Recommend Manufacture for Prototype PCB

I'm in Canada so I used to use APCircuits (Alberta Printed Circuits) for prototype PCBs, because they had reasonably low prices and delivery in 48 hours to my door,  but I think they folded up.

I now use ITEAD (https://www.itead.cc/open-pcb/pcb-prototyping.html ) They charge less than $10 for 10 PCBs (< $1 per card) for small cards. I have used them a couple of dozen times over the last few years with no problems. Nothing I've found in Canada comes close to this price.

You can see a green rectangular PCB example and a round white PCB example in this blog:

Sudden Impact - Crown Tools and Heart Reactor - updates 1-39

I found a place that seems to give away a trial PCB order for free, although I have never tried them:

https://www.nextpcb.com/?campaignid=pcb-ca&adgroupid=89482426952&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=b&keyword=%2B…

I've turned to the online PCB design platform easyeda.com for all my prototypes, which then seamlessly links to a Chinese PCB manufacturer jlcpcb.com once you generate your gerber files.

I found JLCPCB services to be very good and both their promotional and normal prices are superb (really low cost). I cannot fault their quality but then again I'm no expert at what to look for. Online feedback I found from so called experts all seem happy too. Only criticism I could make was on choices they provide for delivery. For example, I selected "DHL" from their choice of options and it was delivered via someone else. A little annoying but then it still arrived very quickly and without damage.

Otherwise, I've heard good stories from OSHpark.com (based in the US).

Here is a useful comparison done back in 2018 of three providers: https://hackaday.io/project/159057-game-boards-for-rc2014/log/150971-pcb-manufacturers-compared

I will give JLCPCB a try. Thank you both for your replies.

I consider the discussion closed.

I recommend JLC as well - used them on a number of occasions and price, quality and delivery times have always been excellent.

I used to make my own boards, but unless you enjoy the challenge it makes no sense any more.

I've used a few Chinese board houses and found them all to be good. There are a couple that get a hard time on EEVBlog for doing a bit of spammy marketing - but other than that if you don't mind having your boards in the post for a few weeks they're great. Of course, right now there might be further coronavirus related delays so it might be worth the extra cost for a US-based board house.

Does anyone know a good UK based PCB prototyping service? I plan to make a PCB for one of my projects soon so need somewhere to get them made. I used to know a company called ragwort or ragworm or possibly something similar, or even possibly completely unrelated to that. They made orange coloured PCBs and seemed OK.

Dubbie

It is Ragworm, I just found their web site. Anyone used them recently?

Dubbie

I looked at them but for my little hobby projects I couldn't justify the higher price of a UK producer over China.

I came across https://aisler.net/  recently. I believe this is an EU startup which has fairly competitive pricing for the EU. Occasionally I pick up on tweets from people saying that what they received had a problem but I also spotted that the company resolved these issues too.

Just a follow-up note on the PCB board purchase from JLCPCB.

The shipper attempted to deliver the package today. I was not at home so I completed the package delivery instructions on the website. They ignored the leave package advisory I completed and left me a door knocker notice.

The manufacture invoiced me for ten PCB's and the shipping cost. The local shipper would not leave the package because their is an additional $23

Customs, Duties and Taxes. The recipient of an international shipment may be subject to import taxes, customs duties and fees, which are levied once a shipment reaches the recipient's country. Crap!

The PCB's were $20. The shipping $30 and the Duties $23. I found the Customs, Duties and Taxes on JLCPCB's website after some digging. It is not hinted at in the ordering process. I hate discovering hidden costs.

I will wait around tomorrow to see if the package arrives. Only get two door knocker notices and then it costs me another $10.