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

[JerryG]

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?

 

[Averagesupernova]

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.

 

[roeb]

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.

 

[JerryG]

Are there any services that solder the components on as well?

 

[Averagesupernova]

Are there any services that solder the components on as well?

Sure. Now you are talking about contract manufacturers. Once again, more money.

 

[jeffonfire]

goldphoenixpcb.biz and 4pcb.com do assembly and PCB manufacturing in large quantities.

 

[MATLABdude]

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/