What is Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards?
Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is a PCB fabrication service that offers some of the lowest prices in the industry. They are able to keep their prices low by using a simplified manufacturing process and by focusing on small batch orders.
The company was founded by a group of engineers who were frustrated with the high cost of PCB fabrication. They set out to create a service that would make it affordable for anyone to get their designs manufactured.
How Does Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards Keep Their Prices So Low?
There are a few key factors that allow Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards to offer such low prices:
- They use a simplified manufacturing process that eliminates many of the steps that drive up costs at other fabs.
- They focus on small batch orders, which allows them to keep their overhead costs low.
- They have built relationships with suppliers that allow them to get materials at a discount.
- They operate with a lean staff and minimal marketing budget.
By keeping their costs low, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is able to pass the savings on to their customers.
What Are the Tradeoffs of Using Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards?
Of course, there are some tradeoffs to using a budget PCB fab like Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards. The main ones are:
- Longer turnaround times: Because they use a simplified manufacturing process, it can take longer to get your boards from Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards. Expect to wait 2-3 weeks for your order to be delivered.
- Limited options: Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards offers a limited selection of board materials and finishes. If you need something special, you’ll likely need to use a different fab.
- Lower quality: The boards from Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards are not going to be as high quality as what you would get from a top-tier fab. However, they are more than adequate for most projects.
Despite these tradeoffs, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is a great option for anyone looking to get their designs manufactured on a budget.
What Are the Capabilities of Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards?
Despite their low prices, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is capable of manufacturing a wide variety of PCBs. Their capabilities include:
| Capability | Specification |
|---|---|
| Board Size | Up to 100x100mm |
| Layers | 1-2 layers |
| Material | FR4 |
| Thickness | 1.6mm |
| Copper Weight | 1 oz |
| Soldermask | Green |
| Silkscreen | White |
| Minimum Hole Size | 0.3mm |
| Minimum Trace/Space | 6/6mil |
As you can see, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is capable of manufacturing a wide variety of PCBs. Whether you need a simple single-layer board or a more complex double-sided design, they can likely handle it.
How Do I Place an Order with Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards?
Placing an order with Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is easy. Just follow these steps:
- Create an account on their website.
- Upload your Gerber files.
- Select your desired options (quantity, lead time, etc).
- Checkout and pay for your order.
Once your order is placed, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards will begin manufacturing your boards. You can expect to receive your order within 2-3 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards charge for PCB fabrication?
Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards charges $5 per square inch for double-sided boards. For single-sided boards, the price is $2.50 per square inch. There is a minimum order of $25.
How long does it take to get my boards from Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards?
The standard lead time for orders from Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is 2-3 weeks. However, they do offer expedited service for an additional fee.
What file format should I use for my design?
Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards accepts Gerber files. If you are using a different CAD package, you will need to export your design to Gerber format before placing your order.
What shipping methods does Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards offer?
Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards offers shipping via USPS First Class Mail and Priority Mail. They also offer international shipping via USPS First Class International and Priority Mail International.
What is the quality of the boards from Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards?
The boards from Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards are of decent quality, especially considering the low price. They are not as high quality as what you would get from a top-tier fab, but they are more than adequate for most projects.
Conclusion
If you are looking for an affordable way to get your PCB designs manufactured, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is definitely worth considering. They offer some of the lowest prices in the industry, and their capabilities are more than adequate for most projects. Just be aware of the tradeoffs – longer turnaround times, limited options, and lower quality – before placing your order. But if you can live with those tradeoffs, Dirt Cheap Dirty Boards is a great option for budget-conscious PCB fabrication.
