I think I will probably end up going with Laserboost.
I am pretty disappointed in PCBWay. I sent them files and an order for aluminum panels. They take 2 days to reply letting me know that the files I sent failed review. Reason being "there was no drill files."
Well actually I did include drill files, but they are empty because the order requires no drill files. Literally everything is on the Edge Cuts file which is to be milled. They take a day or longer to reply to any emails. I ended up having over 10 back and forth's with them trying to explain to them how it's just the aluminum plate to be milled. Lastly they tell me there will be a thermal conductive glue applied to the outside of the panel. And to have no glue applied would cost extra. I ask them to please quote me for having the plates made up without the glue. The price comes back doubled... From $76 for 5 pcs. to $144.
This is the second strike in my book from this company. In the past I had ordered some PCB's from them to be used as front panels for modular synthesizers. Matte black solder mask with ENIG (gold plating). I state very clearly the use and purpose of the PCB's. I ask nicely for them to take extra care to try and no scuff or scratch them and that the white "silkscreen" should be nice and opaque without scratches. And to please cure the solder mask properly. (If not cured properly it comes out shiny, which looks bad and defeats the purpose of paying extra for matte black). I told them that the front of these were the most important and that I didn't care as much how the back was handled as the back would not be seen when in use. They arrived with scuffs and some scratches and they slapped the stinkin' order number right smack on the front of each and every PCB. That's my rant, I guess common sense or asking if in doubt isn't something that happens on their end.
