Why prototype first
Every first revision of a board teaches you something: a footprint that's wrong, a sensor that's noisy, a connector that doesn't fit the enclosure. Finding those on five boards is cheap; finding them on five hundred is not. A prototype run answers:
- Does the circuit work as designed?
- Do the parts fit, solder and stay in stock?
- Does the board fit the enclosure and the people using it?
- Is the firmware stable on real hardware?
A prototype iteration
- BuildFabricate and assemble
- TestBench and real use
- ReviseFix, then rev B
Because fabrication, assembly, enclosure printing and firmware happen in the same workshop, a revision doesn't wait on four separate vendors.
What we build
- Prototype PCBs — 2, 4 or 6 layers, typically 3–5 days. See PCB manufacturing.
- Prototype assembly — SMT and through-hole, from a single board. See PCB assembly.
- Enclosures and fixtures — 3D printed (FDM or resin), typically 1–3 days.
- Firmware — ESP32 and ESP32-S3 firmware flashed and tested on the prototype.
Turnaround figures are typical times from our fab page; your quote confirms them.
From prototype to production
When a revision passes testing, the same files and process carry into small-batch manufacturing. If you're starting from an idea rather than a design, begin with product development.
Frequently asked questions
Can CktHub build a single prototype?
Yes. CktHub builds prototypes from one unit, including the PCB, assembly, enclosure and firmware.
How fast can I get prototype PCBs?
Prototype PCBs typically take 3 to 5 days and assembly 5 to 8 days, as listed on the fab page. Your quote confirms the schedule.
Can prototypes move to production at CktHub?
Yes. Prototypes and small production batches are built on the same line from the same files.