Hey guys, i am working on pretty advanced projects and i need custom pcb for them. I've already tryed ordering them from stores like jlcpcb but the shipping cost are to high for me.
I saw that the pcb are made with cnc machines so i was wondering there was a "desktop size" one that could do that.
Any suggestion on specific products will be helpfull.
Thanks,
Luca
Not sure if I understand correctly what you are saying, but if you think that JLCPCB is only using a CNC machine for PCB manufacturing, you may want to view some of their video's about the manufacturing process.
Step1 From File to Film
Step2 Material Cutting
Step 3 Drilling
Step 4 Copper Deposition
Step 5 Image the outer layers (dry film, exposure, developing)
Step 6 Pattern Plating
Step 7 Etching
Step 8 Automatic Optical Inspection(AOI)
Step 9 Solder mask
Step 10 Silkscreen
Step 11 Hot Air Solder Leveling(HASL)
Step 12 Profiling
Step 13 V-cut scoring
Step 14 Flying Probe Testing
Step 15 Packaging & Delivery
Be sure when ordering the 10x10cm prototype PCB's to check all shipping options in the end of the process. It usually defaults to an expensive shipping option, that you have to change during the payment step into a cheaper one. At least that's how I get my 5 boards for about 5 Euro including shipping.
There are desktop machines which cost up to $30,000. Some of them use milling, others conductive ink. All have limitations. Cheaper machines have more limitations.
What is your budget?
It will take some time to make-back the cost of a CNC machine if you don't need if for other tasks. And, you'll probably have some failures /mistakes and waste some raw material, but that may not be significant.
You also won't get plated-through holes, silkscreen, or soldermasking.
I am going to use the machine only for hobby activities so my budget is not that large.
About 500 euros
The most important question is:
How many PCBs do you want to manufacture within the next 2 - 5 years?
And how complex will the electronic be that you build?
For a few environmental measurings temperature, humidity, etc.
I would recommend using such PCBs and handsoldering
Only if you want to build at least 4 to 10 identical PCBs I would use "professional" PCBs
and then use such a manufacturing service.
best regards Stefan
500 euros will only get you a basic CNC engraving machine, you will need to go the DIY route. Most people who try it seem to conclude it is not worth it, but if you become skilled enough you can create single sided boards at low resolution. Nowhere near the quality of JLCPCB, but you would be able to get PCBs within an hour or two.
Personally I choose the cheap postage and don't mind waiting a couple of weeks to get the boards.
Anyway here is an intro to DIY PCB manufacture https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bQ6_oYZrsjk
How much the shipping for 5 pcb 100x100 from JLCPCB to your country?
Stay with JLCPCB. If you can't handle the shipping costsm, then milling is no way to go, either. I have a decent CNC and have done it, but it's not worth the trouble. With your budget (500 bucks) and no experience in CNC machining you'll be able to make a decent PCB in a year - and at that ime you'll have spent 10 times the money youd have payed to JLCPCB.
EU500 would just about buy the mechanical & electronic components needed to build a router, probably using GRBL on a UNO (or one of the GRBL derivatives), a CNC Shield, 3 or 4 stepper drivers, and some NEMA23 size stepper motors. Depending on your mechanical expertise and facilities you could build something probably based on the type of components available online, or buy a "3020" router or a Genmitsu type kit. KiCAD is free, and there are open-source packages to generate g-code for isolation routing from KiCAD output. A fascinating journey in itself but no guarantee of a useful outcome.
What about the 3018 pro?
I saw that there are a lot of kits on Amazon that are into my price range
I have to agree with other comments here. I've thought about going the at home PCB milling route, but the cost of the CNC machine, the space for the CNC machine, an enclosure for it to keep the dust contained etc etc put me off.
I've just dipped my toe into the 4-layer board design so I've stuck with JLCPCB and use their FedEx International Priority service and I have the boards in less than 14 days.
I put in 5 different boards (qty 5 of each) all in the same order and got them shipped to the UK for just over £15 GBP.
However, I also put in an order for 5x RC2014 boards shortly after and it was almost £12 GBP shipping. I think I could have added to my existing order whilst it was still in production! Oh well, I know for next time. 
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