Pre-Production Engineering

PCB Journey 1:

Pre-Production Engineering

Everything starts with the Engineering Department. They receive the GERBER file, check it and compare it with the order, IPC standards, and supplier capabilities.

1 - Gerber File Check

ICAPE Group engineers carry out a Design For Manufacturability (DFM) review, check the data, the copper layers, the mechanical drawing, the specifications, and the line and space between the tracks. Once done, we create a file called ‘Technical Questions’ if necessary.

2 - DFM Review

This file is sent to the customer in order to propose a possible solution or improvement, such as different panelization techniques, solder mask type, design, base material, brand or specifications, and even different technologies in order to be feasible and cost-effective in the selected partner factories according to IPC standards.

3 - Partner DFM Review

Our partner factory enters the scene, receives the data, conducts a second DFM review, and starts combining Circuit designs on the production panel.

4 - Artwork Printing

Each PCB layer is verified and transferred to the Printing artwork machine. We have one artwork for each layer: inner, outer, solder mask, legend printing, and also special layers like vias, peelable mask, carbon, etc. All those artworks can be used for thousands of panels.

5 - Artwork Control

Each PCB layer is verified and transferred to the Printing artwork machine. We have one artwork for each layer: inner, outer, solder mask, legend printing, and also special layers like vias, peelable mask, carbon, etc. All those artworks can be used for thousands of panels.