ExpressPCB production >.<

FlyingFishFinger

Hi-
I'm thinking of using ExpressPCB to make the board for my science fair project this year. I like the software and the Mini board option sounds good, but if I want soldermask and silkscreen, their cheapest option is the $179 for 4 boards. However, I only need a maximum of two boards (even the second one might not be neccessary) and so it seems a waste to use that service. Are there any other fab houses that take ExpressPCB files (yes, I know they're encoded etc.)? If not, what are other options for making one or two small boards w/ siklscreen and soldermask a little cheaper?
Thanks

Rafael

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
You've got to play the game.
You can't win.
You can't break even, except on a very cold day.
It doesn't get that cold.
~Laws of Thermodynamics~

MarkS

Try Cadsoft's Eagle freeware version to create the board. Their website has tons of links to board houses.

Bean

Rafael,
ExpressPCB will let you put multi PCBs on one panel. Try to find someone that will share the cost by putting one of your PCBs and one of their PCBs on each panel.
What are the dimensions of your PCB ?

Bean.

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
The first rule to being successful is "Learn from your mistakes",
The second rule is "Be willing to make mistakes"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
www.hittconsulting.com
·

FlyingFishFinger

I haven't made it yet because I'm not sure what to use etc (I have till March anyway...Science Fair project^^), but I do believe it will fit in the Mini Board Specs...
Rafael

▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔
You've got to play the game.
You can't win.
You can't break even, except on a very cold day.
It doesn't get that cold.
~Laws of Thermodynamics~

deno

I have used ExpressPCB several times without the silk screen or solder mask.· I don't feel I need the solder mask, and using the text tool in there software, you can actually text all component using the copper clad.· Just don't let the copper clad lettering touch any traces.· You can label the board, anything you want.· There is different font sizes, and I usually use the smallest for component ID.

Use your ExpressPCB software to look at the example I enclosed below.

deno

deno

I would like to add a footnote to the above post...if you view the file using ExpressPCB's software, you will see that there is a silkscreen layer showing parts outlines.· I only use this for layout.· The silkscreen lines do not come on the finished PCB.· However the part ID or value does, as it is on the copper clad area on the top or the bottom.

Deno

Spork Frog

www.batchpcb.com/

Although they don't support the ExpressPCB format, so you'd have to use another program to create your board.

MarkS

If you only need one and you have till March, I'd consider learning how to make your own. You've got plenty of time to practice, the supplies are relatively cheap and you'll learn a new skill. You can make very professional boards if you use the photo-resist method or the direct transfer paper method. With the photo-resist method, I go to Kinko's and print the circuit on a transparency. I apply it to the board in a dark room, pretty much my bedroom with the windows covered and the light replaced with a yellow bulb, follow the instructions on the developer bottle and then etch. The direct paper transfer method is even easier. You print out the circuit onto a special paper and iron it onto your regular, copper coated PCB and then etch.

Either way will save you $$$, even with the practice boards.