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qphe95 4 hours ago

You guys should really be making an end to end PCB machine, sourcing the parts and part inventory for custom PCBs really should be the responsibility of the end user.

willcarkner 4 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Possibly, but our users find value in not having to kit, store, or ship parts to CMs.

qphe95 3 hours ago | parent [-]

I'm skeptical this is a cost effective for low volume prototyping which is where the speed of made in America matters.

asadm 4 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

whats the closest to this that exists today? (??? + pick and place?)

qphe95 3 hours ago | parent | next [-]

I'm not the expert but Gemini doesn't say anything exists besides the Voltera V-One (which obviously doesn't work for complex PCBs). I am imagining something like a PCB microfactory the size of a container (or even smaller) that completely handles PCB etch and drill, solder paste application, PnP, baking, and testing.

willcarkner 3 hours ago | parent [-]

That would be super cool. Difficulty comes with multi-layer PCBs, hard to find a solution for laminating.

willcarkner 3 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

PCBA lines are largely automated as of today, issues start when you do high-mix work. Most time ends up being spent switching between jobs and programming machines, meaning that tool usage time is low.