What are the costs and options for producing a circuit board design?

  • Thread starter Thread starter JerryG
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Board Circuit
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the costs and options for producing circuit board designs, particularly focusing on the transition from prototype to production. Participants explore various aspects including software tools for design, manufacturing costs, and assembly services.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the costs and processes involved in moving from a prototype circuit board to production.
  • Another participant mentions that free software is available for designing circuit boards and estimates that a 3 x 4 inch bare board could cost around $120, excluding component costs.
  • A different participant provides a specific example of using batchpcb.com, stating that manufacturing a similar board cost approximately $70 for two copies, based on a rate of $2.50 per square inch plus a setup fee.
  • There are questions about the availability of services that can solder components onto the boards, with one participant confirming that contract manufacturers provide such services, albeit at a higher cost.
  • Additional resources for assembly and manufacturing are mentioned, including goldphoenixpcb.biz and 4pcb.com, which cater to larger quantities.
  • One participant reiterates the availability of free design software, specifically naming Eagle PCB and KiCad as notable options, while also providing links for further exploration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views regarding costs and services, with no consensus on specific pricing or the best software options. Multiple competing perspectives on manufacturing and assembly services are present.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not specify assumptions regarding the complexity of designs or the specific requirements for production, which may affect the costs discussed. The discussion also lacks detailed information on minimum order quantities and the variability of prices based on different manufacturers.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals or teams involved in electronics design, particularly those looking to understand the financial and logistical aspects of circuit board production.

JerryG
Messages
58
Reaction score
0
I know this is a very general question, but any info is appreciated. I wanted to know what is involved in going from prototype board to production. What costs are involved in getting a company to produce your circuit board design? Anyone familiar with approximate costs, min quantities, anything?
 
Engineering news on Phys.org
There is software available for download (free) that allows you to design the board. Some board houses have low quantity services. You can do a 3 x 4 inch bare board depending on complexity for around $120 plus your labor in board design. Of course you need to add in the cost of individual components.
 
You can get batchpcb.com to manufacture your board for something like $2.50 per sq. inch + $10 setup fee. I just used them to make a board of mine that is like 3x4 inches and it cost me $70 for 2 copies.
 
Are there any services that solder the components on as well?
 
JerryG said:
Are there any services that solder the components on as well?

Sure. Now you are talking about contract manufacturers. Once again, more money.
 
goldphoenixpcb.biz and 4pcb.com do assembly and PCB manufacturing in large quantities.
 
Averagesupernova said:
There is software available for download (free) that allows you to design the board. Some board houses have low quantity services. You can do a 3 x 4 inch bare board depending on complexity for around $120 plus your labor in board design. Of course you need to add in the cost of individual components.

Averagesupernova doesn't mention it, but this software is Eagle PCB by Cadsoft:
http://www.cadsoft.de/

There's also a few free ones available:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_Free_EDA_software

The best of that bunch (which my friend uses) is probably KiCad:
http://kicad.sourceforge.net/
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
4K
  • · Replies 51 ·
2
Replies
51
Views
5K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 24 ·
Replies
24
Views
9K
Replies
0
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
3K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 26 ·
Replies
26
Views
5K