Prototype is done - now what?
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Prototype is done - now what?
After my prototype is done and I've refined my code, how do I get my prototype into an assembled board with all the components soldered on as a finished prototype for an end product? Where would one start and which companies/vendors would be recommended to work with? Thanks.
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Re: Prototype is done - now what?
if it's open source hardware, drop us a note - [email protected] !mmathur wrote:After my prototype is done and I've refined my code, how do I get my prototype into an assembled board with all the components soldered on as a finished prototype for an end product? Where would one start and which companies/vendors would be recommended to work with? Thanks.
cheers,
adafruit
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Re: Prototype is done - now what?
That sounds like a plan. I'll be in touch...
- ryochiji
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- Joined: Thu Jun 30, 2011 7:25 pm
Re: Prototype is done - now what?
Adafruit - Do you provide a secret assembly service for Open Source boards?
In any case, hopefully Adafruit will help you out, but here are some things I've learned about cheaply assembling prototype boards:
Prototype PCB printing:
Dorkbot PDX's PCB service is both cheap, reasonably fast, and high quality.
http://dorkbotpdx.org/wiki/pcb_order
Of course, there's also http://batchpcb.com, which costs a little more, but is pretty good (and has DRC + a visual way to check your gerber files).
I also used SeeedStudio's PCB service which is really cheap, if you don't mind waiting 2-4 weeks in shipping (from China). If you pay for faster shipping, it ends up being not-so-cheap, and still takes about as long as BatchPCB.
Prototype Assembly:
Professional assembly services are super expensive (generally at least $200, even for 1 board). Of the vendors I talked to, Advanced Circuits (http://4pcb.com) was the cheapest.
However, the cheapest solution is to do it yourself by hand. All you need is a good iron, flux, solder wick, faith, and determination. I'm a n00b, but was able to hand-solder MSOP chips and 0603 components with zero problems (well, except for the bug in the actual circuit design *sigh*). There are some good resources online for soldering SMD components (like this Sparkfun tutorial).
Anyway, hope this information helps someone.
In any case, hopefully Adafruit will help you out, but here are some things I've learned about cheaply assembling prototype boards:
Prototype PCB printing:
Dorkbot PDX's PCB service is both cheap, reasonably fast, and high quality.
http://dorkbotpdx.org/wiki/pcb_order
Of course, there's also http://batchpcb.com, which costs a little more, but is pretty good (and has DRC + a visual way to check your gerber files).
I also used SeeedStudio's PCB service which is really cheap, if you don't mind waiting 2-4 weeks in shipping (from China). If you pay for faster shipping, it ends up being not-so-cheap, and still takes about as long as BatchPCB.
Prototype Assembly:
Professional assembly services are super expensive (generally at least $200, even for 1 board). Of the vendors I talked to, Advanced Circuits (http://4pcb.com) was the cheapest.
However, the cheapest solution is to do it yourself by hand. All you need is a good iron, flux, solder wick, faith, and determination. I'm a n00b, but was able to hand-solder MSOP chips and 0603 components with zero problems (well, except for the bug in the actual circuit design *sigh*). There are some good resources online for soldering SMD components (like this Sparkfun tutorial).
Anyway, hope this information helps someone.
- imaginerobots
- Posts: 23
- Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2011 1:05 am
Re: Prototype is done - now what?
Seeedstudio also has a manufacturing service called Propagate:
http://www.seeedstudio.com/propagate/
I haven't used this yet.
Danh
http://www.seeedstudio.com/propagate/
I haven't used this yet.
Danh
Forum rules
Get help, and assist others in with open source kits and running a business! Do not ask for legal advice or for consulting services in this forum, only general biz questions!
Get help, and assist others in with open source kits and running a business! Do not ask for legal advice or for consulting services in this forum, only general biz questions!