Not to be outdone by OSHpark
https://www.elecrow.com/10pcs-2-layer-hasl-lead-free-purple-pcb.html
Kinda pricey tho (compared to regular colors). Which kinda begs the question - what the hell difference does the solder mask color make in price? I never got this.
I don't know but my black Mangler sure does look cool.
Quote from: madbean on March 02, 2017, 01:16:24 PM
what the hell difference does the solder mask color make in price? I never got this.
I'm guessing it has to do with how much of each color is being made. Green is the cheapest because it's used across all industries and there is a lot of it. Other colors are less common, with purple being the least common. I'd never seen purple until Dorkbot got started up.
Just a guess, of course. Maybe the dye to make the purple costs more? Who knows.
I was going to guess the dye costs more.
Maybe they make it like the Roman's did with sea snail shells and that's why it costs so much :D
Quote from: madbean on March 02, 2017, 01:16:24 PM
Kinda pricey tho (compared to regular colors). Which kinda begs the question - what the hell difference does the solder mask color make in price? I never got this.
My guess is that they can charge more because people will think it's the same quality PCB as Osh Park.
Purple is almost red, maybe they go faster.
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Quote from: jimilee on March 02, 2017, 06:09:59 PM
Purple is almost red, maybe they go faster.
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Then we should just get red?!? That is an option...
Jacob
Quote from: midwayfair on March 02, 2017, 05:40:34 PM
Quote from: madbean on March 02, 2017, 01:16:24 PM
Kinda pricey tho (compared to regular colors). Which kinda begs the question - what the hell difference does the solder mask color make in price? I never got this.
My guess is that they can charge more because people will think it's the same quality PCB as Osh Park.
the pcbs I got from elecrow were really good quality. I didn't go for the enig finish but the HASL finish and I found that this solders very easily and consistently similar to pcbs purchased from madbean, jmk, grind...
one pcb had a slightly faulty silk screen, but that's only cosmetic. Also, they shipped fast!
however, I don't get the colour thing either. If I can choose, that's cool, but I wouldn't pay extra just for the colour.
Quote from: m-Kresol on March 02, 2017, 08:27:46 PM
the pcbs I got from elecrow were really good quality
No, I know, it was just a joke.
Speaking of Oshpark, does anyone else think their boards don't take solder very well sometimes? I use Kester 63/37 and even with additional flux it seems like some pads just repel the solder.
Quote from: madbean on March 02, 2017, 01:16:24 PM
Kinda pricey tho (compared to regular colors). Which kinda begs the question - what the hell difference does the solder mask color make in price? I never got this.
who does yours then Brian?
Quote from: EBRAddict on March 02, 2017, 10:04:48 PM
Speaking of Oshpark, does anyone else think their boards don't take solder very well sometimes? I use Kester 63/37 and even with additional flux it seems like some pads just repel the solder.
I've never had issues with the pads "repelling" solder, but the pads aren't pre-tinned like some other places do. That makes it take solder a little less readily. Takes a little more heat, especially for pads that are connected to solid planes (gnd, etc).
Quote from: EBRAddict on March 02, 2017, 10:04:48 PM
Speaking of Oshpark, does anyone else think their boards don't take solder very well sometimes? I use Kester 63/37 and even with additional flux it seems like some pads just repel the solder.
I think it's because of the ENIG finish (which is a higher end immersion gold). The standard HASL finish is a bit easier to solder to. I'm guessing you'd have a similar experience with ENIG boards from other vendors as well.
Quote from: darrenw6000 on March 02, 2017, 11:23:45 PM
Quote from: madbean on March 02, 2017, 01:16:24 PM
Kinda pricey tho (compared to regular colors). Which kinda begs the question - what the hell difference does the solder mask color make in price? I never got this.
who does yours then Brian?
Oh I use Elecrow regularly for prototypes (as well as OSH Park). I just meant the purple was more than twice as expensive than their standard colors. Gots no problem with Elecrow quality, though.
Different colors cost more because you have to run an entire standard panel (usually at least 2' sq.) in that color. There may be some setup costs at the fab house too for cleaning the machines from std green and then back again.
Probably common knowledge but Oshpark is essentially contracting an entire panel in purple and then selling little sections of it to us until it is full enough to justify cost of getting the panel fabbed. That's why you have to buy 3 piece min, and no choice in color, (which is distinctive and 3 is generally good bang for the buck for both parties.) Pretty smart biz and marketing model imho.
Agree with enig comments, flux should help. Also like the black pcbs!