JLCPCB ordering tip

[Demon]

(Just a head's up to the next guy.)

I thought that ordering in panels was cheaper than single PCBs. Turns out I was wrong; I suppose they spread out our single panels wherever they have empty slots in their production run.

At least, that's the observation I made using a 6" x 9" (15cm x 20cm) layout I uploaded (I wanted to see the price difference between 2 layers and 4 layers). It might be different with small circuits, I didn't try it.

Also, I get a "large panel" surcharge when I use panels of this dimension, even when choosing 2 x 2.

20 PCBs, 2 layers:
- single, $ 3.73 ea.
- 2 x 2, $ 7.70 ea.

20 PCBs, 4 layers:
- single, $ 6.24 ea.
- 2 x 2, $ 10.27 ea.

100 PCBs, 2 layers:
- single, $ 2.24
- 2 x 2, $ 5.09

100 PCBs, 4 layers:
- single, $ 3.96
- 2 x 2, $ 6.54

Nothing fancy, just two 14-pin headers and a 28 pin smd PIC spread out across the surface.


EDIT: I think I know where the savings from panels comes from, it's probably when you use their assembling service and you don't use basic parts (they're preloaded on the machine). A technician has to go to inventory and load reels of "extended parts" on the machine.

[Ioannis]

I think the charge on a panel is for the whole panel.

In your first example

20 PCBs, 2 layers:
- single, $ 3.73 ea.
- 2 x 2, $ 7.70 ea. <-- here I think is for the panel, the 4 pcbs, Not each one.

Maybe I am wrong, have not tested right now.

Ioannis

[Demon]

Those prices are for each individual circuit. I was careful not to use panel prices and mix apples with oranges. I wanted to get a better idea on batches of 100 instead of small prints.

And I was testing the idea of a single motherboard in the background, instead of wires from MCP23017 to the PICs.

[Demon]

I was checking prices on JLCPCB for a MCP23017 circuit, and I noticed something when I entered their part numbers.

Did you know you can buy parts from other customers when JLCPCB doesn't have enough stock?




I have to do some tests tomorrow (2:30 am here). I'm going to try using all parts at 0 inventory, and see if I get deals.

But this might be an easy way for us peasants to get even better priced components.

[Ioannis]

Regarding passives, like R's and C's, there are millions of brands and types available (but not on stock all the time).

It gives me headache everytime I have to do an assembly by JLCPCB...

But on the other hand, this option is nice. Can you order also from Mouser Digikey etc?

Ioannis

[Demon]

...But on the other hand, this option is nice. Can you order also from Mouser Digikey etc?

Ioannis

Yup, you can pre-buy parts from suppliers by JLCPCB.

Pre-order the required components in advance to ensure sufficient components are ready anytime.

Place a PCBA order with confidence at any time when your design is ready.

I just did a test with intentionally insufficient JLCPCB stock, but the prices were still twice as high, even for headers, resistors and capacitors.

It "might" come in handy for more expensive ICs, I don't have a circuit ready yet with a PIC, but I'm not holding my breath.