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From Your PC to Reality in 3 Easy Steps

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the build-me-a-robot-girl dept.

aelbric writes "PC Magazine is running an on some entrepreneurial businesses that are taking an interesting approach to prototyping and one-off manufacturing. Apparently, you can send in schematics for circuit boards to Pad2Pad, where they will quote, build and ship you a part based on your exact specifications. There is also reference to eMachineShop, for those of you more mechanically inclined, for building some home projects. Design the part on your PC, send it to the shop electronically, recieve custom built component(s). "

3 of 276 comments (clear)

  1. Express PCB by Computerguy5 · · Score: 5, Informative

    Or, if you're so inclined to design your own printed circuit board (PCB), Express PCB offers a reasonably priced service.

  2. Cheaper more flexible way to build electronics by Andrew+Sterian · · Score: 5, Informative
    Pad2Pad might be nice for rank beginners but as others have commented, you quickly hit the wall with their limited parts list.

    With freeware programs like Eagle available and really cheap circuit board manufacturing options, there's no reason to get locked into a service like Pad2Pad.

    Check out my Digital Design & Construction Wiki for lots of resources on do-it-yourself electronics design.

  3. Re:I wonder by vasqzr · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Why would they?

    Does Kinkos proofread your brochures, or ask if your graphic designer is colorblind?