The real value of prototyping systems

As an alternative to the high cost and turnaround time associated with outsourcing to chemical houses, many design teams are opting instead to implement in-house systems for circuit board prototyping. Mechanical fabrication systems can now reduce the time it takes to turn a board to as little as an hour or two. And in many cases, these in-house board plotters are adding additional value in applications beyond their traditional use as a prototyping device. This paper explores the many ways in which in-house processing of printed circuit boards benefits the design engineer by saving dollars and time in overall product development. Additionally, we will illustrate that in-house fabrication of prototype circuit boards allows the design engineer to exercise greater control over his project and reduces the risks associated with making modifications to the product.