.

[bacon_waffle → antoniuschan99]

Maybe it's not unique, but it is a nice combination of low cost, fast turnaround, high accuracy, and with a nice interface.

Most of my 3D print experience before had been with the filament type machines, and the DirtyPCBs SLA service is a huge step up in quality, and lower hassle/cost as long as parts are fairly small like mine tend to be.