Quick-Turn PCB shop review project: Elecrow

After my initial PCB success with Maker Studio, I uploaded the design files to three more board houses. I had planned to try four or five more, but I started to get the impression that many of the China-based sources used the same fab house, so I stopped at three.
Quick Turn PCB shop review project Elecrow
Elecrow‘s basic board fab service supplies 5 or 10 PCBs for $11.90, with a basic international shipping cost of around $7 for 5 boards. Although I haven't been paying close attention to delivery time for these reviews (too many variables), I will say that Elecrow was significantly slower than the other three sources.

Several board thicknesses and surface finishes are available, but only green soldermask. Maximum board size is 10cm × 10cm. 6/6 rules are supported, though they “recommend” 8/8 (trace width in mils/space width in mils).

(Note: Most of the following pictures are larger than their default display size, so you can zoom in with your browser, or open pictures in their own tabs, to view at higher resolution.)

The smaller 32mil silkscreen text is perfectly clear. Alignment is a few mils off, and behold the jaggies in the SSOP outline. Unlike Maker Studio, Elecrow has managed to squeeze some soldermask between the SSOP20 pads.

Soldermask alignment is reasonable, but SS silkscreen is pretty far off on all boards.

Drill registration is good.

No problems with trace/flood interaction.

Traces look good. No leakage measured on 6/6 pattern. Again, note soldermask between all pads.

One board had this mysterious soldermask issue.

I'll be back soon with more reviews.

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About The Author

Ibrar Ayyub

I am an experienced technical writer holding a Master's degree in computer science from BZU Multan, Pakistan University. With a background spanning various industries, particularly in home automation and engineering, I have honed my skills in crafting clear and concise content. Proficient in leveraging infographics and diagrams, I strive to simplify complex concepts for readers. My strength lies in thorough research and presenting information in a structured and logical format.

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