I post a thread here to discuss about the most effective way to make PCB prototype (not PCBA) for hobby to ensure:
- Fastest
- Low cost
- 2 layer
- For SMD component
I want to mention on PCB CNC milling machine. But most is >2000$, I'm looking for the best way.
There is many online vendors available like Free PCB, All PCB etc. They offer very low cost but really quality pcb solutions. You can instantaneously put your parameters and get your quote within seconds.
Not only them, there should be many vendors offering services online, just Google search to find a best vendor for your purpose
For SMD parts, you almost have to have your board professionally done. For a 10cm x 10cm good quality two layer board, with plated through holes, solder mask both sides and silkscreen both sides, there are many Chinese companies that will produce 10 for less than $30US delivered. You might have to wait two or three weeks for the board, but you would be hard pressed to be able to produce one as good as these for the price.
Here are the capabilities of one such company I have successfully used (not sure of the board's policy on putting out company's names):
Unless you're very, very poor, or for some reason REALLY want to make your own PCB, these homebrew methods are just too much trouble, and yield pretty poor results. And then you have to drill holes(accurately), and if they're plated through you have to make sure you address that. ExpressPCB, for example, will make you three boards for $51USD.
In poor countries (India is not counted as a poor country officially but in reality the life is different) doing it yourself is not really cheap. You need to procure all the chemicals and they are expensive in poor countries. Here in Hyderabad, India, I can get a 10cmX10cm (4"X4") FR4 board double side, PTH holes made (medium density) for around USD30. Slightly cheaper than California but considerably cheaper than doing it yourself. 3 sft of the positive film will cost around the same locally.
But it is fun to do it - just for the heck of it (I cannot do PTH at home still). But simply not worth on a regular basis. In fact the local agent who was doing the PCB work here (in Hyderabad, India) for me was asked to shift because of pollution concerns.