Is Domestic Production of PCB Prototypes Justified?
### A Case Study: Jeremy's Choice of OSH Park for PCB Prototyping
In the world of electronics prototyping, the decision between American-made PCBs and their Chinese counterparts can be a complex one. For Jeremy, a passionate electronics enthusiast, this choice was influenced by a combination of factors, including cost, turnaround time, and environmental impact.
### Cost
Jeremy, like many makers, was mindful of his budget. He found that OSH Park, a popular American PCB fabrication service, was a more cost-effective choice compared to JLBPCB, a Chinese clearing house. This was particularly true for his current project, which did not require 20 boards, the minimum quantity JLBPCB offers. OSH Park provided three PCBs for $7.75 all-inclusive, a significant saving for Jeremy.
### Turnaround Time
Time was another crucial factor for Jeremy. OSH Park's quoted turnaround time for two-layer prototypes is a minimum of 12 days, with Jeremy's order from OSH Park for 0.8 mm boards taking 20 days to arrive. While this is slower compared to express shipping services offered by some Chinese manufacturers, it was still a reasonable turnaround time for a prototype.
### Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of shipping and laxer regulations in China were additional factors considered by Jeremy in his decision. While Chinese PCBs are generally cheaper, the environmental footprint can be higher due to less stringent regulations and the scale of production. Jeremy chose OSH Park, a company known for its commitment to environmental responsibility, to minimise his project's environmental impact.
### The Project
The project in question was a simple nightlight, prototyped using an LED, a photoresistor, a transistor, and a CR2032 battery. The design for the PCB was shared by Jeremy on GitHub for others to use and modify.
In conclusion, Jeremy's decision to use OSH Park for prototyping was a balanced one, considering cost, turnaround time, and environmental impact. While Chinese PCBs may offer faster turnaround times and lower costs, the choice between speed and cost in PCB fabrication always comes with trade-offs. It's essential for makers to weigh these factors carefully and choose the option that best suits their needs and values.
In the context of Jeremy's choice of OSH Park for PCB prototyping, the cost-effectiveness of OSH Park contributed significantly to his decision, as he found they offered a more affordable solution than JLBPCB, especially for small quantities like his current project. Additionally, the technology used by OSH Park in their PCB fabrication aligns with Jeremy's values for environmental responsibility, as he sought to minimize the environmental impact of his project.
