pc bds was Re: re: Smart box / Dumb box

Jeff, list,

As long as we're talking pc bds, a few pointers:

1) Work WITH your vendor to reduce cost. Preferably BEFORE you commit
to bd size and layout. Learn THEIR "preferred" way to work, and
what "standard" REALLY means. YOU may think leaving the solder mask
off will save you money, In fact, it might mean 'pulling' your job
out of the normal flow, and cost you more.

2) Accept that it will take some time for you to accomplish the
above. Aim for a 'working' relationship and don't jump vendors to
save a buck or two...

3) Realise that its about holes and size. Also realise that if you
can cut 'em apart, they usually don't care whether the "Board" they
make for you is REALLY 25 boards. You do have a CNC, right:-)

3a) Use std. drill sizes(see #1 above) and use as few as possible.

4) Consider the use of the bds. For example, if it makes sense with
your vendor, and you are doing the assy. yourself, leave off the
silkscreen. Or the plating. Or the solder mask.

5) Find out where the tradeoffs balance. If you want 2 oz. copper,
but the 'norm is 1 oz., what size can you make the traces in 1
oz.before it costs as much (since the board is bigger) as 2 oz. on
the smaller board.

5a) Find out where the size/holes price break is and design to take
advantage of it, if you can.

6) Realise that the pc bd business is very competitive and do your
homework. You don't want them 'dreading' your call...

7) If you work with an assy. house, let them order the bds. (assuming
you have trust in them) Their overall volume and probable use of
allthe above points with THEIR vendor may save you money even tho
they'll "tack on" their markup.

Most of this is just good business, and many will already know these
things.

Hope this helps.

Ballendo

>>What decade or corner of "New" England are YOU living in? The last
>>"prototype" PCB's I got were pushing $300 each!

>Actually, there's this place in Bulgaria (no, really) that's even
>cheaper. I just haven't had the nerve to try them yet. I was, in
>fact, thinking in terms of a bit above prototype quantities.
>Jeff