MitchElectronics
Newbie level 6
- Joined
- Nov 9, 2014
- Messages
- 13
- Helped
- 0
- Reputation
- 0
- Reaction score
- 0
- Trophy points
- 1
- Location
- Avon Castle
- Activity points
- 122
Hi all,
So it has been a while since I last made PCBs but since the house move and the workshop upgrade my PCBs have also gotten an upgrade!
Plated through holes AND soldermasks!
Unlike before double sided boards can now have plated through holes. These holes firstly are not mechanical and done using a chemical process and secondly the holes are aftwards coated with a second layer of a conductive material. This means that while the top and bottom pad are electrically conductive solder wont flow from the top to the bottom BUT there is a nice layer of plated copper keeping the two connected. The resistance is unmeasurable with a typical multi-meter and is being used in a power project of mine (excess of 5A).
Solder masks are too available now but tin plating is currently not (the surface quality of tin plated pads are not as good as copper). If a solder mask is chosen then a coating of lacqure will automatically be applied as it is apart of the process.
A silkscreen layer is available however it is also experimental and only comes in black. As of now, the silkscreen works best on a single sided board but when a silkscreen is applied to a copper layer the space between traces and pour areas dont show.
**broken link removed**
Still the cheapest place!
And the price? Still darn low! A soldermasked double sided board with plated holes 1 inch x 1 inch is £2.40. Note that this is the most expensive configuration and you can select your own amount of processing. For example, no soldermask or lacqure but still have plated holes and drills. I will try to get some photos up as soon as possible to show soldermasks and through hole conduction.
Current new year offer!
Since its the new year there is a special offer! All customers can get 20% off if a testimonial is given. But hurry as this is only available for the first 10 customers so make sure to get yourself in there quickly!
So how do I order?
If you wish to arrange for a quote either message me here or send an email at pcbfab@mitchelectronics.co.uk
The mitchelectronics website also has a quick quote calculator on the PCB service tab for ease.
Post and packaging is not included and depends on many factors such as recorded delivery or 2nd class post.
I accept either paypal or postal check (postal order).
What design files do I need to supply?
KiCad and Eagle board files are highly recommended however the following can be submitted providing the appropriate requirements are met. (Each layer is required)
Image - Need DPI and page size (the LEAST recommended)
PDF - Need page size and design must be centered left or right
PostScript - Same as above
Board Constraints
Max board size = 10cm x 15cm (approx 4x6 inches)
Minimum trace width = 10 mil (0.254mm)
Minimum trace clearance = 10 mil (0.254mm)
Minimum hole diameter = 24 mil (0.600mm)
Maximum hole diameter = 40 mil (1mm) < This will be much larger very soon
Trace to board edge = 90 mil (3mm)
Cutting width = 3 mm (this is the width of the cutting blade)
Double sided boards require 6 fiducial holes outside of the board layer evenly spaced with a hole diameter of 0.6mm. Any larger and double sided alignment cant be guaranteed
Copper pours can now be solid and no longer need to be hatched
Please feel free to ask any questions!
Robin
So it has been a while since I last made PCBs but since the house move and the workshop upgrade my PCBs have also gotten an upgrade!
Plated through holes AND soldermasks!
Unlike before double sided boards can now have plated through holes. These holes firstly are not mechanical and done using a chemical process and secondly the holes are aftwards coated with a second layer of a conductive material. This means that while the top and bottom pad are electrically conductive solder wont flow from the top to the bottom BUT there is a nice layer of plated copper keeping the two connected. The resistance is unmeasurable with a typical multi-meter and is being used in a power project of mine (excess of 5A).
Solder masks are too available now but tin plating is currently not (the surface quality of tin plated pads are not as good as copper). If a solder mask is chosen then a coating of lacqure will automatically be applied as it is apart of the process.
A silkscreen layer is available however it is also experimental and only comes in black. As of now, the silkscreen works best on a single sided board but when a silkscreen is applied to a copper layer the space between traces and pour areas dont show.
**broken link removed**
Still the cheapest place!
And the price? Still darn low! A soldermasked double sided board with plated holes 1 inch x 1 inch is £2.40. Note that this is the most expensive configuration and you can select your own amount of processing. For example, no soldermask or lacqure but still have plated holes and drills. I will try to get some photos up as soon as possible to show soldermasks and through hole conduction.
Current new year offer!
Since its the new year there is a special offer! All customers can get 20% off if a testimonial is given. But hurry as this is only available for the first 10 customers so make sure to get yourself in there quickly!
So how do I order?
If you wish to arrange for a quote either message me here or send an email at pcbfab@mitchelectronics.co.uk
The mitchelectronics website also has a quick quote calculator on the PCB service tab for ease.
Post and packaging is not included and depends on many factors such as recorded delivery or 2nd class post.
I accept either paypal or postal check (postal order).
What design files do I need to supply?
KiCad and Eagle board files are highly recommended however the following can be submitted providing the appropriate requirements are met. (Each layer is required)
Image - Need DPI and page size (the LEAST recommended)
PDF - Need page size and design must be centered left or right
PostScript - Same as above
Board Constraints
Max board size = 10cm x 15cm (approx 4x6 inches)
Minimum trace width = 10 mil (0.254mm)
Minimum trace clearance = 10 mil (0.254mm)
Minimum hole diameter = 24 mil (0.600mm)
Maximum hole diameter = 40 mil (1mm) < This will be much larger very soon
Trace to board edge = 90 mil (3mm)
Cutting width = 3 mm (this is the width of the cutting blade)
Double sided boards require 6 fiducial holes outside of the board layer evenly spaced with a hole diameter of 0.6mm. Any larger and double sided alignment cant be guaranteed
Copper pours can now be solid and no longer need to be hatched
Please feel free to ask any questions!
Robin
