Where can I get tiny PCB's manufactured?

[Enlightenment]

Where can I get tiny PCB's manufactured? Many services have a minimum size limit of 0.25" x 0.25". I'm wanting to do a bunch of boards, so I prefer not to cut boards myself, but looking for reasonable solutions.

Do you know of a company that can do smaller boards?

Do you know of a company that can do V-Scoring?

Do any of you have experience making tiny boards or cutting very small boards? Pleave provide tips from your experience!

Thanks

 

[keith1200rs]

You will get a more useful response if you give your location. This company https://www.multi-circuit-boards.eu/en/ will make a panel which is scored. I think they also do vcut. I haven't used them.

Keith

 

[FvM]

Most PCB manufacturers should be able to make it.

I guess, you'll also want thin substrates (e.g. 0.3 to 0.5 mm), which is non-standard. V-scoring would be the favourite method to separate the individual "bits", also available from most manufacturers.
Alternatively, milled outlines with snap-off bridges should be considered. V-scoring gives clearer edges, however.

A special point is separating of V-scored PCBs with assembled components. There's always a risk of breaking sensitive parts, particularly MLCCs.

 

[Enlightenment]

Thanks for both of your great posts!

1) I'm in USA.

2) All the boards won't be using identical parts, thus non-production, which allows us to break the boards and clean up mechanical issues before we solder the parts. I'm aware that MLCC are fragile, but good point for other people reading this post.

3) The problem with the few board houses that I contacted is the with of their snap-off brides is 0.25", thus is why they don't allow smaller than 0.25" x 0.25" boards. It appears that board houses are moving away from V-scoring, but I'm not sure if that a valid observation.

4) Great point about using thinner boards. Very useful feedback!

Thanks, and I still welcome useful feedback from others.

 

[FvM]

It appears that board houses are moving away from V-scoring, but I'm not sure if that a valid observation.

Reasons to move away from it are restrictions of keeping the boundary area free of components when separating assembled boards, which somehow contradicts miniaturization requirements. Also problems in cutting/breaking panels with sensitive parts play a role. I also decided to change some boards to milled outlines for this reason.

For bare PCB bits, e.g. SMD adaptors, V-scoring is the usual method and will always be, I guess.

Older equipment possibly is restricted in adjusting the scoring depth exactly, which may be a problem with thin substrates. As long as the pieces don't fall apart, it should be O.K. in your case.

P.S.: Another option, although not looking very fine, is to make the pre-cutting as a line of small NDK drills. Gives a stamp look.

 

[Enlightenment]

Unfortunately, many places have banned drill-lines, because they know you are trying to avoid paying additional board fees, plus it causes a lot more wear on drill bits and slower than a router.

 

[FvM]

I see, that sounds plaiusible.

 

[keith1200rs]

Most places should be able to use a 2mm router or less. You should be able to make up a panel with only 2mm between the PCBs leaving say 2mm break off tabs between then. You will probably be charged for routing length.

Keith.