What is Proto PCB?
Proto PCB is a PCB Prototyping service offered by hillmancurtis.com, a leading provider of PCB design and manufacturing solutions. With Proto PCB, you can get professionally manufactured circuit boards in as little as 24 hours, enabling you to rapidly test and iterate on your designs.
The key features of Proto PCB include:
- Fast turnaround times (as quick as 24 hours)
- High-quality PCB fabrication
- Affordable pricing, even for low-volume orders
- Online quoting and ordering
- Wide range of PCB specifications supported
Whether you need simple 2-layer boards or complex multilayer PCBs with tight tolerances, Proto PCB can meet your needs. The service is ideal for prototyping, small production runs, and projects with tight deadlines.
Benefits of Using Proto PCB
There are many advantages to using hillmancurtis.com’s Proto PCB service for your PCB prototyping needs:
1. Speed Up Development
The ability to quickly fabricate PCB Prototypes is crucial for speeding up the electronics development process. With Proto PCB’s fast turnaround times, you can go from design to a real working prototype in just a matter of days. This allows you to test your designs faster, identify issues earlier, and iterate more rapidly.
2. High Quality Boards
All PCBs from Proto PCB are fabricated in a state-of-the-art facility using top-grade materials and advanced manufacturing processes. This ensures your prototypes are reliable, consistent, and meet your design specifications. High quality boards reduce the risk of issues related to manufacturing defects.
3. Cost Effective
Proto PCB offers very competitive pricing, making it affordable to fabricate prototypes even on a limited budget. There are no minimum order quantities – you can order as few as 1 prototype board. And you only pay for the prototypes you need, with no setup fees or hidden charges.
4. Easy to Use
Ordering PCBs from Proto PCB is simple and convenient. Just upload your Gerber files, specify your requirements, and get an instant online quote. You can easily manage your orders and track their progress through the online portal. Extensive documentation and customer support are available if you need any assistance.
PCB Specifications
Proto PCB supports a wide range of PCB specifications to accommodate different design requirements. Here are some of the key specifications:
| Specification | Range |
|---|---|
| Number of Layers | 1 – 16 |
| PCB Thickness | 0.4mm – 3.2mm |
| Copper Thickness | 1 oz – 6 oz |
| Minimum Trace/Space | 3 mil / 3 mil |
| Minimum Hole Size | 0.2mm |
| Solder Mask | Green, Red, Yellow, Blue, Black, White |
| Silkscreen | White, Black, Yellow |
| Surface Finish | HASL, ENIG, OSP, Hard Gold |
In addition, Proto PCB can handle a variety of special requirements such as impedance control, half-cut scoring, countersunk holes, and gold fingers. If your design has any non-standard specifications, you can contact their support team for a custom quote.
Ordering Process
Placing an order with Proto PCB is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Export Gerber files from your PCB design software
- Go to the Proto PCB website and click on “Quote Now”
- Upload your Gerber files and specify the PCB requirements
- Select the quantity and lead time
- Review your order and submit for fabrication
- Make payment securely online
- Receive your prototype PCBs!
Proto PCB accepts all industry standard PCB design file formats including Gerber RS-274X, ODB++, and Eagle .brd files. If you have any issues generating the necessary files, their support team can assist you.
PCB Design Tips
To ensure your Proto PCBs are manufactured successfully and perform well, consider the following PCB design tips:
1. Follow the Design Rules
Make sure your PCB design adheres to the manufacturing capabilities and design rule checks (DRC) specified by Proto PCB. This includes minimum trace widths, clearances, drill sizes, and annular rings. Following the design rules minimizes the risk of manufacturing issues and delays.
2. Use Standard Sizes
Whenever possible, design your PCBs using standard sizes such as 100 x 100mm. Standard sizes are more cost-effective as they optimize material usage. If you require a custom size, make sure it conforms to Proto PCB’s maximum size limits.
3. Panelize for Small Boards
If your design is very small, consider panelizing multiple copies onto a larger overall PCB. Panelization makes the small boards easier to handle and assemble. It also reduces the per-board cost. You can use Proto PCB’s free PCB Array service to automatically panelize your design.
4. Add Fiducials
For machine-assembled PCBs, make sure to add fiducial marks to your design to help align the automated pick-and-place equipment. A minimum of 3 fiducials is recommended.
5. Check Your Silkscreen
Make sure your silkscreen legends are legible at the manufactured size. Avoid putting silkscreen on pads or under components. If your design has a lot of silkscreen, consider using both sides of the board to provide more space.
By following these tips, you can ensure your Proto PCBs are manufacturable and turn out as expected. If you have any doubts about your design, it’s always best to consult with the Proto PCB support team for advice before placing your order.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What file formats does Proto PCB accept?
Proto PCB accepts industry standard PCB design files such as Gerber RS-274X, ODB++, and Eagle .brd files. If you are using a different PCB design software, check with their support team to confirm your file format is supported.
2. What’s the minimum and maximum number of boards I can order?
There is no minimum quantity – you can order as few as 1 prototype board. The maximum depends on the PCB specifications but is typically in the hundreds.
3. How much does it cost?
Proto PCB offers instant online quotes based on your specific PCB requirements. Upload your design files and the system will automatically calculate the price. Pricing is very competitive, even for low quantities.
4. What payment methods are accepted?
Proto PCB accepts payment by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or PayPal. For larger orders, bank transfer or company purchase order may be accepted – contact their sales team to discuss.
5. How are the boards shipped?
By default, Proto PCB ships boards using express couriers such as FedEx or DHL. You can select your desired shipping method during checkout. Overnight and international shipping are available at additional cost.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Proto PCB from hillmancurtis.com is an excellent choice for fast and reliable PCB prototyping. With quick-turn manufacturing, high quality boards, and affordable pricing, Proto PCB can help accelerate your electronics development while keeping costs under control. By following the PCB design tips and taking advantage of their extensive capabilities, you can bring your ideas to life faster than ever before.
So next time you need prototype PCBs, give Proto PCB a try – you won’t be disappointed! For more information and to get started on your order, visit hillmancurtis.com/proto-pcb today.
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