Q: Suggested places to fabricate PC boards

[cnw780]

Apparently Digi-key is offering custom made pcb's:

https://www.digikey.com/en/pcb-builder/

Per the email ad I got:

DKRed | PCBs in Our Classic Digi-Key Red Soldermask:
 
     •    2- and 4-Layer Options
     •    Low Physical Size Minimum of .5'' x .5"
     •    $1.50/in² (2‑Layer) | $3/in² (4‑Layer)
     •    Minimum Purchase of 4 Copies
     •    Build Time: 10-Day (Standard) or 5-Day (Quick-Turn) Options
     •    Made in the USA With Free Shipping to US Addresses

[peteski]

I just got the same email. Interesting.

[reinhardtjh]

The title of "PCB Builder" is a bit confusing.  At first I thought they were offering assembly but it appears to be only bare boards.  With their parts business assembly would seem a natural fit but the parts picker and soldering systems are probably quite expensive.

[peteski]

The title of "PCB Builder" is a bit confusing.  At first I thought they were offering assembly but it appears to be only bare boards.  With their parts business assembly would seem a natural fit but the parts picker and soldering systems are probably quite expensive.

There are so many PC board assembly houses out there that I don't think Digikey would want to get into that business.  Here is the full text of that Digikey email:


PCB Builder
PCB Builder is your newest partner in prototype board manufacturing. Simply upload your Gerber file and get an instant quote for an unpopulated PCB from several quality board houses including DKRed™, Digi‑Key’s high-quality, low-cost option within PCB Builder for all your prototyping needs.
 
PCB Builder Offers:
 
     •    Boards Up to 6-Layers
     •    Low Order Minimums
     •    Quick and Standard Turns | 2 Days – 10 Days
     •    Multiple Board Provider Options
     •    Quick or Standard Shipping Options
 
DKRed | PCBs in Our Classic Digi-Key Red Soldermask:
 
     •    2- and 4-Layer Options
     •    Low Physical Size Minimum of .5'' x .5"
     •    $1.50/in² (2‑Layer) | $3/in² (4‑Layer)
     •    Minimum Purchase of 4 Copies
     •    Build Time: 10-Day (Standard) or 5-Day (Quick-Turn) Options
     •    Made in the USA With Free Shipping to US Addresses

[mmagliaro]

Yes, I got info about Digi-Key's service a couple of months ago.  Unfortunately, for a 3" x 5" board, their DK Red service is still about $25 per board (and you can only get a red solder mask, which would not help when I want black).  If you opt for their "default" service, you can select options on the color, copper thickness, and other parameters, and their cheapest price farms the job out to Seeed Studios for $13.75/board in China.  So while it might be convenient for some folks because they like dealing with Digi-Key, Digi-Key is really little more than a "broker" for your Gerber files who farm out the work to one of a list of pcb producers.  For a green 2-sided board, Aisler still beats the pants off them at $8/board made in the USA with free shipping.   You just have to be willing to wait about 3 weeks to get your boards.