1. JLCPCB
Overview
JLCPCB is a leading online PCB manufacturer based in China, known for its competitive pricing and quick turnaround times. They offer a user-friendly online platform that allows customers to easily upload their PCB designs, select their desired specifications, and place orders.
Features
- PCB Fabrication: JLCPCB offers a wide range of PCB fabrication options, including single and double-sided boards, multilayer boards (up to 8 layers), and flexible PCBs.
- PCB Assembly: In addition to fabrication, JLCPCB provides PCB assembly services, allowing customers to have their components sourced and assembled onto the PCBs.
- Capabilities: JLCPCB supports various PCB materials, surface finishes, and soldermask colors. They also offer advanced features such as impedance control and blind/buried vias.
- Turnaround Time: With their efficient manufacturing process, JLCPCB offers quick turnaround times, with standard orders usually shipped within 2-3 days.
Pricing
JLCPCB is known for its competitive pricing, with rates starting as low as $2 for 5 PCBs (100mm x 100mm). They also offer discounts for larger quantities and provide instant online quoting for easy price estimation.
Customer Satisfaction
JLCPCB has received positive reviews from customers, praising their fast turnaround times, good quality PCBs, and responsive customer support. However, some users have reported occasional issues with the online platform and communication delays.
2. PCBWay
Overview
PCBWay is another popular online PCB manufacturer that offers a comprehensive range of PCB fabrication and assembly services. With their global presence and advanced manufacturing facilities, PCBWay caters to the needs of both small-scale projects and large-volume production runs.
Features
- PCB Fabrication: PCBWay offers a wide variety of PCB types, including standard, advanced, and specialized PCBs such as high-frequency, high-density interconnect (HDI), and rigid-flex PCBs.
- PCB Assembly: PCBWay provides full turnkey PCB assembly services, including component sourcing, SMT and THT assembly, and testing.
- Capabilities: PCBWay supports various PCB materials, surface finishes, and soldermask colors. They also offer advanced features such as controlled impedance, blind/buried vias, and heavy copper PCBs.
- Turnaround Time: PCBWay offers standard lead times of 3-5 days for PCB fabrication and 7-10 days for PCB assembly. They also provide expedited services for urgent orders.
Pricing
PCBWay’s pricing is competitive, with rates starting at $5 for 10 PCBs (100mm x 100mm). They offer instant online quoting and provide discounts for larger quantities and long-term partnerships.
Customer Satisfaction
PCBWay has generally received positive feedback from customers, with many praising their high-quality PCBs, wide range of services, and helpful customer support. However, some users have reported occasional issues with delivery times and communication.
3. Seeed Studio
Overview
Seeed Studio is an online PCB manufacturer and electronics platform that focuses on enabling makers, hobbyists, and businesses to bring their ideas to life. They offer PCB fabrication, assembly, and a wide range of open-source hardware modules and development boards.
Features
- PCB Fabrication: Seeed Studio offers standard and advanced PCB fabrication services, supporting various materials, surface finishes, and soldermask colors.
- PCB Assembly: Seeed Studio provides PCB assembly services, including SMT and THT assembly, component sourcing, and testing.
- Capabilities: Seeed Studio supports various PCB types, including single and double-sided boards, multilayer boards (up to 16 layers), and flexible PCBs. They also offer advanced features such as impedance control and blind/buried vias.
- Turnaround Time: Seeed Studio offers standard lead times of 3-5 days for PCB fabrication and 7-10 days for PCB assembly. They also provide expedited services for urgent orders.
Pricing
Seeed Studio’s pricing is competitive, with rates starting at $4.90 for 10 PCBs (100mm x 100mm). They offer instant online quoting and provide discounts for larger quantities and long-term partnerships.
Customer Satisfaction
Seeed Studio has received generally positive reviews from customers, with many appreciating their user-friendly platform, good quality PCBs, and responsive customer support. However, some users have reported occasional issues with delivery times and component sourcing.
4. OSH Park
Overview
OSH Park is a US-based online PCB manufacturer that specializes in providing high-quality, purple-colored PCBs for hobbyists, students, and professionals. They focus on offering a simple and streamlined PCB fabrication service with a unique aesthetic appeal.
Features
- PCB Fabrication: OSH Park offers a simplified PCB fabrication service, focusing on double-sided boards with a signature purple soldermask.
- Capabilities: OSH Park supports standard PCB materials (FR-4) and offers a fixed set of specifications, including 1.6mm board thickness, ENIG surface finish, and purple soldermask.
- Turnaround Time: OSH Park has a standard lead time of 12-15 days for PCB fabrication, which is longer compared to other manufacturers. However, they prioritize quality and consistency over speed.
