Using miminal PCB trace width, too risky?

[zapta]

I am trying to layout out a dense (for me) board and have hard time routing it unless I go with 6mil design rules. 6mil is within Elecrow spec but they recommend at least 8mil. OSHpark can also do 6mil with the standard process.

http://www.elecrow.com/2-layer-5-5cm-max-510pcs-color-free-p-418.html

How safe it is to use manufacturer's minimal trace width? Am I setting myself for a failure?

This is for a hobby project so no mass production yield issues, etc.

[nctnico]

6 mil is approx. 0.15 mm
That shouldn't be a problem for a decent PCB house.

[LukeW]

If a PCB fab can't reliably deliver boards with intact copper artwork when your layout complies with the minimum widths and other design rules that they specify, they don't deserve your business IMO. If they can't reliably do 6/6 they shouldn't advertise it.

I've never had a problem with 6 thou from OSHPark, but I've never used the other one you mention. But 6/6 is nothing to worry about for any decent PCB house, and there are lots of low-cost options around the world that are decent.

[T3sl4co1l]

Rules are rules, if they can't meet them they wouldn't put them up there.

You might want to add 100% electrical test to your order, though, especially if you're going with a cheaper service (needless to say, anyone who won't do that, isn't worth wasting the money on! ).

Tim

[Smokey]

What everyone said.  6/6 is pretty much standard these days.  0402 component size is pretty standard small component size as well.  Pretty much everyone should be able to handle that stuff.

[ovnr]

I've had a dozen boards fabbed at various chinese shops (Seeed, Itead, Elecrow, etc), most with 6 mil traces. No problems whatsoever.