price has increased. we are finding a new manufacturer.
PCB way Buying Guide
PCB way is the manufacture Dan used so for the V1 PCBs. There are pros and cons when it comes to using their services. We will list those below. All cons will be shown in the guide. A lot of PCB ways pros are also its cons sadly.
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PROS:
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PCB ways website has always worked in our experience.
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PCB way has an option for both cheaper replacement parts if they don't have your parts in stock.
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Don't charge for "special component installs" some companies charge more for more complicated parts being attached to the board.
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CONS:​
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The website is not streamlined. Users have to manually enter the size of the PCB and the gerber file is not uploaded until you are required to enter a size in manually.
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PCB way charges way more per part which can make the build cost way more. They also require a lot of input from the user which can delay the build time
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They have no explanation for long build times. I am told these would take 25 - 30 days to build and there is no explanation as to why that's the case.
Quote now
PCB way will not prompt you to make an account until you are a few steps in but its still best to make one ahead of time. Then chose quote now.
Enter the PCB size (Con 1)
This is the most annoying part of ordering from PCB way. You can not move to upload a file until you put the size in. The files contain measurements, it seems like an extra step for no reason. (size is 70.5 x 64 mm)
PCB assembly
No settings need to be changed. Enter the quantity, 5 is the minimum. Then scroll down and make sure you click assembly service. That will let them know you want them to put the parts on for you. Enter 5 again.
Basic price is not the real price.
Click calculate and save to cart. It will give you a price that is not real. Since it still needs all the files before it can calculate a real price. It will also ask you if you have any restricted parts. You do not so you can confirm you agree.
Logging in and uploading files.
If you have not signed in yet it will prompt you to do so. At which point you will be able to find your order. You have to click on it to upload the files needed to start the build process. (Centroid File is CPL)
Under review
After your files are uploaded, you will have to wait for PCB way to review your order. This can take 5 minutes - a whole business day keep in mind they operate in China so the time difference is a big factor here.
Price breakdown (con 3)
PCB way charges quite a bit more then other companies. Keep in mind the numbers below are for 10 boards. the build cost would be the same 88$ the parts cost would be cut in half. About 70$ so without shipping and tax PCB way is close to 160$ with another 30$ for shipping and tax puts 5 PCBs close to 200$ this can be really expensive and why we encourage people to buy from us.
Parts list break down
You can see the PCB does not cost much at all. Its the parts themselves that cost the most. Using Chinese replacement parts in the order options could save you money but we can't vouch for those parts.
Payment
Once your build has been approved and seen by a PCB way employee, you have the chance to pay for your order and confirm shipping.
Be ready for an email (con 2 sort of )
PCB way will send you an email with pictures of your product. They will want you to confirm that they look good and the parts are in the right place. This is a nice feature if you know what you are looking at however in my case I missed the email and production was delayed for days since I never approved the proofs... That is the last step though now its on to prepping the boards when you have them in hand.
