Gerardo Arroyo wrote:

> Hello everybody,
>
> I have been subscribed to this list since last monday. I believe this is the
> right place and maybe you can help me...let's say you have a working
> prototype based in a PIC12C508 the size of a Basic Stamp II board (the
> device could be a really annoying toy, an access control device for doors in
> the home, etc.) and you have the commitment of a company to buy 2000 units
> every month if the cost is 10.00 USD for unit...could you please share your
> opinions, thoughts, suggestions about the approach that you would follow to
> manufacture this thing  ?.
>
> Some of the ways I have been exploring and evaluating are:
>
> a). Outsource in Taiwan ?...2000 units for month seems a very small volume.
> b). Buy parts + Outsource PCB's + Assemble in Mexico City ( I live in Mexico
> City)
> c). ...I don't have a c). option...in fact I am out of options.... "8o) .

You probably are going to want to "panelize" your design. Having a larger
V-scored PCB with many copies of your device should reduce the assembly
cost. The devices are snapped apart once assembly is done.

You should be able to have the raw PCB manufactured locally for less than
$1 USD .

I would suggest talking with some local assembly houses before either
exporting the manufacturing or doing it in house. A local house is likely
to have some suggestions on how to reduce the cost of manufacture.

The bottom line, I guess, would be to shop around.

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| Dr. Kevin Dale Kirmse, PhD EE
| Portable System Design, High Speed Serial Links
| FPGA Design, Video Hardware, Graphics Hardware
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| kirmse@netaxs.com
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