PCB manufacturing and assembly

I am working on an open source arduino-based hardware/software/internet project. I built the schematic end component layout in EasyEDA. It's a 36 mm diameter double-sided board built around an esp32. I'm expecting three rounds of prototypes to get the design finished. I'll need five boards for each round. I chose the components around availability. I am based in California and would prefer a manufacturer in North America. Who do you recommend? And why? Frank

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BigG over 2 years ago

I've used https://oshpark.com/#aboutus in the past and would recommend.

I had 3 perfect purple boards made and opted for their express service, which I found was reasonably priced. Not sure about assembly though

I too created my PCB designs using EasyEDA.

Otherwise I am aware of this crowd (based in Augusta) who offer assembly service but I've never availed of their services: https://cybercitycircuits.com/
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fmilburn over 2 years ago

I use Oshpark, especially for smaller PCBs but do my own assembly of prototypes. The quality is better than most prototyping services, price and turnaround are reasonable.
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frankcohen over 2 years ago in reply to fmilburn

Thanks. They are at https://docs.oshpark.com/. Their Web site does not include assembly service.
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fmilburn over 2 years ago in reply to frankcohen

There is an assembly house in Seattle that a friend uses but for him they do hundreds of boards at a time. I would call around as the interest/cost to do small runs will probably vary.
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frankcohen over 2 years ago in reply to fmilburn

Thanks. I will call around. I will post here what I find. -Frank
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Jan Cumps over 2 years ago in reply to frankcohen

If having it manufactured in North America is not a fixed constraint: Seeed does PCBs and prototype manufacturing.
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Gough Lui over 2 years ago in reply to Jan Cumps

If not NA/US then JLCPCB is another option as well, especially if you want good pricing. I've had pretty good experiences, assuming you get your data arranged correctly.
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shabaz over 2 years ago

To add to the excellent list so far, also 'Advanced Circuits' are in US, and very well established, and do prototype assembly. I've not used them. If I had to do such a thing and couldn't assemble it with my own team, I'd at least strongly consider overseas and Seeed, they are well established too, and have offered such prototype assembly services for many years now, to worldwide customers.
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frankcohen over 2 years ago in reply to Gough Lui

Unfortunately JLCPCB does single sided board assembly only. This is a double sided board.
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frankcohen over 2 years ago in reply to Jan Cumps

I really like Seeed too. I visited their plant when I was in Shenzhen last time. Impressive group. North American isn't a fixed requirement for me. I'm thinking I'll get faster turnaround from someone closer. Certainly could be wrong about that.
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