Pricing
OSH Park’s pricing is based on the size of the PCB, with rates starting at $5 per square inch for a set of three PCBs. While their pricing is higher compared to some other manufacturers, they focus on delivering high-quality, visually appealing PCBs.
Customer Satisfaction
OSH Park has received positive reviews from customers, with many praising their consistent quality, unique purple PCBs, and user-friendly ordering process. However, some users have reported longer turnaround times compared to other manufacturers.
5. PCBCart
Overview
PCBCart is a professional online PCB manufacturer that offers a wide range of PCB fabrication and assembly services. With their state-of-the-art facilities and experienced team, PCBCart caters to the needs of various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, medical, and aerospace.
Features
- PCB Fabrication: PCBCart offers a comprehensive range of PCB fabrication services, including standard, advanced, and specialized PCBs such as HDI, rigid-flex, and metal core PCBs.
- PCB Assembly: PCBCart provides full turnkey PCB assembly services, including component sourcing, SMT and THT assembly, and functional testing.
- Capabilities: PCBCart supports various PCB materials, surface finishes, and soldermask colors. They also offer advanced features such as impedance control, blind/buried vias, and sequential lamination.
- Turnaround Time: PCBCart offers standard lead times of 3-5 days for PCB fabrication and 7-10 days for PCB assembly. They also provide expedited services for urgent orders.
Pricing
PCBCart’s pricing is competitive, with rates starting at $5 for 10 PCBs (100mm x 100mm). They offer instant online quoting and provide discounts for larger quantities and long-term partnerships.
Customer Satisfaction
PCBCart has received generally positive feedback from customers, with many appreciating their high-quality PCBs, wide range of services, and responsive customer support. However, some users have reported occasional issues with communication and delivery times.
Comparison Table
| Manufacturer | PCB Fabrication | PCB Assembly | Pricing (10 PCBs, 100mm x 100mm) | Lead Time (Fabrication) | Lead Time (Assembly) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JLCPCB | ✓ | ✓ | $2 (5 PCBs) | 2-3 days | 7-10 days |
| PCBWay | ✓ | ✓ | $5 | 3-5 days | 7-10 days |
| Seeed Studio | ✓ | ✓ | $4.90 | 3-5 days | 7-10 days |
| OSH Park | ✓ | ✗ | $5 per sq. inch (set of 3) | 12-15 days | N/A |
| PCBCart | ✓ | ✓ | $5 | 3-5 days | 7-10 days |
FAQ
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Q: Which online PCB manufacturer is the best for my project?
A: The best online PCB manufacturer for your project depends on your specific requirements, such as PCB complexity, quantity, budget, and turnaround time. Review the features, pricing, and customer satisfaction of each manufacturer to determine which one aligns best with your needs. -
Q: Can I get PCB assembly services from these online manufacturers?
A: Yes, most of the online PCB Manufacturers reviewed in this article, including JLCPCB, PCBWay, Seeed Studio, and PCBCart, offer PCB assembly services in addition to PCB fabrication. However, OSH Park focuses solely on PCB fabrication. -
Q: What is the typical turnaround time for PCB fabrication and assembly?
A: The typical turnaround time for PCB fabrication ranges from 2-5 days for most manufacturers, with the exception of OSH Park, which has a longer lead time of 12-15 days. For PCB assembly, the typical turnaround time is around 7-10 days. However, expedited services may be available for urgent orders. -
Q: How do I place an order with an online PCB manufacturer?
A: To place an order with an online PCB manufacturer, you typically need to follow these steps:- Create an account on the manufacturer’s website.
- Upload your PCB design files (usually in Gerber format).
- Select your desired PCB specifications (e.g., layers, material, surface finish, quantity).
- Choose any additional services, such as PCB assembly or expedited production.
- Review and confirm your order details and make the payment.
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Q: Can I get a discount for larger quantities or long-term partnerships?
A: Yes, most online PCB manufacturers offer discounts for larger quantities and long-term partnerships. The specific discounts may vary depending on the manufacturer and the volume of your order. It’s best to contact the manufacturer directly or check their website for more information on available discounts and partnership programs.
In conclusion, choosing the right online PCB manufacturer is crucial for the success of your electronics projects. By considering factors such as PCB fabrication and assembly capabilities, pricing, turnaround times, and customer satisfaction, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs. Whether you’re a hobbyist working on a small-scale project or a business looking for large-volume production, the five online PCB manufacturers reviewed in this article – JLCPCB, PCBWay, Seeed Studio, OSH Park, and PCBCart – offer a wide range of services and options to bring your PCB designs to life.
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