3 ms·
This is a much discussed subject in the electronics community. I just love soldermask too much. Not only is there potential for colors and art and a bunch of ot
by ChrisGammell 8y ago
This is a much discussed subject in the electronics community. I just love soldermask too much. Not only is there potential for colors and art and a bunch of other aesthetic reasons, but the improvement of my soldering makes it all worth it. Cheap PCB fabs from China do default 24 hour turns + 3 days of delivery from DHL...so yeah, I just do that.
If you're set on doing them in house and aren't budget constrained, I usually recommend an Othermill (Bantam) or a Nomad 883 or a Roland (all of which will easily get you above $2K). If you're cost constrained, I'd stick to etching boards using the toner transfer method.
But fast, easy, clean (and cheap)? Order them from a PCB house. If that's not of interest, I suggest you get very specific with your budget.
- bjt2n3904 8y agoSoldermask, and through hole vias for that matter. I've used an Othermill. Absolutely fantastic piece of kit, it's saved me a lot of grief. But making SMD work is out of the question. (Yes, you can get a 1206 to work with the Othermill. No, you aren't going to get a QFN16 with an exposed pad to work. Or for that matter, a QFP16. Or even an SOIC16.)
- jdc 8y agoAny recommendations on PCB fabs?
- dahtguy 8y agoPCBway has been outstanding for my personal projects. Ludicrously cheap to the point where I have no problem buying 4 or 5 extra copies just in case!
- ChrisGammell 8y agoUsually I am loathe to mention them by name because it brings the spammers in like crazy but I use and have liked AllPCB. I found them on PCBshopper.com, which is a good way to comparison shop for the type and size of boards you'll need: https://pcbshopper.com/ https://pcbshopper.com/ I don't know who owns that site, but I think they have found a great little niche for advertising.