Introduction

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are an essential component of most electronic devices and products. A PCB provides the foundation on which components like integrated circuits, resistors, capacitors etc. are mounted and connected with copper tracks to form a functional electronic circuit. With the right PCB design software and PCB manufacturing services, engineers can design and produce custom PCBs that perfectly fit their project requirements.

In this article, we will overview the benefits of using an online PCB maker service for custom PCB production and factors to consider when choosing one. We will also recommend some of the best free online PCB design software and top PCB manufacturers that offer online services.

Benefits of Using an Online PCB Maker

Here are some of the major benefits of designing PCBs online and ordering production from an online PCB manufacturer:

• Convenience – The entire process from design to manufacturing can be done online without having to install any software or visit any offices.
• Cost saving – Online services have much lower overhead costs so they can offer very competitive pricing compared to traditional PCB manufacturers.
• Fast turnaround – Reputable online PCB fab services can deliver finished boards in just 2-4 days from order.
• High quality – Online PCB production uses the same advanced manufacturing technologies as traditional PCB makers to ensure professional grade quality.
• Flexible quantities – Whether you need just a few prototypes or mass production runs, online services can deliver with no MOQ (minimum order quantity).

How to Choose the Best Online PCB Maker

Here are the key factors to evaluate when selecting an online PCB manufacturing service:

PCB Capabilities

• Number of layers supported – More layers allow more complex board designs.
• Minimum track width and spacing – Important for high density PCBs.
• Materials supported – FR-4, Rogers, flex PCBs etc.
• Finishes offered – Hasmatic, ENIG, Immersion Gold etc.
• Max PCB dimensions – Important for large boards.
• Panelizing options – For optimizing multiple PCBs in one panel.

Quality

• Quality certifications – IPC and ISO certifications indicate high manufacturing standards.
• Quality control – Test coupons, AOI, post-production testing etc.
• Reviews from customers.

Cost

• Pricing model – Some charge per square inch, others on number of layers.
• Price comparision with competitors.
• Discounts on larger orders.
• Shipping costs.

Lead Times

• How long from order to delivery – Look for 24-48 hour rush services.
• On-time delivery track record.

Customer Service

• Responsiveness to queries.
• Design for manufacturability (DFM) checks.
• Post order support.

Other Services

• Design software or services.
• Component sourcing.
• Assembly and testing.

Top Free Online PCB Design Software

Before ordering PCB production, you need PCB design software to create the board layouts. Here are some of the best free online PCB design tools:

Software	Description
EasyEDA	Online PCB design tool with schematic capture, library of components and integrated ordering system.
Upverter	Full featured web-based PCB design with collaboration features.
CircuitMaker	Desktop PCB design tool from Altium available for free with limited features.
KiCad	Popular open source PCB design suite for Windows, Mac and Linux.
DesignSpark PCB	Free PCB design software from RS Components with good feature set.

These tools allow designers to create professional multi-layer PCB designs with advanced features like design rule checks, 3D preview and autorouting. The free versions have limited component libraries and features compared to paid versions but are great for smaller projects.

Top PCB Manufacturers with Online Services

Here are some of the most popular and reputable PCB manufacturers that offer online instant quoting, ordering and tracking services:

JLCPCB

• One of the largest PCB manufacturers in China.
• Low minimum orders from just 5 boards.
• $2 PCBs for 1-4 layer boards.
• Wide range of capabilities.
• Extremely fast turnaround times.

PCBWay

• PCB, PCB Assembly, Components Sourcing and Enclosures.
• 5 day express service.
• Competitive pricing with monthly specials.
• Great customer reviews.

OSH Park

• Low volume PCB production starting at just 3 boards.
• Boards starting at $5 per square inch.
• Top quality boards with ENIG finish.
• Simple pricing and excellent service.

Seeed Studio

• PCB production and PCB assembly services.
• Fusion PCB service combines PCBA and enclosure.
• Online DFM checks and ordering.
• Competitive pricing with good quality.

EuroCircuits

• Leading European PCB manufacturer.
• EN, ISO and IATF 16949 certified.
• Advanced technological capabilities.
• Very quick turnaround time.

For prototyping and lower volume production runs, the China-based services like JLCPCB and PCBWay offer the best value. For higher volumes or for boards that need regulatory certifications, the US and European manufacturers are preferable despite higher costs.

Step-by-Step Process for Designing and Ordering PCBs Online

Follow these steps to easily design custom PCBs online and get them fabricated by reputable manufacturers:

1. Choose a PCB Design Software

Select one of the free online PCB design software from the list above. Many of the PCB manufacturing services also have integrated design tools like EasyEDA from JLCPCB and Upverter.

2. Create the PCB Design

Using the software, design the schematic first with the components and connections. Then do the PCB layout with the component placement and routing. Add copper pours, silkscreen layers, vias and finish the design with DFM checks.

3. Generate Gerber Files

From the PCB design software, export the Gerber files – this standard file format contains all the data needed for PCB fabrication. If ordering assembly services, also export BOM and placement files.

4. Upload to PCB Manufacturer

At the PCB maker’s website, upload the Gerber files and specify quantity, layers, size, finish and any other options. Get the instant quotation.

5. Order and Pay

If satisfactory, pay online via card or Paypal to place the order. The PCB fab will commence once payment is received.

6. Wait for Fabrication

Wait patiently for your PCBs to be manufactured. This usually takes 24-48 hours for China manufacturers and around 5 days for US/European companies.

7. Receive PCBs

Once fabrication is complete, the PCB maker will ship out your boards via DHL/FedEx and provide a tracking number.

8. Review Boards

Inspect the boards carefully on receipt to ensure there are no defects before assembling components.

That’s it – by following these simple steps, you can go from PCB design to fabricated boards delivered to your door in less than a week!

FAQ

What are PCB minimum order quantities (MOQs)?

Many online PCB makers have no MOQs so you can order as few as 1 board. Smaller quantities typically have higher per unit prices. For the lowest pricing, order in bulk e.g. 10-25 boards.

How much does PCB manufacturing cost?

Online prices start around $5 for simple 2-layer boards and go up to $100+ for high layer count boards above 16 layers. Average cost for small 2-4 layer boards is $20-50 for 5-10 pieces.

What are the different PCB layers?

Typical layer counts are:

• Single sided – Copper on 1 side only.
• Double sided – Copper on both sides.
• 4-layer – Copper on outside + 2 internal layers.
• 6-layer
• 8-layer
• 10-layer and above.

More layers allow more complex routing but cost more.

What are the typical PCB fabrication lead times?

Online PCB manufacturers can deliver boards in:

• 24-48 hours (China manufacturers)
• 3-4 days (US manufacturers)
• 5 days (Europe)

For standard service the lead time is around 7-10 days.

What design software do I need to design PCBs?

You can use free software like EasyEDA, KiCAD, CircuitMaker and others covered earlier. Many online PCB companies provide web-based designers. For advanced functionality, invest in paid versions like Altium or OrCAD.

Conclusion

I hope this detailed guide has provided you with a good overview of designing PCBs using online software tools and ordering fabrication conveniently through online PCB maker services. By leveraging these online tools and services, electrical engineers and hobbyists can greatly accelerate their electronics projects compared to the traditional offline PCB process. Just be sure to choose a reputable PCB company with good reviews and quality certifications.