trying to get/make a 4 layer pcb

[PhoenixOSU]

I'm trying to get a 4 layer PCB for a dcdc converter for a reasonable price. most board houses want in the range of $200 for one, and I am trying to make 4 of these converters, I may be able to fit 2 onto one board, but still thats a lot. is there a cheaper way?

 

[VernB]

I'm trying to get a 4 layer PCB for a dcdc converter for a reasonable price. most board houses want in the range of $200 for one, and I am trying to make 4 of these converters, I may be able to fit 2 onto one board, but still thats a lot. is there a cheaper way?

Try one of the "quick turn"/prototyping PCB houses, there's a bunch of them. In the past, I've been under $60 for 3 PCBs. I'm not quite sure why you'd need a 4 layer PCB for that?

Vern

 

[zbang]

Get A copy of Nuts-n-Volts magazine, the quick-turn PCB companies all seem to have adverts there.

 

[LarryFine]

Phoenix, I have used these small-board services before. $200 isn't a bad price for what you're looking for.

Check these out, and there are others:

http://www.pcbexpress.com/

http://www.expresspcb.com/

 

[winnie]

I sometimes do a bunch of PCB fabrication.

1) Do you really need 4 layers; most DC-DC converters can be done with 2 layers.

2) I've had good luck with http://www.pcb-pool.com for small orders of 2 layer boards; I'd be willing to try them at 4 layers. They are quite inexpensive, but slow and they ship from europe...but it looks like you could get several copies of a small 4 layer board for about $110 total

3) I mostly use http://www.4pcb.com for large batch orders. If you are willing to make up a large panel then the cost per board becomes very competitive, and their quality and speed are very high. I've only done a couple of 4 layer boards with them, but many 2 layer boards, which are superb.

-Jon

 

[BigDon]

Cheap PCBs

Cheap PCBs

If you can get the PCB down to two layers, then one cheap way is etching a copper-clad board. It doesn't always look too good, but for prototyping, it should be OK. There are thermal etch-resistant transfers that you print out on your printer, and then iron on to the copper before dipping it in the chemical. There are also the old etch-resistant stickers.

An even cheaper way is to take a Dremel tool to the copper-clad board. If there aren't too many parts, and you have the right bits, it works OK. I've done this for testing sections of circuit. But it's hard to get the pads right for a lot of the tighter pitched chips.

 

[dbuckley]

If price is the issue, then... do what WalMart do... http://www.pcbcart.com