UK based PCB manufacturer

[Simon]

I'm looking for a UK based PCB manufacturer. Hopefully with good bulk prices and with the ability to do cheap prototype boards.

[AndyC_772]

What sort of layer count, process geometry and quantities are you after?

[Simon]

2 layer, probably 100 at a time

[Neilm]

I have used http://www.pcbtrain.co.uk They will give you a quote on line based on geometry vs how quick you want them. I used them for proto-type boards for work and they seemed OK.

Neil

[AndyC_772]

I've used them too, though on a couple of occasions they've "corrected" my artwork which I could have done without. Also make sure you pay for bare board test, it's an option on 2 layer boards, and in my experience, absolutely necessary.

[8086]

on a couple of occasions they've "corrected" my artwork

  What did they do to it?

[AndyC_772]

Most recently, I specifically offset the pads from around a couple of connector pins in order to increase the creepage distance between them. The board came back with them concentric.

On a previous occasion, silkscreen labels which I'd deliberately moved off the edge of the PCB reappeared on the board; not particularly important, but irritating.

[mikeselectricstuff]

I'd recommend http://www.screenbond.co.uk/ Low tooling cost compared to most UK places, and decent pricing.
 

[OndraSter]

I was today introduced to Spirit Circuits: http://www.spiritcircuits.com/ - not sure how about pricing compared to other UK based fab houses, but they have one cool thing - prototypes without solder masks for free in 24 hours.

[Simon]

one cool thing - prototypes without solder masks for free in 24 hours.

SMART MOVE - THANKS

[paolo]

I was today introduced to Spirit Circuits: http://www.spiritcircuits.com/ - not sure how about pricing compared to other UK based fab houses, but they have one cool thing - prototypes without solder masks for free in 24 hours.

That sounds interesting. As a noob to board design, would I be foolish to try a prototype (to hand solder) without solder mask? The most tricky bit would be a HTSSOP surface mount package.

i.e. No solder mask a false economy for my first board, or worthwhile to get my hands dirty?

(I need another 15 or 16 boards once this is proven, and those I'd get done with solder mask and anything else to make them more professional)

[8086]

i.e. No solder mask a false economy for my first board, or worthwhile to get my hands dirty?

For free, it's definitely worth it. Just make sure you don't have any fills around the pads or underneath components, give yourself clearances to work with and you will be a-ok.