Basic prototype Tips and Techniques:

Saving Money:

Run Multiple Designs:

Array your unique designs to reduce setup fees. We will cut the master rectangle and you will separate the individual items in the array. You may wish to consider using the perforation drill technique to make separation easier. To learn more about perforation drilling techniques click here. An array is considered one (1) board.

Avoid High Density Drilling:

Drill density is usually less than 24 holes per square inch. Often times an auto-routing program is used to connect the components from your schematic´s net list. These auto-routers range from sophisticated gridless push shove types to the very basic.

Depending on the net list routing algorithm in your program, via placements can be the number one culprit in high density drilling charges. The expensive CAD programs can do a fine job at via minimization when they are setup correctly. The less expensive CAD systems often ship with a less capable router algorithm causing a high instance of vias. You should review auto-routed boards, if time permits, and ensure that connections have been made with an efficient routing path. Efficient routing paths reduce the number of side-to-side via connections.

Cut Your Own Board:

AP Circuits will cut boards as small as 0.5" x 0.5". The minimum billing length on any axis is 1.5". The minimum billing axis size will have an effect on the pricing of small boards. If you have access to cutting tools (a motor tool with a cutoff wheel), consider using a step and repeat process. Array these smaller boards until you reach the minimum billing axis of 1.5". AP Circuits will then ship you the array intact and bill you on the actual size of the array.

An Example of "We Cut" vs. "You Cut"

24 boards of 1"x.5" and "We Cut" (minimum billing size on any axis is 1.5")
24 x 1.5" x1.5" = 54" billing

4 boards of 2.025"x1.55" and "You Cut"(step and repeat array made up of 6 of your original boards)
4 x 2.025" x1.55" = 12.56" billing

This would save you approximately 41.44" in billing area. The budget-conscious may find the savings will be enough to warrant the time required to cut up the array. You create extra cutting for yourself by extending the array past 1.5" and there is no additional savings to be gained.

The array was created by stepping the .5" axis 3 times and the 1" axis 2 times with a cutting gap between arrayed items of .025" (a gap of .025" is only a recommendation - use what ever you are comfortable with)